Publications

Scholarly Journals--Published

• Flora J, Khan W, Jin J, Jin D, Hussain A, Dajani K, Khan B. Usefulness of Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System for Machine-Learning Based Vaccine Research: A Case Study for COVID-19 Vaccines. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022; 23(15):8235 Usefulness of Vaccine-Adverse Event-Reporting System (VAERS) data and protocols required for statistical analyses were pinpointed with a set of recommendations for the application of machine learning modeling or exploratory analyses on VAERS data with a case study of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Janssen). A total of 262,454 duplicate reports (29%) from 905,976 reports were identified, which were merged into a total of 643,522 distinct reports. A customized online survey was also conducted providing 211 reports. A total of 20 highest reported adverse events were first identified. Differences in results after applying various machine learning algorithms (association rule mining, self-organizing maps, hierarchical clustering, bipartite graphs) on VAERS data were noticed. Moderna reports showed injection-site-related AEs of higher frequencies by 15.2%, consistent with the online survey (12% higher reporting rate for pain in the muscle for Moderna compared to Pfizer-BioNTech). AEs {headache, pyrexia, fatigue, chills, pain, dizziness} constituted >50% of the total reports. Chest pain in male children reports was 295% higher than in female children reports. Penicillin and sulfa were of the highest frequencies (22%, and 19%, respectively). Analysis of uncleaned VAERS data demonstrated major differences from the above (7% variations). Spelling/grammatical mistakes in allergies were discovered (e.g., ~14% reports with incorrect spellings for penicillin). (08/2022) (link)
• Pham JO, Kalantari J, Ji C, Chang JH, Kiang SC, Oyoyo UE, Jin DH, Tomihama RT. Quantitative CT Predictors of Portal Venous Intervention in Uncontrolled Variceal Bleeding. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2020; 215: 1247-1251. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to quantify abdominal CT predictors of endoscopically refractory, uncontrolled variceal hemorrhage requiring portal venous intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS. From 2009 to 2018, 64 patients with endoscopically refractory variceal hemorrhage requiring portal venous intervention (variceal hemorrhage group) and 67 patients without hemorrhage but with symptomatic, pressure gradient–proven portal hypertension (control group) underwent CT. CT scans were retrospectively reviewed for the following: varix size, variceal intraluminal protrusion, liver and spleen volumes, and portal vein diameter. RESULTS. Gastric variceal protrusion was found to be a strong CT parameter associated with refractory hemorrhage (mean depth, 0.75 mm in variceal hemorrhage group vs -2.91 mm in control group; p = 0.001). Gastric varix size was also associated with variceal hemorrhage (mean diameter, 8.03 vs 6.51 mm; p = 0.001). However, this trend was not observed in the sizes of the esophageal varices (mean diameter, 6.28 vs 6.43 mm; p = 0.370). Larger spleen volume (mean, 1312 vs 1152 cm3; p = 0.029) and liver volume (mean, 1514 vs 1143 cm3; p = 0.004) were also found to be predictors of variceal hemorrhage. Significant CT threshold findings included gastric variceal protrusion depth more than 0 mm (odds ratio [OR], 6.44), gastric varix size more than 6 mm (OR, 3.89), spleen volume more than 1000 cm3 (OR, 2.63), and liver volume more than 1000 cm3 (OR, 2.82). CONCLUSION. Quantitative imaging parameters on abdominal CT, such as intraluminal protrusion of gastric varices, gastric varix size, and larger spleen and liver volumes, were predictive of portal venous intervention, whereas esophageal varix size was not. (11/2020) (link)
