About

Wai-yee Li is a Professor of Chinese Literature at Harvard University, affiliated with the Committee on Regional Studies—East Asia. Her research interests encompass Chinese literature from early Chinese thought and narrative to late imperial Chinese literature and culture. She is based at Harvard's Department of East Asian Languages and Civilizations, located at 2 Divinity Avenue, Room 228. Professor Li's work focuses on the rich literary traditions of China, exploring their historical development and cultural significance within the broader context of Chinese history and society.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Surgery
• Dermatology
• Oncology

Selected publications

• Mining metagenomes and metatranscriptomes unveils viruses associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

  Microbiology Spectrum · 2025-03-31 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  ABSTRACT We investigated the presence of viral DNA and RNA in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumor and normal tissues from nine individuals with a history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Microbiome quantification through DNA and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed the presence of 18 viruses in both tumor and normal tissues. DNA sequencing (DNA-seq) identified Torque teno virus , Saimiriine herpesvirus 1 , Merkel cell polyomavirus , Human parvovirus B19 , Human gammaherpesvirus-4 , Human herpesvirus-6 , and others. RNA-seq revealed additional viruses such as Tobamovirus , Pinus nigra virus , Orthohepadnavirus , Human papillomavirus-5 , Human herpesvirus-7 , Human gammaherpesvirus-4 , Gammaretrovirus , and others. Notably, DNA-seq indicated that tumor samples exhibited low levels of Escherichia virus in three out of nine subjects and elevated levels of Human gammaherpesvirus-4 in one subject, while normal samples frequently contained Gammaretrovirus and occasionally Escherichia virus . A comparative analysis using both DNA- and RNA-seq captured three common viruses: Abelson murine leukemia virus , Murine type C retrovirus , and Human gammaherpesvirus-4 . These findings were corroborated by an independent data set, supporting the reliability of the viral detection methods utilized. The study provides insights into the viral landscape in post-HCT patients, emphasizing the need for comprehensive viral monitoring in this vulnerable population. IMPORTANCE This study is important because it explores the potential role of viruses in the development of cSCC in individuals who have undergone allogeneic HCT. cSCC is common in this population, particularly in those with chronic graft-versus-host disease on long-term immunosuppression. By using advanced metagenomic and metatranscriptomic next-generation sequencing, we aimed to identify viral pathogens present in tumor and adjacent normal tissue. The results could lead to targeted preventive or therapeutic interventions for these high-risk people, potentially improving their outcomes and management of cSCC.

  PublisherDOI

• Optimizing the Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap in Breast Reconstruction: Lessons Learned from 110 Consecutive Flaps

  Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · 2024-05-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Background: The pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (LDMCF) in autologous breast reconstruction has been superseded by abdominal free tissue transfer. Common complaints of the LDMCF include the asymmetric back scar, need for prosthesis, and high seroma rates. We believe that the LDMCF remains versatile, with distinct advantages over other autologous options: the flap can be harvested unilaterally or bilaterally, not 'burning any bridges' for future reconstruction in unilateral breast reconstruction; the recovery is relatively easy, without complications such as risk of long-term abdominal wall weakness; and the aesthetic results are comparable, if not superior, leading to a more "youthful" result. Methods: We performed a retrospective review over an 8-year period. Results: A total of 106 patients underwent 110 breast reconstructions. Complications included four of 106 patients (3.8%) with seroma, three of 78 (3.8%) with periprosthetic implant infection, and one case of partial flap loss. Conclusions: We learned the following: (1) Direct-to-implant can be performed in most LDMCF patients, avoiding the use of tissue expanders; (2) High BMI patients may not require an implant; (3) Back donor site aesthetics can be improved using a "bra-line-back-lift" approach; (4) Use of liposomal bupivacaine intercostal blocks and modified enhanced recovery after surgery protocol can reduce length-of-stay to overnight; (5) We achieved low seroma rates using topical fibrin glue and closed suction drains; (6) Low and high BMI patients who may not qualify for free tissue transfer are usually still surgical candidates with LDMCF; and (7) Short and long-term recovery are faster than free tissue transfer, with minimal long-term deficit.

  PublisherDOI

• Why Gender and Friendship?

