Protective Effects of L-Cysteine Against Cisplatin-Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Reproductive Damage.

Cisplatin (CIS) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but its side effects, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, often lead to male reproductive damage. Oxidative stress, primarily caused by the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a critical role in disrupting testicular homeostasis, resulting in spermatogenic impairment and tissue injury. L-cysteine (CYS), a semi-essential amino acid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may offer protection against CIS-induced oxidative damage.

Impact of Adlay-Based Formula on Pain and Discomfort in Women with Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea, a highly prevalent condition that significantly impacts women's daily activities and quality of life, occurs without underlying pelvic pathological changes. Conventional treatments, such as warm water therapy, provide temporary relief; however, more effective interventions are needed. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an Adlay-based formula in reducing dysmenorrhea symptoms through randomized controlled trials.

Regulatory roles of NAMPT and NAD metabolism in uterine leiomyoma progression: Implications for ECM accumulation, stemness, and microenvironment.

Uterine leiomyoma (UL), commonly referred to as benign tumors, is characterized by excessive cell proliferation, extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and the presence of stem cell-like properties. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) metabolism, regulated in part by nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), plays a crucial role in these pathological processes and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. Additionally, redox signaling pathways are integral to the pathogenesis of UL, influencing the dynamics of NAD metabolism.

Oleocanthal mitigates CoCl-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis via regulating MAPK pathway in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Retinal hypoxia causes severe visual impairment and dysfunction in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, triggering a cascade of events leading to cellular apoptosis. Oxidative stress induced by hypoxia plays a significant role in the development of retinal diseases; however, the precise pathogenesis remains unclear. Oleocanthal, a phenolic compound in extra virgin olive oil, is known for its diverse biological properties.

Divergent interpretations of child abuse in legal judgments: perspectives from clinicians and forensic experts.

Background: Child abuse in Taiwan is a major societal concern that severely affects the well-being of children. Despite the complexity in detecting abuse, reports of child abuse are increasing, evidenced by a rise in cases and heightened awareness. This study utilizes judicial judgments as a lens to understand the varied interpretations of child abuse by clinical and forensic experts and explores the broader epidemiological trends of such abuse within the declining youth population of Taiwan.

Regulation of voltage-gated sodium channels by TNF-α during herpes simplex virus latency establishment.

During lytic or latent infection of sensory neurons with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) there are significant changes in the expression of voltage-gated Na channels, which may disrupt the transmission of pain information. HSV-1 infection can also evoke the secretion of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6. In this work, we hypothesized that TNF-α regulates the expression of Na channels during HSV-1 latency establishment in ND7/23 sensory-like neurons.

The association between the expression level of nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 and the survival rate of head and neck cancer patients after treatment.

Background/purpose: The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) () exhibits diverse and complicated functions in cancer progression. Despite reports suggesting both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic effects in various cancers, its specific role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between expression levels and survival outcomes in HNSCC patients.

Supplementation with Fish Oil and Selenium Protects Lipolytic and Thermogenic Depletion of Adipose in Cachectic Mice Treated with an EGFR Inhibitor.

Lung cancer and cachexia are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Cachexia is manifested by weight loss and white adipose tissue (WAT) atrophy. Limited nutritional supplements are conducive to lung cancer patients, whereas the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood.

piR-823 tale as emerging cancer-hallmark molecular marker in different cancer types: a step-toward ncRNA-precision.

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have received a lot of attention for their functions in cancer research. This class of short non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) has roles in genomic stability, chromatin remodeling, messenger RNA (mRNA) integrity, and genome structure. We summarized the mechanisms underlying the biogenesis and regulatory molecular functions of piRNAs.

Protective Effects of an Oligo-Fucoidan-Based Formula against Osteoarthritis Development via iNOS and COX-2 Suppression following Monosodium Iodoacetate Injection.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disorder characterized by cartilage degradation and chronic inflammation, accompanied by high oxidative stress. In this study, we utilized the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA model to investigate the efficacy of oligo-fucoidan-based formula (FF) intervention in mitigating OA progression. Through its capacity to alleviate joint bearing function and inflammation, improvements in cartilage integrity following oligo-fucoidan-based formula intervention were observed, highlighting its protective effects against cartilage degeneration and structural damage.

Berry anthocyanins prevent α-dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end product formation in phosphate-buffered saline-based model systems, cookie and ground pork.

α-Dicarbonyls and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are the heat-induced potential toxicants commonly found in thermally processed foods due to the Maillard reaction. Research has shown that both α-dicarbonyls and AGEs can cause oxidative stress and inflammation and have a positive link with several chronic diseases, such as diabetes. This study found that commonly consumed berry fruits exhibited excellent methylglyoxal (MGO)-trapping and antiglycative activities, positively associated with their total phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Diastolic/systolic blood pressure ratio for predicting febrile children with sepsis and progress to septic shock in the emergency department.

