1.Harnessing Machine Learning for Personalized Care of Patients With Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Yen-Ting GUO ; Ching-Ting TAN ; Chen-Chi WU ; Chun-Ying WANG ; Chein-Yu HUANG ; Tzu-Hsiang YANG ; Ting-Yi LEE ; Ting-Hua YANG ; Tien-Chen LIU ; Pey-Yu CHEN ; Pei-Hsuan LIN
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(2):194-204
Objectives:
. Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is a significant cause of hearing loss. Intratympanic steroid injection (ITSI) is commonly used as an initial or salvage treatment; however, the lack of a standardized treatment protocol has resulted in variability in clinical practice. In addition, no efficient prediction model currently exists to support personalized management. Therefore, this study aimed to develop tailored management strategies for ISSNHL using a machine-learning model.
Methods:
. This retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2020, with data analysis performed between January 2021 and March 2024. Patients were selected based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision criteria for ISSNHL, along with relevant medication and procedure codes. Patients with pure-tone audiogram results not meeting ISSNHL criteria, better initial hearing in the affected ear, an identifiable etiology, no post-treatment audiogram, or delayed treatment (>6 weeks) were excluded. We included 770 patients diagnosed with ISSNHL who received ITSI. The primary outcome was the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for prediction performance. Recovery status was determined using the last pure-tone audiogram. Modeling was conducted on the Quanta for Medical Care AI platform using five machine-learning algorithms and a nested cross-validation framework, in which feature selection and hyperparameter tuning were performed in the inner folds and model performance was evaluated in the outer folds.
Results:
. A random forest classifier outperformed the other models in predicting hearing outcomes, achieving an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.788. Time to ITSI was the most influential treatment-related factor, with ITSI administered within 10 days of hearing loss being associated with better outcomes. This model can be used to provide personalized prognostic estimates under different treatment protocols.
Conclusion
. The machine-learning-based prediction model facilitates personalized treatment strategies and timely treatment adjustments for ISSNHL, thereby optimizing the likelihood of complete recovery.
2.Short-term and long-term outcomes of acute severe ulcerative colitis in Taiwan: a multicenter study with pre- and post-biologics comparison
Wei-Chen LIN ; Chun-Chi LIN ; Wen-Hung HSU ; Feng-Fan CHIANG ; Chen-Wang CHANG ; Tzu-Chi HSU ; Deng-Chyang WU ; Horng-Yuan WANG ; Jau-Min WONG ; Shu-Chen WEI
Intestinal Research 2026;24(1):117-128
Background/Aims:
Data from Asia regarding the short-term and long-term outcomes for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) are limited. We assessed the outcomes of ASUC, identified the risk factors for colectomy, and compared colectomy rates between the pre-biologics and post-biologics eras in Taiwan.
Methods:
The patients with an ASUC diagnosis between January 2013 and March 2022 at 5 tertiary medical centers were retrospectively analyzed.
Results:
In total, 98 patients were enrolled, with 68.4% diagnosed in the post-biologics era. In 78.6% of the ASUC patients initially received intravenous steroid therapy, for which the success rate was 74.1%. As for rescue therapy, 15 patients (93.8%) received biologics and 1 (6.3%) received cyclosporin. Biologics rescue therapy had a 93.3% success rate. One (1%) mortality due to septic shock occurred. The colectomy rate for index ASUC admission was 11.2%. Patients receiving colectomy were predominantly male (P= 0.012) and at older age (P= 0.016). Higher C-reactive protein (P= 0.035), lower albumin (P= 0.017), and hemoglobin (P= 0.023) levels were associated with colectomy risk. During a median follow-up of 24 months, 13 patients (15.1%) had recurrent ASUC and 23.1% of patients received colectomy. The accumulated colectomy rate at 3 years did not differ between the pre- and post-biologics eras (16.1% vs. 13.4%, P= 0.270).
