Leptin Promotes the Expression of Pro-inflammatory Mediator Genes but Does Not Alter Osteoclastogenesis and Early Stage Differentiation of Osteoblasts.

Leptin, a hormone secreted by adipose tissue, plays a pivotal role in maintaining energy metabolism and bone quality. Dysregulation of leptin can lead to the development of various pathological conditions. For example, the concentration of leptin is increased in individuals with obesity, and this increased concentration is positively correlated with higher bone mass.

Interferon-gamma regulates the levels of bone formation effectors in a stage-dependent manner.

Background: Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is an immune-derived cytokines in the innate and adaptive immune responses, and functions as a major pro-inflammatory cytokine. IFNγ has previously been reported involving in the regulation of bone metabolism. However, contradictory results about the roles of IFN-γ in bone formation or bone resorption have been reported.

Creating two-dimensional solid helium via diamond lattice confinement.

The universe abounds with solid helium in polymorphic forms. Therefore, exploring the allotropes of helium remains vital to our understanding of nature. However, it is challenging to produce, observe and utilize solid helium on the earth because high-pressure techniques are required to solidify helium.

APQS consensus regarding patient shielding during routine radiographic imaging.

Shielding, particularly of the gonads, has been a routine part of diagnostic radiographic imaging for many years. However, recent thinking suggests that such shielding may offer little benefit, and in some cases may actually cause harm, by obscuring anatomy or paradoxically increasing patient radiation dose secondary to the need for repeat imaging. This thinking has led many institutions in the West to abandon routine shielding.

Human ribonuclease 1 serves as a secretory ligand of ephrin A4 receptor and induces breast tumor initiation.

Human ribonuclease 1 (hRNase 1) is critical to extracellular RNA clearance and innate immunity to achieve homeostasis and host defense; however, whether it plays a role in cancer remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that hRNase 1, independently of its ribonucleolytic activity, enriches the stem-like cell population and enhances the tumor-initiating ability of breast cancer cells. Specifically, secretory hRNase 1 binds to and activates the tyrosine kinase receptor ephrin A4 (EphA4) signaling to promote breast tumor initiation in an autocrine/paracrine manner, which is distinct from the classical EphA4-ephrin juxtacrine signaling through contact-dependent cell-cell communication.

Suitability of boric acid as a boron drug for boron neutron capture therapy for hepatoma.

Hepatoma is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Due to the poor outcomes of patients with late diagnosis, newer treatments for hepatoma are still needed. As an emerging therapy, boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) may be an effective solution in hepatoma management.

First case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in Taiwan.

An outbreak of respiratory illness proved to be infected by a 2019 novel coronavirus, officially named Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), was notified first in Wuhan, China, and has spread rapidly in China and to other parts of the world. Herein, we reported the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) imported from China in Taiwan. This case report revealed a natural course of NCP with self-recovery, which may be a good example in comparison with medical treatments.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Radiobiological Effects of Boric Acid-mediated BNCT in a VX2 Multifocal Liver Tumor-bearing Rabbit Model.

Background/aim: Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cannot be treated using traditional therapies. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) may provide a new treatment for HCC. In this study, the therapeutic efficacy and radiobiological effects of boric acid (BA)-mediated BNCT in a VX2 multifocal liver tumor-bearing rabbit model are investigated.

Exposure to PM causes genetic changes in fetal rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus.

PM travels along the respiratory tract and enters systemic blood circulation. Studies have shown that PM increases the incidence of various diseases not only in adults but also in newborn infants. It causes chronic inflammation in pregnant women and retards fetal development.

Automatic Detection of Calcaneal-Fifth Metatarsal Angle Using Radiograph: A Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Flat Foot for Military New Recruits in Taiwan.

Flatfoot (pes planus) is one of the most important physical examination items for military new recruits in Taiwan. Currently, the diagnosis of flatfoot is mainly based on radiographic examination of the calcaneal-fifth metatarsal (CA-MT5) angle, also known as the arch angle. However, manual measurement of the arch angle is time-consuming and often inconsistent between different examiners.

Rab5A is associated with axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.

The expression of Rab proteins has been associated with cancer. However, few data are available on Rab5A expression in human breast cancer or its impact on disease progression. First, we examined the functional role of Rab5A in breast cancer cells.

Treatment of massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage from adrenal metastasis of hepatoma.

Spontaneous rupture of metastatic adrenal tumor with massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage and shock is an uncommon clinical event. Herein, we report a case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), where left hepatic lobectomy and right adrenalectomy for metastatic HCC were performed in April and August 2002, respectively. Subsequently, the patient presented to the emergency room with acute-onset severe left flank and back pain in March 2004, accompanied by a falling hemoglobin level.