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Galectin-3, which is a novel biomarker of cardiovascular stress and related to inflammation, could predict adverse cardiovascular events. However, its relationship with endothelial function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum galectin-3 levels and endothelial function in patients with stages 3–5 CKD. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 130 patients. Serum galectin-3 levels were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The endothelial function, demonstrated as a vascular reactivity index (VRI), was measured noninvasively through digital thermal monitoring test. Then, we sorted the patients into poor, intermediate, and good vascular reactivity (VRI < 1.0, 1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0, and VRI ≥ 2.0), accounting for 24 (18.5%), 44 (33.8%), and 62 (47.7%) patients, respectively. As the VRI decreased, the serum galectin-3 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels significantly increased. The galectin-3 value positively correlated with the CRP value but negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate. In multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis, serum log-transformed galectin-3 level and log-transformed CRP were significantly negatively associated with VRI values. Therefore, galectin-3 together with CRP is associated with VRI values and is a potential endothelial function modulator and a valuable biomarker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with CKD.
Bang-Gee Hsu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Jen-Pi Tsai. Serum Galectin-3 Level Is Positively Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 to 5. Toxins 2021, 13, 532 .
AMA StyleBang-Gee Hsu, Chih-Hsien Wang, Yu-Hsien Lai, Jen-Pi Tsai. Serum Galectin-3 Level Is Positively Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 to 5. Toxins. 2021; 13 (8):532.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBang-Gee Hsu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Jen-Pi Tsai. 2021. "Serum Galectin-3 Level Is Positively Associated with Endothelial Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 3 to 5." Toxins 13, no. 8: 532.
Background and Objectives: Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a potent osteoclast activation inhibitor, decreases bone resorption and plays a role in mediating bone mineral density (BMD). Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between BMD and serum OPG in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Materials and Methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 75 MHD patients. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4). The WHO classification criteria were applied to define osteopenia and osteoporosis. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure serum OPG values. Results: Among all MHD patients, seven (9.3%) and 20 patients (26.7%) were defined as osteoporosis and osteopenia, respectively. Female patients had lower lumbar BMD than males (p = 0.002). Older age (p = 0.023), increased serum OPG (p< 0.001) urea reduction rate (p = 0.021), Kt/V (p = 0.027), and decreased body mass index (p = 0.006) and triglycerides (p = 0.020) were significantly different between the normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis groups. Lumbar spine BMD was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) (p< 0.001) but negatively correlated with OPG (p< 0.001) and age (p = 0.003). After grouping patients into T scores < −1 and < −2.5, female sex and OPG (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.022, 95% confidence interval [C.I.] 1.011–1.034, p< 0.001) were predictors of T scores < −1, whereas only OPG was predictive of T scores < −2.5 (aOR 1.015, 95% C.I. 1.005–1.026, p = 0.004) by multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. The areas under the curve for predicting T scores < −1 or < −2.5 were 0.920 (95% C.I. 0.834–0.970, p< 0.001) and 0.958 (95% C.I. 0.885–0.991, p< 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Increased serum OPG negatively correlated with lumbar BMD and could be a potential biomarker predictive of osteoporosis in MHD patients.
Chia-Wen Lu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tsai. Serum Osteoprotegerin Level Is Negatively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis. Medicina 2021, 57, 762 .
AMA StyleChia-Wen Lu, Chih-Hsien Wang, Bang-Gee Hsu, Jen-Pi Tsai. Serum Osteoprotegerin Level Is Negatively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis. Medicina. 2021; 57 (8):762.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChia-Wen Lu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tsai. 2021. "Serum Osteoprotegerin Level Is Negatively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis." Medicina 57, no. 8: 762.
Ketoanalogue (KA) supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on a restricted protein diet has been shown to maintain their nutritional status in clinical trials. However, a gap existed between the findings of the clinical trials and the real-world practice. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the KA effect on the skeletal muscle mass in patients with CKD stage 4–5. Among 170 CKD patients screened, 148 patients were recruited. Patients were divided into KA and non-KA users. During a 12-month follow-up, skeletal muscle and body fat mass were measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline, 6 months (n= 108), and 12 months (n= 85). Among our patients (mean age, 66.5 ± 12.9 years), KA users tended to maintain skeletal muscle and body fat mass, whereas non-KA users had a significantly reduced muscle mass (p=0.011) and body fat gain (p=0.004). Stratified by median age, in the patients aged ≥68 years, non-KA users yielded the most significant muscle mass reduction and fat mass gain, whereas KA users revealed no skeletal muscle and fat mass changes. In real-world practice, we concluded that KA supplementation favorably prevents skeletal muscle mass loss and fat mass gain in elderly patients with CKD stage 4–5.
Yu-Li Lin; Jia-Sian Hou; Chih-Hsien Wang; Chen-Ying Su; Hung-Hsiang Liou; Bang-Gee Hsu. The Effect of Ketoanalogues on Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Real-world Evidence. Nutrition 2021, 91-92, 111384 .