Conclusions
This is the first Asian study on ASUC to compare colectomy rates between the prebiologics and post-biologics eras, revealing no significant difference. The recurrent ASUC had a higher colectomy rate than the index ASUC.
3.Influence of atrial septal defect on mitral valve growth after repair of coarctation of the aorta or an interrupted aortic arch in infants
Yi-Chia WANG ; Heng-Wen CHOU ; Chi-Hsiang HUANG ; Hsing-Hao HUANG ; Yih-Sharng CHEN ; En-Ting WU ; Shyh-Jye CHEN ; Ming-Tai LIN ; Shuenn-Nan CHIU ; Shu-Chien HUANG
Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics 2026;69(4):322-329
Background:
Patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and an interrupted aortic arch (IAA) may present with small mitral valves (MVs) and a reduced left ventricular (LV) volume. Biventricular repair (BVR) in these patients is dependent on adequate size of the left cardiac structures.Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of the hemodynamic characteristics of atrial septal defects (ASDs) on MV growth following surgical repair.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients diagnosed with CoA or IAA between 2007 and 2024. The z score for MV size measured 6 months postoperatively (Z2) was compared with the preoperative MV size (Z1). The factors associated with MV growth were also studied.
Results:
A total of 161 patients with CoA or IAA were included. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess the MV and LV dimensions preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Of the cohort, 155 (96.3%) underwent initial BVR and 6 underwent single-ventricle palliation. MV z scores significantly increased following BVR (mean change: +0.45±1.35; P<0.001) but decreased after single-ventricle repair (-0.56±0.49, P=0.04). Multivariate analysis identified the initial MV z score and ASD pressure gradient as independent predictors of MV growth (R2=0.39).
Conclusion
Annular growth of the MV was not observed in patients who underwent single-ventricle palliation. In contrast, among patients who achieved BVR, those with a small preoperative MV annulus and low ASD pressure gradient demonstrated subsequent catch-up MV growth, suggesting that adequate left-sided preload is essential for MV development.
4.Develop an ICU nursing shift handover index based on ISBAR framework and create an intelligent platform for it
Lihui XU ; Yan WU ; Min CHI ; Chunhua LUO ; Fen CHEN
Modern Clinical Nursing 2025;24(9):66-75
Objective To establish an ICU nursing shift handover index based on the standardised communication framework of ISBAR(Identity,Situation,Background,Assessment,and Recommendation)and create an intelligent nursing shift handover system(hereinafter referred as"Smart ICU-ISBAR Nursing Shift Handover System"),thereby improving the standardisation,efficiency and quality of ICU nursing shift handovers with a standardised tool for planning ICU nursing shift handovers.Methods Literature was searched to identify the core elements of ISBAR and the key contents of ICU nursing shift handovers,then a preliminary draft of ICU nursing shift handover index was proposed.Delphi expert-consensus technique(20 experts)was used to screen and finalise the core dimensions and specific indicators of the index system,which were then integrated into the Smart ICU-ISBAR Nursing Handover System.Finally,the clinical effectiveness of the system was evaluated.Results Both Delphi rounds achieved 100.00%response rate.The expert authority coefficient was 0.83.The Kendall's W values of 2 rounds were 0.127 and 0.166(all P<0.001)respectively.The index importance scores ranged from 4.25-4.95 and 3.90-5.00,with coefficients of variation of 0.05-0.19 and 0.00-0.22,respectively.The final version of Smart ICU-ISBAR nursing shift handover system comprised 6 primary indicators and 60 secondary indicators.Over the clinical trials,the system achieved a 96.67%success rate in data-upload with an average response time of 1.80 sec.,the mean documentation time of shift handover at(1.97±0.58)min per patient,12 nurses'satisfaction with the shift handover quality of(4.47±0.25)and the rating of the system's usability of(4.75±0.08).The system was highly practical,convenient and intelligent.Conclusion The ICU nursing shift handover index system developed on the basis of ISBAR theory features a structural integrity,standardisation and ICU-specific characteristics and it is objective,scientific and rigorous.The Smart ICU-ISBAR Nursing Shift Handover System standardises the shift handover process,reduces information omissions,and improves efficiency and quality of nursing shift handover process.It serves as a standardised shift handover tool for ICU nursing shifts.