  2024-09-17

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Literary Negotiations: Friendship in the World of Late Ming Courtesans

  2024-09-17

  book-chapter1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Gender and Friendship in Chinese Literature

  2024-05-05

  book1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• The Combined Bra-Line Back Lift Latissimus Flap (BLBL-LAT Flap) for Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction and Simultaneous Back Contouring

  Aesthetic Surgery Journal · 2024-08-21 · 1 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding

  BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi pedicled (LAT) flap has been a workhorse flap for breast reconstruction for many decades. The asymmetric back scar has been a major source of complaint. In patients with excess back adiposity, we can utilize the skin paddle harvest to improve back contour. We combined the principles of the aesthetic bra-line back lift with the LAT flap to provide simultaneous improvement of both posterior upper trunk adiposity and skin excess, which together form "back rolls," with a concealed scar. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to establish a new surgical technique of combined bra-line back lift with latissimus dorsi flap (BLBL-LAT flap) for aesthetic breast reconstruction. METHODS: This was an IRB-approved retrospective single-surgeon study performed in a national cancer center. We included patients undergoing breast reconstruction with the combined BLBL-LAT flap between 2015 and 2023, with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 106 female patients underwent 110 breast reconstructions with the BLBL-LAT flap. Seventy-five percent of patients had prosthesis placement and 25% of patients were 100% autologous. Complication rates were low: 4 of 106 patients (3.8%) had seroma, needing surgery. Of the 78 reconstructions with implants or tissue expanders, 3 (3.8%) had a periprosthetic infection. One (<1%) patient had partial flap loss, and no patients had complete flap loss. Four patients had bilateral BLBL-LAT flap reconstruction. Two unilateral breast reconstruction patients came back for successful symmetrizing of the bra-line back lift (without LAT flap breast reconstruction). CONCLUSIONS: The BLBL-LAT flap allows breast reconstruction and simultaneous improvement of back contour, leaving a scar that can be concealed in a bra. This 2-for-1 procedure is of particular benefit to patients with a high BMI, who often have unwanted excess adiposity and laxity of the back. Because this patient population is at high risk for free tissue transfer, we propose that the BLBL-LAT flap be considered the first-line method of autologous breast reconstruction in higher BMI patients.

  PublisherDOI

• Frontmatter

  Columbia University Press eBooks · 2023-10-13

  book-chapterOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• A Topsy-Turvy World

  Columbia University Press eBooks · 2023-10-03 · 1 citations

  book

  A Topsy-Turvy World presents English translations of shorter late Ming and early Qing plays. Satirical and often earthy, these mostly one-act plays provide a glimpse of Chinese daily life and mores even as they question or subvert the boundaries of social, moral, and political order.

  PublisherDOI

• 5. Sublime Jokes from the Back of Beyond

  Columbia University Press eBooks · 2023-10-13

  book-chapterSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Short Stay Management of Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Using Immediate Local Thoracoabdominal Advancement Flap and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol

  Annals of Plastic Surgery · 2022-05-01 · 5 citations

  articleSenior author

  BACKGROUND: Patients with locally advanced invasive breast cancer (LABC) are often considered inoperable, because of the anticipated chest wall defect and need for complex reconstruction. We present a series of patients who underwent mastectomy with extensive skin resection and immediate chest wall reconstruction using a local thoracoabdominal advancement flap (TAAF). All patients were managed after surgery with an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol, to decrease length of stay in hospital. We also present 1 patient who subsequently had satisfactory bilateral delayed breast reconstruction with pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps with prepectoral silicone implants. METHODS: This is a single-surgeon, single-institution retrospective chart review of patients with LABC who underwent mastectomy with skin resection and local TAAF from May 2017 to October 2019, with minimum 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: Thirteen patients met inclusion criteria. Twelve of 13 patients presented with stage III or IV invasive breast cancer, with skin involvement. The mean chest wall defect measured 248.7 cm2 (140-336 cm2; SD, 63.2 cm2), and all were successfully reconstructed with immediate local TAAF. There were no intraoperative complications, but 1 patient developed a postop hematoma. The mean hospital stay was 1.3 nights, with 9 patients (69.2%) staying less than 23 hours and 4 patients (30.8%) staying 2 nights. Nine patients (69.2%) underwent adjuvant therapy, beginning on average 32 days (13-55 days; SD, 13.1 days) after surgery. The mean follow-up time was 13.8 months (4.5-31.6 months; SD, 9.2 months). One patient underwent successful delayed bilateral breast reconstruction with pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps and silicone implant placement. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that reconstruction with local TAAF is an outpatient procedure that reliably provides durable, immediate chest wall coverage, after mastectomy in patients with LABC. This technique has a short operative time, low blood loss, and low complication rate, allowing timely adjuvant therapy. Using an ERAS postop protocol we were able to reduce mean hospital stay to 1.3 days. Compared with other described techniques of reconstruction, the additional scars and donor site morbidity are minimal, allowing for delayed breast reconstruction. We also present survival outcomes data on these surgically managed patients.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Vesa Kaartinen

  University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

  9 shared

• John F. Reinisch

  University of Southern California

  6 shared

• Marek Dudáš

  University of Glasgow

  5 shared

• Nayana Vora

  City Of Hope National Medical Center

  4 shared

• Jugpal S. Arneja

  British Columbia Children's Hospital

  4 shared

• Claudia Malic

  Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

  4 shared

• Yuman Fong

  4 shared

• Vishwas Parekh

  City of Hope

  4 shared