AMA StyleYu-Li Lin, Jia-Sian Hou, Chih-Hsien Wang, Chen-Ying Su, Hung-Hsiang Liou, Bang-Gee Hsu. The Effect of Ketoanalogues on Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Real-world Evidence. Nutrition. 2021; 91-92 ():111384.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYu-Li Lin; Jia-Sian Hou; Chih-Hsien Wang; Chen-Ying Su; Hung-Hsiang Liou; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2021. "The Effect of Ketoanalogues on Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Real-world Evidence." Nutrition 91-92, no. : 111384.
Aortic stiffness (AS), assessed using carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), is associated with cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) and AS in T2DM patients was evaluated. Fasting serum FGF-21 levels of 130 T2DM patients were measured using an enzyme immunoassay kit. A validated tonometry system was used to measure cfPWV (>10 m/s indicated AS). Of these T2DM patients, 34.6% were defined as the AS group. T2DM patients with AS were older; exhibited higher systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and body fat mass; higher triglyceride, fasting glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and creatinine levels; higher urine albumin-to-creatinine ratios and serum FGF-21 levels; and lower estimated glomerular filtration rates. The FGF-21 level (odds ratio = 1.005, 95% confidence interval: 1.002–1.009, p = 0.002) as well as systolic blood pressure was an independent predictor of AS and positively correlated to cfPWV values (β = 0.369, p < 0.001) in T2DM patients. For T2DM patients, serum FGF-21 level could be a predictor for AS.
Sin-Yi Huang; Du-An Wu; Jen-Pi Tsai; Bang-Gee Hsu. Serum Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Are Positively Associated with Aortic Stiffness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 3434 .
AMA StyleSin-Yi Huang, Du-An Wu, Jen-Pi Tsai, Bang-Gee Hsu. Serum Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Are Positively Associated with Aortic Stiffness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (7):3434.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSin-Yi Huang; Du-An Wu; Jen-Pi Tsai; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2021. "Serum Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Are Positively Associated with Aortic Stiffness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 7: 3434.
Background. Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) plays essential roles in lipolysis, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum A-FABP levels and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods. This study obtained fasting blood samples from 76 PD patients. A validated tonometry system was used to measure cfPWV. Patients with cfPWV values >10 m/s were classified into the high arterial stiffness group, whereas patients with values ≤10 m/s were classified into the low arterial stiffness group, according to the ESH-ESC 2013 guidelines. Serum A-FABP levels were measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results. Twenty-five (32.9%) of the 76 PD patients were classified in the high arterial stiffness group. Compared with the patients in the low arterial stiffness group, the high arterial stiffness group was older ( P = 0.002) and had a longer PD vintage ( P = 0.011), higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP, P = 0.036), higher fasting glucose levels ( P = 0.012), higher serum C reactive protein levels ( P = 0.001), and higher serum A-FABP levels ( P < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis of the factors significantly associated with central arterial stiffness revealed that A-FABP (odds ratio (OR): 1.165, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.056–1.284, P = 0.002), age (OR: 1.423, 95% CI: 1.153–1.757, P = 0.001), PD vintage (OR: 1.049, 95% CI: 1.015–1.085, P = 0.005), and DBP (OR: 1.152, 95% CI: 1.033–1.285, P = 0.011) were independent predictors of central arterial stiffness in PD patients. Furthermore, serum A-FABP levels (β = 0.476, adjusted R2 change: 0.197, P < 0.001) were significantly positively correlated with cfPWV according to the multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis. Conclusions. A-FABP levels are an independent marker of central arterial stiffness in PD patients.
Cheng-Hao Sung; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tasi; Chih-Hsien Wang; Chiu-Huang Kuo. Positive Associations between Adipocyte Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Level and Central Arterial Stiffness in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients. International Journal of Hypertension 2021, 2021, 1 -8.
AMA StyleCheng-Hao Sung, Bang-Gee Hsu, Jen-Pi Tasi, Chih-Hsien Wang, Chiu-Huang Kuo. Positive Associations between Adipocyte Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Level and Central Arterial Stiffness in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients. International Journal of Hypertension. 2021; 2021 ():1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCheng-Hao Sung; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tasi; Chih-Hsien Wang; Chiu-Huang Kuo. 2021. "Positive Associations between Adipocyte Fatty Acid-Binding Protein Level and Central Arterial Stiffness in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients." International Journal of Hypertension 2021, no. : 1-8.