5.Effect of Anti-reflux Mucosal Ablation on Esophageal Motility in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Study Based on High-resolution Impedance Manometry
Chien-Chuan CHEN ; Chu-Kuang CHOU ; Ming-Ching YUAN ; Kun-Feng TSAI ; Jia-Feng WU ; Wei-Chi LIAO ; Han-Mo CHIU ; Hsiu-Po WANG ; Ming-Shiang WU ; Ping-Huei TSENG
Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility 2025;31(1):75-85
Background/Aims:
Anti-reflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) is a promising endoscopic intervention for proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the effect of ARMA on esophageal motility remains unclear.
Methods:
Twenty patients with PPI-dependent GERD receiving ARMA were prospectively enrolled. Comprehensive self-report symptom questionnaires, endoscopy, 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring, and high-resolution impedance manometry were performed and analyzed before and 3 months after ARMA.
Results:
All ARMA procedures were performed successfully. Symptom scores, including GerdQ (11.16 ± 2.67 to 9.11 ± 2.64, P = 0.026) and reflux symptom index (11.63 ± 5.62 to 6.11 ± 3.86, P = 0.001), improved significantly, while 13 patients (65%) reported discontinuation of PPI. Total acid exposure time (5.84 ± 4.63% to 2.83 ± 3.41%, P = 0.024) and number of reflux episodes (73.05 ± 19.34 to 37.55 ± 22.71, P < 0.001) decreased significantly after ARMA. Improved esophagogastric junction (EGJ) barrier function, including increased lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (13.89 ± 10.78 mmHg to 21.68 ± 11.5 mmHg, P = 0.034), 4-second integrated relaxation pressure (5.75 ± 6.42 mmHg to 9.99 ± 5.89 mmHg, P = 0.020), and EGJ-contractile integral(16.42 ± 16.93 mmHg · cm to 31.95 ± 21.25 mmHg · cm, P = 0.016), were observed. Esophageal body contractility also increased significantly (distal contractile integral, 966.85 ± 845.84 mmHg · s · cm to 1198.8 ± 811.74 mmHg · s · cm, P = 0.023). Patients with symptom improvement had better pre-AMRA esophageal body contractility.
Conclusions
ARMA effectively improves symptoms and reflux burden, EGJ barrier function, and esophageal body contractility in patients with PPIdependent GERD during short-term evaluation. Longer follow-up to clarify the sustainability of ARMA is needed.
6.Chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Dendrobium formosum and their biological activities
Li-hang CHI ; Hui-qin CHEN ; Sheng-zhuo HUANG ; Fei WU ; Wen-li MEI ; Xi-qiang SONG ; Hao-fu DAI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):467-473
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Dendrobium formosum Roxb.ex Lindl.and their biological activities.METHODS The 95%ethanol extract from the stems and leaves of D.formosum was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their inhibitory activities onα-glucosidase were determined by PNPG method,and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by RAW264.7 model.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as coniferyl p-coumarate(1),(-)-pinoresinol(2),2,5,7-trihydroxy-4-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene(3),naringenin(4),spiropreussomerin A(5),7-hydroxy-14-de-O-methyl-lasiodiplodin(6),(4S,5S,6Z,8E)-5-hydroxydeca-6,8-dien-4-olide(7),(6S,9R)-blumenol C(8),p-hydroxybenzoic acid(9),m-hydroxybenzoic acid(10),p-hydroxy benzenepropanoic acid(11),5,7-dihydroxy-isobenzofuran(12),2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanol(13),β-sitostenone(14),β-sitosterol(15).The IC50 values of compounds 1 and 4 on α-glucosidase inhibition were(65.60±3.31)and(98.95±2.53)μmol/L,respectively.Compound 3 presented inhibitory activity on NO production in RAW 264.7 cells,with IC50 value of(3.97±0.12)μmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 5-6,8 and 12 are isolated from Orchidacae family for the first time,and 2-15 are first isolated from this plant.Compounds 1 and 4 have α-glucosidase inhibitory activities,and 3 has anti-inflammatory activity.