• Smith DL, Jellison FC, Heldt JP, Tenggardjaja C, Bowman RJ, Jin DH, Chamberlin J., Lui PD, Baldwin DD.  Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy in Patients with Previous Renal Transplantation.  Journal of Endourology. 2011; 25(10), 1643-1647. Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with previous renal transplantation. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients who had undergone RARP for localized prostate cancer between 2005 and 2008 at a single institution (N = 228). Of these, three patients were renal transplant recipients. A four-arm robotic configuration was used in all patients. Port placement was modified in two of the three renal transplant recipients to avoid trauma to the renal allograft. Preoperative demographics, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. Results: RARP was completed successfully in all three renal transplant recipients. As expected, the American Society of Anesthesiologists score (3.3 vs 2.4) and Charlson weighted index of comorbidity (4.7 vs 2.4) were greater in previous transplant patients. There were no major differences in mean age, Gleason score, body mass index, estimated blood loss, operative time, complications, or oncologic outcomes between the two groups. Each of the patients with renal allografts had an undetectable prostate-specific antigen level and was continent (needing no pads) at 13 months of follow-up. Conclusions: RARP is feasible in patients with a previous renal transplant. Although technically more challenging, RARP can be performed in previous transplant patients with acceptable morbidity and oncologic outcomes similar to those of other prostate cancer patients. (10/2011) (link)
• Smith JC, Jin DH, Watkins GE, Miller TR, Karst JG, & Oyoyo UE.  Ultra-low-dose Protocol for CT-guided Lung Biopsies.  Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2011; 22(4), 431-436. Purpose: Computed tomography (CT) scans are a significant source of radiation to patients. It was hypothesized that technical success and complication rates would not be significantly changed by radically lowering the CT dose during lung biopsies with an ultra low-dose (ULD) protocol. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients aged 11-89 years who underwent biopsies of lung lesions were evaluated. Technical pa:rameters were altered halfway through the study from the standard dose (140 kV localizing/100 kV subsequent guiding scans with auto-mA) to a ULD protocol (100 kV, 7.5 mAs) as part of a quality initiative. ULD studies were evaluated subjectively for image quality on a five-point scale. Patients' body mass indexes, total estimated radiation doses (dose length product), technical success rates, and complications were compared between the standard-dose and the ULD groups. Results: Average radiation close was reduced from 677.5 mGy.cm for the standard-dose group to 18.3 mGy.cm for the ULD group (P < .0001). In the ULD group, image quality was rated as adequate or better in 96% of cases. Pneumothoraces necessitating chest tube placements occurred in 10% and 6% of cases in the ULD and standard dose groups, respectively (P = .715). Technical success rates of 92% and 98% were obtained in the ULD and standard dose groups, respectively (P = 362). Conclusions: Radiation dose to the chest during CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsies is reduced greater than 95% versus a standard protocol through the use of a ULD CT protocol without decreasing technical success or patient safety. (04/2011) (link)
• Jin DH, Lamberton GR, Broome DR, Saaty HP, Bhattacharya S, Lindler TU, & Baldwin DD.  Effect of Reduced Radiation CT Protocols on the Detection of Renal Calculi.  Radiology. 2010; 255(1), 100-107. Purpose: To determine the effect of reduced radiation (tube charge, measured as milliamperes per second) protocols on the sensitivity and specificity of multidetector computed tomography (CT) in the detection of renal calculi. Materials and Methods: This Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant human cadaveric study was approved by the Department of Anatomic Pathology with strict adherence to the university policy for handling donor specimens. Three to five renal stones (range, 2.0-4.0 mm) were randomly placed in 14 human cadaveric kidneys and scanned with a 16-detector CT scanner at 100, 60, and 30 mAs while maintaining other imaging parameters as constant. Following acquisition, images were reviewed independently by two radiologists who were blinded to the location and presence of renal calculi. Interobserver agreement was measured with kappa statistics. The McNemar test was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity between different radiation settings for each reader. Results: Specificity for both readers ranged from 105 (0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90, 0.99) to 109 (0.99; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.0) of 110 