Background. Irisin is a circulating hormone-like myokine that plays an important role in bone metabolism. We performed a cross-sectional study to investigate whether serum irisin levels correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods. Blood samples were obtained from 80 patients on MHD, and serum irisin concentrations were determined using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the L2–L4 vertebrae. Results. In the study cohort, 10 (12.5%) and 19 (23.8%) patients had osteoporosis and osteopenia, respectively, and 51 (63.75%) patients had normal BMD. Lumbar T-score was negatively associated with body height ( P = 0.010 ), body weight ( P = 0.002 ), body mass index (BMI, P = 0.010 ), and serum irisin ( P < 0.001 ) and was positively associated with advanced age ( P = 0.031 ), female sex ( P = 0.001 ), alkaline phosphatase (ALP, P = 0.010 ), urea reduction rate ( P = 0.018 ), and fractional clearance index for urea ( P = 0.020 ). Multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that high serum logarithmically transformed irisin (log-irisin, β = 0.450, adjusted R2 change = 0.258; P < 0.001 ), female sex (β = −0.353, adjusted R2 change = 0.134; P < 0.001 ), and serum ALP level (β = −0.176, adjusted R2 change = 0.022; P = 0.049 ) were significantly and independently associated with lumbar BMD in patients on MHD. Conclusions. In addition to female sex and serum ALP level, serum irisin level was positively associated with lumbar BMD in patients on MHD.
Chia-Wen Lu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Li Lin; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Yu-Hsien Lai; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tsai. Serum Irisin Level Is Positively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis. International Journal of Endocrinology 2021, 2021, 1 -6.
AMA StyleChia-Wen Lu, Chih-Hsien Wang, Yu-Li Lin, Chiu-Huang Kuo, Yu-Hsien Lai, Bang-Gee Hsu, Jen-Pi Tsai. Serum Irisin Level Is Positively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2021; 2021 ():1-6.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChia-Wen Lu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Li Lin; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Yu-Hsien Lai; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tsai. 2021. "Serum Irisin Level Is Positively Associated with Bone Mineral Density in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis." International Journal of Endocrinology 2021, no. : 1-6.
The role of indoxyl sulfate (IS), an important protein-bound uremic toxin, in arterial stiffness (AS) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear. We investigated the association between serum IS levels and AS in a cross-sectional study of 155 patients with CKD. Patients in the AS group was defined as carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) value >10 m/s measured by a validated tonometry system (SphygmoCor), while values ≤10 m/s were regarded as without AS group Serum IS was measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Of these CKD patients, AS was present in 51 (32.9%) patients, who were older, had a higher rate of diabetes, higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), and higher IS levels compared to those without AS. By multivariable logistic regression analysis, IS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.436, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.085–1.901, p = 0.011), age (aOR 1.058, 95% CI 1.021–1.097, p = 0.002), and SBP (aOR 1.019, 95%CI 1.000–1.038, p = 0.049) were independent predictors of AS. By multivariable stepwise linear regression analysis, logarithmically transformed IS, age, DM, and SBP were significantly correlated with cfPWV. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for serum log-IS was 0.677 (95%CI 0.598–0.750, p = 0.0001) to predict the development of AS in patients with CKD. These finding demonstrate that in addition to older and higher SBP, a high serum IS level is a significant biomarker associated with AS in patients with CKD.
Sheng-Chao Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chin-Hung Liu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tsai. Association between serum indoxyl sulfate levels with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity in patients with chronic kidney disease. Renal Failure 2021, 43, 796 -802.
AMA StyleSheng-Chao Wang, Yu-Hsien Lai, Chin-Hung Liu, Chih-Hsien Wang, Bang-Gee Hsu, Jen-Pi Tsai. Association between serum indoxyl sulfate levels with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity in patients with chronic kidney disease. Renal Failure. 2021; 43 (1):796-802.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSheng-Chao Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chin-Hung Liu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tsai. 2021. "Association between serum indoxyl sulfate levels with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity in patients with chronic kidney disease." Renal Failure 43, no. 1: 796-802.
Sarcopenia is common in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis, which leads to poor outcomes. SARC-F (sluggishness, assistance in walking, rising from a chair, climb stairs, falls), a self-report questionnaire, is recommended as an easily applied tool for screening sarcopenia in older people. However, there are limited data regarding its use in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between SARC-F and mortality in these patients. SARC-F questionnaire was applied in 271 hemodialysis patients (mean age 64.4 ± 14.3 years) at baseline. The association between SARC-F and mortality during a 24-month follow-up was analyzed. During this follow-up period, 40 patients (14.8%) died. The discriminative power of SARC-F score for predicting mortality was 0.716 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.659–0.769; p < 0.001). The best cut-off was a score ≥ 1, which provided 85.0% sensitivity, 47.2% specificity, 21.8% positive predictive value, and 94.8% negative predictive value. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that patients with SARC-F ≥ 1 exhibited a higher risk of mortality than those with SARC-F < 1 (p < 0.001). Moreover, a stepwise decline in survival with higher SARC-F scores was also observed. After full adjustments, SARC-F ≥ 1 was independently associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.11–7.38; p = 0.029). In conclusion, SARC-F applied for sarcopenia screening predicted mortality in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.
Yu-Li Lin; Jia-Sian Hou; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chih-Hsien Wang; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Hung-Hsiang Liou; Bang-Gee Hsu. Association of SARC-F Questionnaire and Mortality in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients. Diagnostics 2020, 10, 890 .