7.Research on the Concept of Organizational Resilience of County Medical Community Based on Atomic Spectroscopy
Shuangyu YANG ; Jingyu HUANG ; Junru LI ; Yuanyuan WENG ; Dan WU ; Jingchun CHEN ; Chi ZHOU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(1):33-36,69
Objective To extract the core elements and connotation definitions of the concept of organizational resilience of County Medical Community (CMC),in order to explore effective ways to enhance the organizational resilience of CMC.Methods Based on the Atomic spectrum,as of October 31,2023,52 articles related to organizational resilience in the health system were included for concept images extraction,calculating the frequency and occurrence rate of concept images,extracting the concept of organizational resilience in the health system,and deducing the core elements and definitions of the concept of organizational resilience in CMC were derived through the comparison of similarities and differences.Results Although both the healthcare system and the CMC are composite organizations,there are differences in environmental pressure,organizational size,and resource reserves.The concept of organizational resilience of CMC is defined as the advanced process of resilience functions exhibited by CMC in response to emergencies,internal and external threats,and social pressures that constrain the sustainable development of the organization,including redundant preparation,stable recovery,and response to growth,as well as their ability to absorb,adapt,and transform disruptive events.This not only maintains the basic structure and functions of the organization,but also enables the organization to grow against the trend.Conclusion Breaking through the traditional hierarchical structure in terms of structural resilience,achieving a deep integration and coordination mechanism of the medical community horizontally and vertically.Breaking through traditional static planar functions in terms of functional resilience,enhancing the driving force within the medical community through dynamic growth mechanisms.
8.Chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Dendrobium formosum and their biological activities
Li-hang CHI ; Hui-qin CHEN ; Sheng-zhuo HUANG ; Fei WU ; Wen-li MEI ; Xi-qiang SONG ; Hao-fu DAI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(2):467-473
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the stems and leaves of Dendrobium formosum Roxb.ex Lindl.and their biological activities.METHODS The 95%ethanol extract from the stems and leaves of D.formosum was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20 and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their inhibitory activities onα-glucosidase were determined by PNPG method,and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by RAW264.7 model.RESULTS Fifteen compounds were isolated and identified as coniferyl p-coumarate(1),(-)-pinoresinol(2),2,5,7-trihydroxy-4-methoxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene(3),naringenin(4),spiropreussomerin A(5),7-hydroxy-14-de-O-methyl-lasiodiplodin(6),(4S,5S,6Z,8E)-5-hydroxydeca-6,8-dien-4-olide(7),(6S,9R)-blumenol C(8),p-hydroxybenzoic acid(9),m-hydroxybenzoic acid(10),p-hydroxy benzenepropanoic acid(11),5,7-dihydroxy-isobenzofuran(12),2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanol(13),β-sitostenone(14),β-sitosterol(15).The IC50 values of compounds 1 and 4 on α-glucosidase inhibition were(65.60±3.31)and(98.95±2.53)μmol/L,respectively.Compound 3 presented inhibitory activity on NO production in RAW 264.7 cells,with IC50 value of(3.97±0.12)μmol/L.CONCLUSION Compounds 5-6,8 and 12 are isolated from Orchidacae family for the first time,and 2-15 are first isolated from this plant.Compounds 1 and 4 have α-glucosidase inhibitory activities,and 3 has anti-inflammatory activity.
