Dopamine-dependent functions of hyaluronic acid/dopamine/silk fibroin hydrogels that highly enhance N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) delivered from nasal cavity to brain tissue through a near-infrared photothermal effect on the NAC-loaded hydrogels.

Hyaluronic acid/silk fibroin (HA/SF or HS) hydrogels with remarkable mechanical characteristics have been reported as tissue engineering biomaterials. Herein, the addition of dopamine/polydopamine (DA/PDA) to HS hydrogels to develop multifunctional HA/PDA/SF (or HDS) hydrogels for the delivery of drugs such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) from nasal to brain tissue is examined. Herein, DA-dependent functions of HDS hydrogels with highly adhesive forces, photothermal response (PTR) effects generated by near infrared (NIR) irradiation, and anti-oxidative effects were demonstrated.

Cryptanalysis of a Semi-Quantum Bi-Signature Scheme Based on W States.

Recently, Zhao et al. proposed a semi-quantum bi-signature (SQBS) scheme based on W states with two quantum signers and just one classical verifier. In this study, we highlight three security issues with Zhao et al.

Catalytic level identification of ZSM-5 on biomass pyrolysis and aromatic hydrocarbon formation.

Zeolite socony mobil-5 (ZSM-5) is a common catalyst used for biomass pyrolysis. Nevertheless, the quantitative information on the catalytic behavior of ZSM-5 on biomass pyrolysis is absent so far. This study focuses on the catalytic pyrolysis phenomena and mechanisms of biomass wastes using ZSM-5 via thermogravimetric analyzer and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, with particular emphasis on catalytic level identification and aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) formation.

A longitudinal, cross-lagged panel analysis of loneliness and depression among community-based older adults.

In the present study, we intended to examine the temporal association between loneliness and depression among community-based older adults. We analyzed data on 3,920 persons with a mean age of 67.6 years at baseline from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Cytodiagnostic aspects of lung adenocarcinoma manifesting with micropapillary pattern in sputum: a case report of potential diagnostic pitfall.

The micropapillary pattern of lung adenocarcinoma was discussed in the 2004 World Health Organization classification and is now proposed as a distinct pattern in the new International Multidisciplinary Classification of Lung Adenocarcinoma Guidelines. The micropapillary pattern is histologically characterized by papillary tufts lacking a central fibrovascular core and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Herein, we report the cytological features of lung adenocarcinoma with the micropapillary pattern in a sputum specimen.

Professional accountability for diabetes care in Taiwan.

This study examined the performance of diabetes care measures in Taiwan and evaluated the influencing factors for professional accountability. We analyzed the year 2001 claims data from National Health Insurance (NHI) program in Taipei Branch. Professional accountability for diabetes care was measured by the adherence for laboratory monitor, either from patient- or hospital-viewpoint.

Accuracy of diabetes diagnosis in health insurance claims data in Taiwan.

Background And Purpose: There are limited data from Taiwan about the accuracy of National Health Insurance (NHI) claims data. This study assessed the accuracy of NHI claims data for diabetes and its associated factors.

Methods: Insurance claims data for patients with a diagnosis of diabetes were extracted from the records of the Bureau of National Health Insurance, including detailed files of the outpatient, emergency, inpatient and pharmacy treatment records from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2000.

Duplication of transverse colon: report of one case.

Alimentary tract duplications are very rare, with a reported incidence of 1 in 5000 live births. However, it rarely affects the transverse colon. We reported a case of duplication of the transverse colon in a 12-year-old boy with an unusual presentation mimicking megacolon.

The prevalence and risk factors analysis of serum antibody to hepatitis C virus in the elders in northeast Taiwan.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection will result in liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are the leading causes of death in Taiwan. The prevalence of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) was 2%-3% in Taipei city. However, it can be as high as 20% to 60% in Central and Southern part of Taiwan.

Brown tumor of the sternum.

The skeletal changes of severe hyperparathyroidism, known as osteitis fibrosa cystica, are now rarely encountered, because hyperparathyroidism is currently being diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Herein, a case of brown tumor of the sternum is reported; our report adds histologic data on this type of tumor to the literature.