AMA StyleYu-Li Lin, Jia-Sian Hou, Yu-Hsien Lai, Chih-Hsien Wang, Chiu-Huang Kuo, Hung-Hsiang Liou, Bang-Gee Hsu. Association of SARC-F Questionnaire and Mortality in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients. Diagnostics. 2020; 10 (11):890.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYu-Li Lin; Jia-Sian Hou; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chih-Hsien Wang; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Hung-Hsiang Liou; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2020. "Association of SARC-F Questionnaire and Mortality in Prevalent Hemodialysis Patients." Diagnostics 10, no. 11: 890.
Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) is predictive of type 2 diabetes mellitus incidences and metabolic syndrome and is independently associated with atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to assess the association between serum A-FABP levels and future first hospitalization events in kidney transplantation (KT). We enrolled 72 KT patients from January through April 2012 and followed up on these subjects until June 2017. The first hospitalization events incidence was the primary endpoint. Using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay, serum A-FABP levels were measured from the patient’s fasting blood samples. During a median 65-month follow-up, 49 first hospitalization events occurred. KT patients with first hospitalization events had greater incidences of hypertension, diabetes, and higher serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglyceride, and A-FABP levels than those without the events. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the cumulative incidence of first hospitalization events was greater in the high A-FABP group than in the low A-FABP group. Multivariate Cox analysis with significant variables showed that serum A-FABP (hazard ratio = 1.012; 95% confidence interval = 1.000–1.025; p = 0.044) was independently associated with first hospitalization events among KT patients. The results revealed that serum A-FABP is associated with first hospitalization events in KT patients. However, further prospective studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying this association.
Wei-Chen Lee; Ming-Che Lee; Ming-Chun Chen; Bang-Gee Hsu. Associations between High Serum Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein and First Hospitalization in Kidney Transplantation Patients: A 5-Year Follow-up Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 7567 .
AMA StyleWei-Chen Lee, Ming-Che Lee, Ming-Chun Chen, Bang-Gee Hsu. Associations between High Serum Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein and First Hospitalization in Kidney Transplantation Patients: A 5-Year Follow-up Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (20):7567.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWei-Chen Lee; Ming-Che Lee; Ming-Chun Chen; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2020. "Associations between High Serum Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein and First Hospitalization in Kidney Transplantation Patients: A 5-Year Follow-up Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 20: 7567.
L-carnitine (LC) is a co-factor in fatty acid metabolism; its role with respect to aortic stiffness (AS) associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was unclear. Our aim was to investigate associations between serum LC levels and AS in patients with non-dialysis CKD stage 3–5. The AS patients were those with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocities (cfPWV) >10 m/s; those with cfPWV ≤10 m/s were included as controls. Serum LC was measured by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Of 136 CKD patients, the 44 (32.4%) with AS were older, exhibited higher rates of diabetes, and had elevated diastolic and systolic blood pressures (SBP), elevated fasting glucose levels and lower levels of serum LC compared to controls. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that serum LC (odds ratio [OR] = 0.949, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.911–0.988, p = 0.011) and age (OR = 1.055, 95% CI 1.013–1.099, p = 0.009) were independent predictors of AS. Multivariable stepwise linear regression revealed significant positive (age and SBP) and negative (serum LC) correlations with cfPWV. The area under the curve of serum LC as a means to predict AS in CKD patients was 0.657 (95% CI 0.571–0.736, p = 0.0009). We concluded that low serum LC is a significant predictor of AS in patients diagnosed with CKD.
Yi-Jen Hsieh; Bang-Gee Hsu; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Li Lin; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Jen-Pi Tsai. Association of Low Serum l-Carnitine Levels with Aortic Stiffness in Patients with Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease. Nutrients 2020, 12, 2918 .
AMA StyleYi-Jen Hsieh, Bang-Gee Hsu, Yu-Hsien Lai, Chih-Hsien Wang, Yu-Li Lin, Chiu-Huang Kuo, Jen-Pi Tsai. Association of Low Serum l-Carnitine Levels with Aortic Stiffness in Patients with Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease. Nutrients. 2020; 12 (10):2918.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYi-Jen Hsieh; Bang-Gee Hsu; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Li Lin; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Jen-Pi Tsai. 2020. "Association of Low Serum l-Carnitine Levels with Aortic Stiffness in Patients with Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease." Nutrients 12, no. 10: 2918.