without significant differences between 30 and 60 mAs to the standard 100 mAs (P = .500 to >.999). Sensitivity ranged from 42 (0.74; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.84) to 48 (0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.93) of 57, also without significant differences (P = .070 to >.999). When renal calculi detection rates were analyzed by size, 3.0-4.0-mm stones were detected well at all tube charge settings, ranging from 86%-90% (n = 21 for 3.0-mm stones) to 95%-100% (n = 19 for 4.0-mm stones). However, 2.0-mm stones were poorly detected at all tube charge settings (29%-59%; 5-10 of 17). Overall interobserver agreement for stone detection was excellent, with kappa = 0.862. Conclusion: Decreasing the tube charge from 100 to 30 mAs resulted in similar detection of renal stones while reducing patient radiation exposure by as much as 70%. Multidetector CT scanning parameters should be tailored to minimize radiation exposure to the patients while helping detect clinically significant renal stones. (C) RSNA, 2010 (04/2010) (link)
• Jellison FC, Smith JC, Heldt JP, Spengler NM, Nicolay LI, Ruckle HC, Koning JL, Millard WW, Jin DH, Baldwin DD.  Effect of Low Dose Radiation Computerized Tomography Protocols on Distal Ureteral Calculus Detection.  Journal of Urology. 2009; 182(6):2762- 2767. Purpose: Unenhanced multidetector computerized tomography is the imaging modality of choice for urinary calculi but exposes patients to substantial radiation doses with a subsequent risk of radiation induced secondary malignancy. We compared ultra low dose and conventional computerized tomography protocols for detecting distal ureteral calculi in a cadaveric model.Materials and methods:  A total of 85 calcium oxalate stones 3 to 7 mm long were prospectively placed in 14 human cadaveric distalureters in 56 random configurations. The intact kidneys, ureters and bladders were placed in a human cadaveric vehicle and computerizedtomography was performed at 140, 100, 60, 30, 15 and 7.5 mA seconds while keeping other imaging parameters constant. Images were independently reviewed in random order by 2 blinded radiologists to determine the sensitivity and specificity of each mA second setting.Results:  Overall sensitivity and specificity were 98% and 83%, respectively. Imaging using 140, 100, 60, 30, 15 and 7.5 mA second settings resulted in 98%, 97%, 97%, 96%, 98% and 97% sensitivity, and 83%, 83%, 83%, 86%, 80% and 84% specificity, respectively. Interobserver agreement was excellent (kappa >0.87). There was no significant difference in sensitivity or specificity at any mA second settings. All false-negative results were noted for 3 mm calculi at a similar frequency at each mA second setting.Conclusions:  Ultra low dose computerized tomography protocols detected distal ureteral calculi in a fashion similar to that of conventional computerized tomography protocols in a cadaveric model. These protocols may decrease the radiation dose up to 95%, reducing the risk of secondary malignancies. (12/2009) (link)
• Jin DH, Lamberton GR, Broome DR, Saaty H, Bhattacharya S, Lindler TU, & Baldwin DD.  Renal Stone Detection Using Unenhanced Multidetector Row Computerized Tomography - Does Section Width Matter?.  Journal of Urology. 2009; 181(6), 2767-2773. Purpose: We determined the effect of reconstructed section width on sensitivity and specificity for detecting renal calculi using multidetector row computerized tomography. Materials and Methods: Three to 5 renal stones 2 to 4 mm in size were randomly placed into 14 human cadaveric kidneys and scanned by 16-row detector computerized tomography at 1.25 mm collimation and identical scanning parameters. After acquisition images were reconstructed with a section width of 1.25, 2.5, 3.75 and 5.0 mm, and reviewed independently by 2 blinded radiologists. Comparisons of sensitivity and specificity between different section widths were assessed with the McNemar test and Cochran's Q statistics. Results: Specificity was not significantly affected by section width (94.6% to 97.7%). In contrast, sensitivity increased as stone size increased and as section width decreased. Sensitivity to detect all stones was 80.7%, 80.7%, 87.7% and 92.1% for 5.0, 3.75, 2.5 and 1.25 mm section widths, respectively. Interobserver agreement for stone detection was excellent (kappa 0.858). Although the 2.0 mm stone detection rate improved with thinner section widths (79.4% vs 52.9% for 1.25 vs 5.0 mm, p = 0.004), stones greater than 2.0 mm were similarly detected at different slice selections (p = 0.056 to 0.572). Conclusions: Independent of other scanning parameters reconstruction section width influences the ability to detect small renal calculi. It must be considered when creating computerized tomography protocols. (06/2009) (link)