Objective: Given the scarcity of studies analyzing the clinical predictors of pediatric septic cases that would progress to septic shock, this study aimed to determine strong predictors for pediatric emergency department (PED) patients with sepsis at risk for septic shock and mortality.

Methods: We conducted chart reviews of patients with ≥ 2 age-adjusted quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA) criteria to recognize patients with an infectious disease in two tertiary PEDs between January 1, 2021, and April 30, 2022. The age range of included patients was 1 month to 18 years.

Hinokitiol Inhibits Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro Stemness-Progression and Self-Renewal with Apoptosis and Autophagy Modulation via the CD44/Nanog/SOX2/Oct4 Pathway.

Breast cancer (BC) represents one of the most prevalent malignant threats to women globally. Tumor relapse or metastasis is facilitated by BC stemness progression, contributing to tumorigenicity. Therefore, comprehending the characteristics of stemness progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms is pivotal for BC advancement.

Predicting factors for acute encephalopathy in febrile seizure children with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant: a retrospective study.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 posed a threat to children during the early phase of Omicron wave because many patients presented with febrile seizures. The study aimed to investigate predicting factors for acute encephalopathy of children infected by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant presenting with febrile seizures.

Methods: The retrospective study analyzed data from pediatric patients who visited the emergency department of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan between April and July 2022.

Arecoline Induces ROS Accumulation, Transcription of Proinflammatory Factors, and Expression of KRT6 in Oral Epithelial Cells.

Areca nut is a major contributor to the high prevalence of oral cancer in Asia. The precise mechanisms by which areca nut stimulates mucosal cells and contributes to the progression of oral cancer urgently require clarification. The current study aimed to assess the effects of arecoline on the normal human gingival epithelium cell line S-G.

Licochalcone A induces endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of endometrial cancer cells via upregulation of GRP78 expression.

Licochalcone A (LicA), a natural compound extracted from licorice root, has been shown to exert a variety of anticancer activities. Whether LicA has such effects on endometrial cancer (EMC) is unclear. This study aims to investigate the antitumor effects of LicA on EMC.

Combining microfluidic chip and low-attachment culture devices to isolate oral cancer stem cells.

Background/purpose: Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are widely recognized as key drivers of cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Microfluidic chip technology offers a promising approach for CSC isolation and study. This study investigated the efficacy of a microfluidic chip-based method for isolating single cells from oral cancer cell lines characterized by high stem-like phenotypes.

Association of higher transient receptor potential melastatin 8 expression with higher tumor histologic grades, lymph node metastasis, risk factors, and worse survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background/purpose: Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a thermosensitive ion channel known for its role in cold sensation and menthol response, has emerged as a potential regulator in various cancers. This study aimed to investigate expression trends of TRPM8 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cases and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines and its association with clinicopathological features.

Materials And Methods: The noncancerous matched tissues and HNSCC paired tissue samples from 84 HNSCC patients were utilized to evaluate the association of with HNSCC clinicopathological features.

Ferritin as an Effective Predictor of Neurological Outcomes in Children With Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy.

Background: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a fulminant disease with poor prognosis. Cytokine storm is the important phenomenon of ANE that affects the brain and multiple organs. The study aimed to identify whether hyperferritinemia was associated with poor prognosis in patients with ANE.

Alleviating 3-MCPD-induced male reproductive toxicity: Mechanistic insights and resveratrol intervention.

3-Monochloropropane-1, 2-diol (3-MCPD), a food-borne contaminant, is widely regarded as the primary cause of male infertility. At present, identifying a method to improve/reduce the male reproductive toxicity caused by 3-MCPD is important. In our study, we explored the potential application of resveratrol (RSV) in mitigating the adverse effects of 3-MCPD.

Prognostic Factors in Children with Acute Kidney Injury Requiring Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate prognostic factors and outcomes in a single-center PICU cohort that received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and outcomes. Ninety-day mortality and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.

Hinokitiol as a modulator of TLR4 signaling and apoptotic pathways in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) poses a significant global health challenge, characterized by dysregulated inflammation and apoptotic processes. This study explores the therapeutic efficacy of hinokitiol, employing a comprehensive in vivo and in vitro approach. Assessment of inflammation-related markers in the animal model included observation of physical appearance, Western blotting, ELISA, and H&E staining.

Diastolic blood pressure impact on pediatric refractory septic shock outcomes.

Background: Septic shock is the progression of sepsis, defined as cardiovascular dysfunction during systemic infection, and it has a mortality rate of 40 %-80 %. Loss of vascular tone is an important pathophysiological feature of septic shock. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was reported to be associated with vascular tone.