Background and Objectives: Osteocalcin is the most abundant noncollagenous protein in bone matrix, which is considered a marker of bone formation. Previous studies indicate that circulating osteocalcin can be expressed by osteoblasts and even by osteoblast-like cells in vessel walls, and it is often associated with arterial stiffness. Our study aims to examine the potential association between osteocalcin levels and endothelial function among kidney transplant (KT) recipients. Materials and Methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 68 KT recipients. To measure the endothelial function and vascular reactivity index (VRI), a digital thermal monitoring test (VENDYS) was used. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was also utilized to measure serum total osteocalcin levels. In this study, a VRI of less than 1.0 indicated poor vascular reactivity; a VRI of 1.0–2.0 indicated intermediate vascular reactivity; and a VRI of 2.0 or higher indicated good vascular reactivity. Results: Our findings show that 8 KT recipients (11.8%) had poor vascular reactivity (VRI < 1.0), 26 (38.2%) had intermediate vascular reactivity (1.0 ≤ VRI < 2.0), and 34 (50%) had good vascular reactivity. Increased serum osteocalcin levels (p < 0.001) were found to be associated with poor vascular reactivity. Advanced age (r = −0.361, p = 0.002), serum alkaline phosphate level (r = −0.254, p = 0.037), and log-transformed osteocalcin levels (r = − 0.432, p < 0.001) were identified to be negatively correlated with VRI in KT recipients. Multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that the serum level of osteocalcin (β = −0.391, adjusted R2 change = 0.174; p < 0.001) and advanced age (β = −0.308, adjusted R2 change = 0.084; p = 0.005) were significantly and independently associated with VRI in KT recipients. Conclusions: Higher serum osteocalcin level was associated with lower VRI and poorer endothelial dysfunction among KT recipients.
Lin Lin; Liang-Te Chiu; Ming-Che Lee; Bang-Gee Hsu. Serum Osteocalcin Level is Negatively Associated with Vascular Reactivity Index by Digital Thermal Monitoring in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Medicina 2020, 56, 400 .
AMA StyleLin Lin, Liang-Te Chiu, Ming-Che Lee, Bang-Gee Hsu. Serum Osteocalcin Level is Negatively Associated with Vascular Reactivity Index by Digital Thermal Monitoring in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Medicina. 2020; 56 (8):400.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLin Lin; Liang-Te Chiu; Ming-Che Lee; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2020. "Serum Osteocalcin Level is Negatively Associated with Vascular Reactivity Index by Digital Thermal Monitoring in Kidney Transplant Recipients." Medicina 56, no. 8: 400.
Low protein intake and increased muscle breakdown are associated with increased mortality risk in patients with kidney transplantation (KT). 3-methylhistidine (3-MH), a nonproteinogenic amino acid residue, is an index of muscle breakdown. the present study investigated the association between serum 3-MH levels and subsequent first hospitalization events in patients with KT. A total of 64 KT patients were enrolled and 43 first hospitalization events occurred. Fasting blood samples were obtained and serum 3-MH level was performed with high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Associations between serum 3-MH levels and first hospitalization over a 5-year follow-up period were examined. Compared with patients without hospitalization, the 64 patients with KT revealed higher diabetes (P = .012) and hypertension (P = .006) prevalence, higher body fat mass (P = .012) and systolic blood pressure (P = .002), higher serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (P = .003), and lower serum 3-MH levels (P = .001). Statistical analysis revealed that serum 3-MH (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.902-0.986, P = .010) and serum BUN (95% CI: 1.003-1.040, P = .022) levels were independently associated with first hospitalization events in patients with KT. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a greater cumulative incidence of first hospitalization events in the patients with lower 3-MH levels (≤5.91 ng/mL) than that in those with higher 3-MH levels (P = .014; log-rank test). Low serum 3-MH levels are associated with increased first hospitalization risk in KT recipients.
Yu-Hsien Lai; Ming-Che Lee; Tsung-Jen Lin; Chin-Hung Liu; Bang-Gee Hsu. Low Serum 3-Methylhistidine Levels Are Associated With First Hospitalization in Kidney Transplantation Recipients. Transplantation Proceedings 2020, 52, 3214 -3220.
AMA StyleYu-Hsien Lai, Ming-Che Lee, Tsung-Jen Lin, Chin-Hung Liu, Bang-Gee Hsu. Low Serum 3-Methylhistidine Levels Are Associated With First Hospitalization in Kidney Transplantation Recipients. Transplantation Proceedings. 2020; 52 (10):3214-3220.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYu-Hsien Lai; Ming-Che Lee; Tsung-Jen Lin; Chin-Hung Liu; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2020. "Low Serum 3-Methylhistidine Levels Are Associated With First Hospitalization in Kidney Transplantation Recipients." Transplantation Proceedings 52, no. 10: 3214-3220.
Background and Aims Indoxyl sulfate (IS), a dietary tryptophan metabolite, acts as a cardiotoxin and uremic toxin. High IS levels are associated with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the association between serum IS levels and aortic arterial stiffness (AAS) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Methods and Results The carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by the SphygmoCor system and patients with values of >10 m/s were classified in the AAS group. The baseline characteristics were recorded and measured (including biochemical and clinical data). Serum IS levels were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. AAS occurred in 50 (34.7%) of 144 patients with CAD. They were older, had higher IS levels and percentages of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine but lower estimated glomerular filtration rates. The IS level and older age significantly correlated with AAS [odds ratio (OR) = 3.834, p = 0.031; OR=1.095, p = 0.002, respectively). Furthermore, the serum IS level (β = 0.167, adjusted R2 change: 0.026, p = 0.027) had a significant positive correlation with cfPWV. Conclusions Taken together, higher serum IS levels are potential independent biomarkers for AAS in patients with CAD. Therefore, early checking of serum IS levels may help prevent CAD progression and have clinical implications in the near future.