9.Research on the Concept of Organizational Resilience of County Medical Community Based on Atomic Spectroscopy
Shuangyu YANG ; Jingyu HUANG ; Junru LI ; Yuanyuan WENG ; Dan WU ; Jingchun CHEN ; Chi ZHOU
Chinese Hospital Management 2025;45(1):33-36,69
Objective To extract the core elements and connotation definitions of the concept of organizational resilience of County Medical Community (CMC),in order to explore effective ways to enhance the organizational resilience of CMC.Methods Based on the Atomic spectrum,as of October 31,2023,52 articles related to organizational resilience in the health system were included for concept images extraction,calculating the frequency and occurrence rate of concept images,extracting the concept of organizational resilience in the health system,and deducing the core elements and definitions of the concept of organizational resilience in CMC were derived through the comparison of similarities and differences.Results Although both the healthcare system and the CMC are composite organizations,there are differences in environmental pressure,organizational size,and resource reserves.The concept of organizational resilience of CMC is defined as the advanced process of resilience functions exhibited by CMC in response to emergencies,internal and external threats,and social pressures that constrain the sustainable development of the organization,including redundant preparation,stable recovery,and response to growth,as well as their ability to absorb,adapt,and transform disruptive events.This not only maintains the basic structure and functions of the organization,but also enables the organization to grow against the trend.Conclusion Breaking through the traditional hierarchical structure in terms of structural resilience,achieving a deep integration and coordination mechanism of the medical community horizontally and vertically.Breaking through traditional static planar functions in terms of functional resilience,enhancing the driving force within the medical community through dynamic growth mechanisms.
10.Genomic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 103 patients with intrapulmonary tuberculosis and extrapulmonary tuberculosis
Jiancong ZHANG ; Chi WU ; Wenjie LAI ; Shan CHEN ; Peng XU ; Jiuxin QU
Chinese Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;48(4):512-519
Objective:To explore the genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in different types of tuberculosis and its association with clinical features, providing evidence for precise diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. Methods:This cross-sectional study included 103 cases of tuberculosis (38 with simple pulmonary tuberculosis, 43 with tuberculous pleurisy, and 22 with pulmonary combined with extrapulmonary tuberculosis) from Shenzhen Third People′s Hospital from 2015 to 2018. Paired bacterial strains from lung and pleural effusion/extrapulmonary sites were collected. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used for drug resistance prediction, and genetic diversity (π value) was calculated as well as differential genes screening. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and χ2 tests to compare clinical, bacteriological and genetic diversity features among groups.Results:The simple pulmonary tuberculosis group exhibited significantly higher rates of retreatment (71.7%, 27/38), cavitation (70.4%, 19/27), and multidrug-resistant or rifampicin-resistant (MDR/RR) (60.5%, 23/38) compared to the tuberculous pleurisy group (retreatment 11.9%, 5/42; cavitation 11.9%, 5/42; MDR/RR 16.3%, 7/43) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis group (retreatment 9.1%, 2/22; cavitation 18.2%, 4/22; MDR/RR 13.6%, 3/22) ( P<0.05). The overall π values of the MTB strain genomes in lung [(5.94±3.93)×10 ?5], pleural effusion[(6.22±3.51)×10 ?5], and extrapulmonary tissues [(5.83±3.54)×10 ?5] showed no significant differences ( H=0.10, P=0.94). Differential gene diversity analysis revealed that π value alternating genes related to respiration and intermediate metabolism were prominently high [tuberculous pleurisy 32.4% (11/34) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis groups 31.4% (32/102)], while cell wall-associated genes dominated in the simple pulmonary tuberculosis group (42.9%, 6/14). Drug resistance profiles and mutation spectra were identical across isolates from different sites within the same patient. Conclusion:WGS revealed the MTB diversity among different types of tuberculosis. Difference between pulmonary and extrapulmonary environments may impel the adaptive alternations of the bacterial strains to maintain survival with higher overall genome stability. Drug resistance testing of lung-derived isolates may provide references on extrapulmonary tuberculosis treatment.

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