• Lamberton GR, Hsi RS, Jin DH, Lindler TU, Jellison FC, Baldwin DD. Prospective Comparison of Four Laparoscopic Vessel Ligation Devices. Journal of Endourology. 2008; 22(10):2307-2312. Purpose:  The merits of laparoscopic sealing devices have been poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to compare two bipolar sealing devices [LigaSure V (LS) and Gyrus PK (GP)], an ultrasonic device [Harmonic Scalpel ACE (HS)] and a novel device using nanotechnology [EnSeal PTC (ES)].Materials and methods:  The ability of all four 5 mm devices to seal 5 mm bovine arteries was tested under controlled temperature and humidity in accordance with manufacturer specifications. Study endpoints included lateral thermal spread, time to seal, burst pressure, smoke production and subjective (blinded review of video clips) and objective (measured using an aerosol monitor) effect upon visibility.Results:  The HS demonstrated the least thermal spread. The LS (10.0 secs) and GP (11.1 secs) had the fastest sealing times (p<0.001 for both) when compared to ES (19.2 sec) and HS (14.3 sec). Mean burst pressure values were: LS 385 mm Hg, GP 290 mm Hg, ES 255 mm Hg and HS 204 mm Hg. The HS had the best subjective visibility score and the lowest objective smoke production (2.88 ppm) compared to the GP (74.1 ppm), ES (21.6 ppm) and LS (12.5 ppm), (p<0.01 for all).Conclusions:  The LS has the highest burst pressure and fastest sealing time and was the highest rated overall. The HS produced the lowest thermal spread and smoke but had the lowest mean burst pressure. The GP had the highest smoke production, and variable burst pressures. Despite employing nanotechnology, the ES device was the slowest and had variable burst pressures. (10/2008) (link)
• Giuliani S, Perin L, Sedrakyan S, Kokorowski P, Jin D, De Filippo R. Ex Vivo Whole Embryonic Kidney Culture: A Novel Method for Research in Development, Regeneration and Transplantation. Journal of Urology. 2008; 179(1):365-370. Purpose:  Whole metanephric organ culture represents a novel investigatory approach with potential application in many aspects of research in kidney regeneration and transplantation. We report the current status of embryonic kidney culture, discussing issues such as the appropriate culture conditions and methods, histological results, values of and limitations to the different techniques used today. To optimize this system in vitro for the benefit of future studies we focused our efforts on evaluating and developing a new durable 3-dimensional organ culture system using a uniquely modified approach.Materials and methods:  Metanephric kidneys were microdissected from the embryos of timed pregnant WT C57BL/C6 mice on days 12 to 16 of gestation (embryonic days 12 to 16). Novel perfusion channels were created in the harvested embryonic kidneys before placing them in culture. Embryonic kidneys were placed on a 0.4 microm pore size Transwell membrane, cultured in base medium at a medium gas interphase and incubated at 37C with fully humidified 5% CO2. Histological and immunocytochemical analysis was performed to evaluate for signs of necrosis, and the structural integrity and functionality of organs during culture.Results:  We confirmed histologically that our organ culture system was capable of maintaining normal kidney structures significantly longer (mean 10 days) than previously reported standard protocols. Condensation and aggregation of the metanephric mesenchyma at the tips of the ureteral bud were observed, including the formation of well developed nephrons and glomeruli without evidence of necrosis. Organ maturation occurred in a developmentally appropriate centrifugal pattern and the expression of key regulatory factors was demonstrated.Conclusions:  Our in vitro model replicates closely the in vivo processes involved in normal kidney development. We also present what is to our knowledge the first demonstration of a durable 3-dimensional kidney culture system reported in the literature. This system may represent an uncomplicated method for in vitro kidney culture that we hope will serve as an effective adjunct to research focused on signaling pathways, development and regeneration as applied to the kidney. (01/2008) (link)