Tsung-Jen Lin; Bang-Gee Hsu; Ji-Hung Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Rachmad Anres Dongoran; Chin-Hung Liu. Serum indoxyl sulfate as a potential biomarker of aortic arterial stiffness in coronary artery disease. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases 2020, 30, 2320 -2327.
AMA StyleTsung-Jen Lin, Bang-Gee Hsu, Ji-Hung Wang, Yu-Hsien Lai, Rachmad Anres Dongoran, Chin-Hung Liu. Serum indoxyl sulfate as a potential biomarker of aortic arterial stiffness in coronary artery disease. Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases. 2020; 30 (12):2320-2327.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTsung-Jen Lin; Bang-Gee Hsu; Ji-Hung Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Rachmad Anres Dongoran; Chin-Hung Liu. 2020. "Serum indoxyl sulfate as a potential biomarker of aortic arterial stiffness in coronary artery disease." Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases 30, no. 12: 2320-2327.
Circulating malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) acts as a marker of oxidative stress and is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The relationship between serum MDA-LDL levels and aortic stiffness (AS) in patients with hemodialysis (HD) was evaluated. There were 155 HD patients enrolled in this study. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by a validated tonometry system. Patients with cfPWV >10 m/s were used to define the AS group, while those with values of ≤10 m/s were regarded as the control group. Serum MDA-LDL levels were measured using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sixty-eight patients (43.9%) who were defined as AS sufferers, and were older, had a higher percentage of diabetes and hypertension and higher systolic blood pressure and serum MDA-LDL level compared to subjects in the control group. After adjusting for factors significantly associated with AS by multivariable logistic regression analysis, it was revealed that serum MDA-LDL levels, diabetes, and hypertension were independent predictors of AS in HD patients. Multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis also showed that a logarithmically transformed MDA-LDL level was significantly correlated with cfPWV values in HD patients. In HD patients, a high serum MDA-LDL level was positively associated with cfPWV values and was a significant predictor of the development of high AS.
Jia-Sian Hou; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Yu-Li Lin; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tsai. Serum Malondialdehyde-Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein Is a Risk Factor for Central Arterial Stiffness in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients. Nutrients 2020, 12, 2160 .
AMA StyleJia-Sian Hou, Chih-Hsien Wang, Yu-Hsien Lai, Chiu-Huang Kuo, Yu-Li Lin, Bang-Gee Hsu, Jen-Pi Tsai. Serum Malondialdehyde-Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein Is a Risk Factor for Central Arterial Stiffness in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients. Nutrients. 2020; 12 (7):2160.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJia-Sian Hou; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Yu-Li Lin; Bang-Gee Hsu; Jen-Pi Tsai. 2020. "Serum Malondialdehyde-Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein Is a Risk Factor for Central Arterial Stiffness in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients." Nutrients 12, no. 7: 2160.
Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD). This study investigated the relationship among serum indoxyl sulfate (IS) levels, muscle mass, and strength in HD patients. A total of 108 HD patients were enrolled. Skeletal muscle mass and handgrip strength (HGS) were assessed, using bioimpedance analysis and a hand-held dynamometer, respectively. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was defined as skeletal muscle mass/height2 (kg/m2). Serum IS, p-cresol sulfate (PCS), and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Patients were classified into two groups based on median serum IS values. HGS measurement was repeated after 2 years. Patients in the high IS group had longer HD duration and higher serum TMAO levels than those in the low IS group. Log-normalized IS level was negatively correlated with SMI (r = − 0.227; p = 0.018), but PCS and TMAO levels were not. Among 78 patients who completed 2-year follow-up, those in the high IS group (n = 41) showed greater absolute (− 2.48 kg versus − 0.25 kg, p = 0.035) and relative HGS loss (− 9.1% versus 1.4%, p = 0.036) than those in the low IS group, after adjustment for potential confounders. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) may play a significant role in uremic sarcopenia. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings.
Yu-Li Lin; Chin-Hung Liu; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chih-Hsien Wang; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Hung-Hsiang Liou; Bang-Gee Hsu. Association of Serum Indoxyl Sulfate Levels with Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A 2-year Longitudinal Analysis. Calcified Tissue International 2020, 107, 257 -265.
AMA StyleYu-Li Lin, Chin-Hung Liu, Yu-Hsien Lai, Chih-Hsien Wang, Chiu-Huang Kuo, Hung-Hsiang Liou, Bang-Gee Hsu. Association of Serum Indoxyl Sulfate Levels with Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A 2-year Longitudinal Analysis. Calcified Tissue International. 2020; 107 (3):257-265.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYu-Li Lin; Chin-Hung Liu; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chih-Hsien Wang; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Hung-Hsiang Liou; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2020. "Association of Serum Indoxyl Sulfate Levels with Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: A 2-year Longitudinal Analysis." Calcified Tissue International 107, no. 3: 257-265.
Background. Leptin acts through the adipose-bone axis to regulate bone mineral density (BMD). This study evaluated the relationship between BMD and serum leptin levels in patients on hemodialysis. Methods. In this cross-sectional study including 98 hemodialysis patients, BMD was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4), and serum leptin levels were determined using an enzyme immunoassay. Results. There were 25 (25.5%), 13 (13.3%), and 60 (61.2%) patients with osteopenia, osteoporosis, and normal BMD, respectively. Advanced age P=0.017; decreased body mass index (BMI, P<0.001); body height P<0.001; prehemodialysis body weight (BW, P<0.001); post-hemodialysis BW P<0.001; waist circumference P<0.001; and triglyceride P=0.015, albumin P=0.004, and leptin levels P=0.017 were associated with lower lumbar T scores, whereas increased urea reduction rate (URR, P=0.004) and fractional clearance index for urea (Kt/V, P=0.004) were associated with lower lumbar T scores. The multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis with adjustment for sex; age; body height; prehemodialysis BW; BMI; waist circumference; logarithmically transformed triglycerides (log-triglycerides), albumin, creatinine, and leptin (log-leptin) levels; URR; and Kt/V indicated that high serum level of log-leptin (R2 change = 0.184; P<0.001), increased prehemodialysis BW (R2 change = 0.325; P=0.008), male sex (R2 change = 0.048; P=0.001), young age (R2 change = 0.044; P=0.012), and increased serum albumin level (R2 change = 0.017; P=0.044) were significantly and independently associated with lumbar BMD. Conclusions. Advanced age and female sex were associated with poor BMD, whereas increased BW, serum albumin, and leptin levels were positively associated with BMD in patients on hemodialysis.
Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Yu-Li Lin; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Ru-Jiang Syu; Ming-Chun Chen; Bang-Gee Hsu. Increased Serum Leptin Level Predicts Bone Mineral Density in Hemodialysis Patients. International Journal of Endocrinology 2020, 2020, 1 -7.
AMA StyleChih-Hsien Wang, Yu-Hsien Lai, Yu-Li Lin, Chiu-Huang Kuo, Ru-Jiang Syu, Ming-Chun Chen, Bang-Gee Hsu. Increased Serum Leptin Level Predicts Bone Mineral Density in Hemodialysis Patients. International Journal of Endocrinology. 2020; 2020 ():1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Hsien Lai; Yu-Li Lin; Chiu-Huang Kuo; Ru-Jiang Syu; Ming-Chun Chen; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2020. "Increased Serum Leptin Level Predicts Bone Mineral Density in Hemodialysis Patients." International Journal of Endocrinology 2020, no. : 1-7.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), an important regulator of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, has also been suggested to perform metabolic functions. This retrospective study evaluated the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and fasting FGF23 levels in patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KT). Serum carboxyl-terminal FGF23 levels were measured in fasting blood samples of 74 KT patients using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MetS and its components were defined using the diagnostic criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Twenty-four KT patients (32.4%) had MetS. Hypertension (P = .008); diabetes (P = .002), body weight (P < .001); body mass index (P < .001); waist circumference (P < .004); body fat mass (P < .001); systolic blood pressure (P = .008); and levels of triglycerides (P = .003), blood urea nitrogen (P = .007), and insulin (P = .004); homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (P = .001); and FGF23 (P = .002) were higher, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = .049) levels were lower in KT patients with MetS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis including significant variables revealed that FGF23 (odds ratio 1.030, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.000-1.060, P = .048) was an independent predictor of MetS in KT patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve to evaluate the ability of serum FGF23 in discriminating KT patients with MetS was 0.727 (95% CI 0.611-0.824, P = .0005). These results revealed that a high serum FGF23 level was positively associated with MetS in KT patients.
Pei-Chen Chen; Yu-Der Chang; Ming-Che Lee; Bang-Gee Hsu. High Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Level Is Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in Kidney Transplantation Patients. Transplantation Proceedings 2020, 52, 3168 -3172.
AMA StylePei-Chen Chen, Yu-Der Chang, Ming-Che Lee, Bang-Gee Hsu. High Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Level Is Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in Kidney Transplantation Patients. Transplantation Proceedings. 2020; 52 (10):3168-3172.
Chicago/Turabian StylePei-Chen Chen; Yu-Der Chang; Ming-Che Lee; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2020. "High Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Level Is Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in Kidney Transplantation Patients." Transplantation Proceedings 52, no. 10: 3168-3172.
Background. Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) plays a pivotal role in lipid metabolism and angiogenesis, and there is growing interest regarding the association between ANGPTL3 and coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aims to investigate whether ANGPTL3 levels can be used to predict the future occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with CAD. Methods. Overall, 90 patients with CAD were enrolled between January and December 2012. The study’s primary endpoint was incidence of MACEs. Patient follow-up was completed on June 30, 2017. Results. Following a median follow-up period of 54 months, 33 MACEs had occurred. Patients reporting MACEs had lower statin use ( P = 0.022 ) and higher serum C-reactive protein ( P < 0.001 ) and serum ANGPTL3 ( P < 0.001 ) levels than those without MACEs. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed higher cumulative incidence of CV events in the high ANGPTL3 group (median ANGPTL3 level ≥ 222.37 ng/mL) than in the low ANGPTL3 group (log-rank P = 0.046 ). Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that ANGPTL3 levels were independently associated with MACEs in patients with CAD (hazard ratio: 1.003; 95% confidence interval: 1.000–1.005; P = 0.026 ) after adjusted for age, gender, and body mass index, classical risk factors, and potential confounders. Conclusions. Serum ANGPTL3 levels could serve as a biomarker for future occurrence of MACEs in patients with CAD.