• Perin L, Giuliani S, Jin D, Sedrakyan S, Carraro G, Habibian R, Warburton D, Atala A, De Filippo R. Renal Differentiation of Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells. Cell Proliferation. 2007; 40(6):936-948. Objectives:  The role of stem cells in regenerative medicine is evolving rapidly. Here, we describe the application, for kidney regeneration, of a novel non-genetically modified stem cell, derived from human amniotic fluid. We show that these pluripotent cells can develop and differentiate into de novo kidney structures during organogenesis in vitro.Materials and methods:  Human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (hAFSCs) were isolated from human male amniotic fluid obtained between 12 and 18 weeks gestation. Green fluorescent protein and Lac-Z-transfected hAFSCs were microinjected into murine embryonic kidneys (12.5-18 days gestation) and were maintained in a special co-culture system in vitro for 10 days. Techniques of live microscopy, histology, chromogenic in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were used to characterize the hAFSCs during their integration and differentiation in concert with the growing organ.Results:  Green fluorescent protein and Lac-Z-transfected hAFSCs demonstrated long-term viability in organ culture. Histological analysis of injected kidneys revealed that hAFSCs were capable of contributing to the development of primordial kidney structures including renalvesicle, C- and S-shaped bodies. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmed expression of early kidney markers for: zona occludens-1, glial-derived neurotrophic factor and claudin.Conclusions:  Human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells may represent a potentially limitless source of ethically neutral, unmodified pluripotential cells for kidney regeneration. (12/2007) (link)

Abstract

• Grube M, Jin DH, Ter-Oganesyan R, Miller T, Watkins GE, Oyoyo UE, Smith JC.  An Ultra-low dose protocol for CT-guided drainage procedures.  Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2011; 22(3). (2011)
• Jin DH, Miller T, Watkins GE, Karst J, Oyoyo UE, Smith JC.  Efficacy of ultra low-dose protocol for CT-guided lung biopsies.  Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. 2010; 21:2S. (2010)
• Jin DH, Jellison FC, Nicolay LI, Lui PD, Baldwin DD.  Comparison of robotic radical prostatectomy outcomes in patients with and without previous renal transplantation.  Journal of Urology. 2009; 181(4):Supplement 1, 808. (2009)
• Lamberton GR, Jin DH, Broome DR, Saaty H, Bhattacharya S, Linder TU, Hsi RS, Baldwin DD.  Low radiation dosage CT scan for the detection of small renal calculi.  Journal of Urology. 2008; 179(4):Supplement 1, 727. (2008)
• Lamberton GR, Lindler TU, Bhattacharya S, Jin DH, Broome DR, Saaty H, Baldwin DD.  The effect of slice thickness in multi-detector CT upon ability to detect residual stone fragments following PCNL.  Journal of Urology. 2007; 177(4):Supplement 1, 594. (2007)
• Kokorowski P, Kim S, Perin L, Giuliani S, Sedrakyan S, Jin D, Warburton D, Atala A, De Filippo R.  The creation of bioactive matrices from stem cells for future applications in urologic reconstructive surgery.  Journal of Urology. 2007; 177(4):Supplement 1, 57. (2007)
• Lamberton GR, Lindler TU, Jin DH, Hsi RS, Baldwin DD.  Prospective comparison between four laparoscopic vessel ligation instruments.  Journal of Endourology. 2007; 21:Supplement 1, A134. (2007)
• Lamberton GR, Lindler TU, Jin DH, Broome DR, Saaty H, Hsi RS, Baldwin DD.  Effect of reduced miliampere-seconds on stone detection rates during computed tomography.  Journal of Endourology. 2007; 21:Supplement 1, A10-11. (2007)
• Giuliani S, Perin L, Maeshima A, Jin D, Sedrakyan S, Atala A, De Filippo R.  In situ injection of amniotic fluid stem cells for the bioengineering of de novo renal tissue.  Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 2005;201:Supplement 3, S95-S96. (2005)
• De Filippo R, Perin L, Giuliani S, Maeshima A, Jin D, Sedrakyan S, Atala A.  Renal tubular regeneration from human amniotic fluid stem cells.  Journal of the American College of Surgeons. 2005;201:Supplement 3, S47. (2005)