Ming-Chun Chen; Bang-Gee Hsu; Chung-Jen Lee; Ji-Hung Wang. High-Serum Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 Levels Associated with Cardiovascular Outcome in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. International Journal of Hypertension 2020, 2020, 1 -7.
AMA StyleMing-Chun Chen, Bang-Gee Hsu, Chung-Jen Lee, Ji-Hung Wang. High-Serum Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 Levels Associated with Cardiovascular Outcome in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. International Journal of Hypertension. 2020; 2020 ():1-7.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMing-Chun Chen; Bang-Gee Hsu; Chung-Jen Lee; Ji-Hung Wang. 2020. "High-Serum Angiopoietin-Like Protein 3 Levels Associated with Cardiovascular Outcome in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease." International Journal of Hypertension 2020, no. : 1-7.
Recent evidence has indicated that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulates longitudinal bone growth, with increased FGF21 levels leading to bone loss. The present study evaluated the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and serum FGF21 levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed blood samples from 95 patients undergoing HD and measured BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4). Serum FGF21 concentrations were determined using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Thirteen (11.6%) patients were found to have osteoporosis, 27 (28.4%) osteopenia, and 57 patients had normal BMD. Advanced age and decreased body mass index, height, body weight, waist circumference, and triglyceride level were associated with lower lumbar T-scores, as were increased alkaline phosphatase, urea reduction rate, fractional clearance index for urea, and FGF21 levels. Low log-FGF21, increased body mass index, increased pre-HD body weight, and increased logarithmically transformed triglycerides (log-TG) were found to be significantly and independently associated with lumbar BMD by multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis with adjustment for significant confounders. We conclude that high serum FGF21 level is negatively associated with BMD in patients undergoing HD.
Yin-Ting Wu; Bang-Gee Hsu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Li Lin; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chiu-Huang Kuo. Lower Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels are Associated with Normal Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density in Hemodialysis Patients. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 1938 .
AMA StyleYin-Ting Wu, Bang-Gee Hsu, Chih-Hsien Wang, Yu-Li Lin, Yu-Hsien Lai, Chiu-Huang Kuo. Lower Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels are Associated with Normal Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density in Hemodialysis Patients. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (6):1938.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYin-Ting Wu; Bang-Gee Hsu; Chih-Hsien Wang; Yu-Li Lin; Yu-Hsien Lai; Chiu-Huang Kuo. 2020. "Lower Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Levels are Associated with Normal Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density in Hemodialysis Patients." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 6: 1938.
Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) has a role in arterial stiffness (AS) apart from regulating mineral metabolism. We investigated the association between FGF-23 concentration and peripheral AS in renal transplantation (RT) recipients. The fasting blood samples of RT recipients (n = 66) were collected and analyzed. A total of 29 (43.9%) RT recipients were classified under the peripheral AS group. The RT recipients in this group had a higher prevalence of diabetes (P < 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.001), and metabolic syndrome (P = 0.023); longer post-RT duration (P = 0.006); higher systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.024); and higher fasting glucose (P = 0.002), total cholesterol (P = 0.049), blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.027), phosphorus (P = 0.047), and FGF-23 concentrations (P = 0.003) and FGF-23/α-klotho ratio (P < 0.001) but lower klotho concentrations (P = 0.025) than those in the control group. Moreover, FGF-23 concentration (adjusted odds ratio: 1.057, 95% confidence interval: 1.011–1.105, P = 0.015) was found to be an independent predictor of peripheral AS in RT recipients. Serum FGF-23 concentration was a significant predictor of peripheral AS in RT recipients.
Yao-Chang Liu; Jen-Pi Tsai; Li-Hsuan Wang; Ming-Che Lee; Bang-Gee Hsu. Positive correlation of serum fibroblast growth factor 23 with peripheral arterial stiffness in kidney transplantation patients. Clinica Chimica Acta 2020, 505, 9 -14.
AMA StyleYao-Chang Liu, Jen-Pi Tsai, Li-Hsuan Wang, Ming-Che Lee, Bang-Gee Hsu. Positive correlation of serum fibroblast growth factor 23 with peripheral arterial stiffness in kidney transplantation patients. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2020; 505 ():9-14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleYao-Chang Liu; Jen-Pi Tsai; Li-Hsuan Wang; Ming-Che Lee; Bang-Gee Hsu. 2020. "Positive correlation of serum fibroblast growth factor 23 with peripheral arterial stiffness in kidney transplantation patients." Clinica Chimica Acta 505, no. : 9-14.