Inter-subject gamma oscillation synchronization as a biomarker of abnormal processing of social interaction in ADHD.

Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulties in social interactions. Studying brain activity during social interactions is difficult with conventional artificial stimuli. This pioneering study examined the neural correlates of social perception in children with ADHD and matched controls using naturalistic stimuli.

The Prevalence and Risk Analysis of Cerebral Palsy and Other Neuro-Psychological Comorbidities in Children with Low Birth Weight in Taiwan: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

: This study evaluated early childhood comorbidities of cerebral palsy (CP) in low birth weight (LBW) children and assessed the impact of maternal bio-psychosocial factors on CP risk in preterm infants of varying birth weights (BWs). : Data from 15,181 preterm infants (2009-2013) and 151,810 controls were analyzed using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. CP prevalence and LBW-associated comorbidities were examined, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Kefir peptides mitigate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and gut microbiota.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and life-threatening lung disease with high mortality rates. The limited availability of effective drugs for IPF treatment, coupled with concerns regarding adverse effects and restricted responsiveness, underscores the need for alternative approaches. Kefir peptides (KPs) have demonstrated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties, along with the capability to modulate gut microbiota.

Higher Risk of Psychiatric Disorders in Children With Febrile Seizures: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan.

Background: Febrile seizures occur commonly in children aged between six months and six years. A previous Danish study found a positive correlation between febrile seizures and the overall incidence of psychiatric disorders. This population-based nationwide observational study was conducted to investigate the association between febrile seizures and different psychiatric disorders in Taiwan and the associated risk factors.

A Significant Association between Type 1 Diabetes and Infection: A Meta-Analysis Study.

: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic and serious condition that is characterized by inadequate pancreatic-β-cells' insulin production. The connection between T1DM and infection remains uncertain. This study aimed to conduct a systematic meta-analysis to examine the association between infection, hemoglobin A1c levels, and the development of T1DM.

Clinical and Genetic Features of Dravet Syndrome: A Prime Example of the Role of Precision Medicine in Genetic Epilepsy.

Dravet syndrome (DS), also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy, is a rare and drug-resistant form of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, which is both debilitating and challenging to manage, typically arising during the first year of life, with seizures often triggered by fever, infections, or vaccinations. It is characterized by frequent and prolonged seizures, developmental delays, and various other neurological and behavioral impairments. Most cases result from pathogenic mutations in the sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 1 () gene, which encodes a critical voltage-gated sodium channel subunit involved in neuronal excitability.

In Utero Cell Treatment of Hemophilia A Mice via Human Amniotic Fluid Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Engraftment.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder linked to the sex chromosomes, resulting in impaired blood clotting due to insufficient intrinsic coagulation factors. There are approximately one million individuals worldwide with hemophilia, with hemophilia A being the most prevalent form. The current treatment for hemophilia A involves the administration of clotting factor VIII (FVIII) through regular and costly injections, which only provide temporary relief and pose inconveniences to patients.

23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and the risk of renal progression in older patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) ensures favorable outcomes and reduces the risk of cardiac events in patients on dialysis. However, the effect of PPSV23 vaccination on renal function remains unknown, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we investigated the association between PPSV23 efficacy and renal progression in older patients (age ≥ 75 years) with CKD.

Coating-Free Culture Medium for Establishing and Maintaining Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Cell expansion of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) commonly depends on Matrigel as a coating matrix on two-dimensional (2D) culture plates and 3D microcarriers. However, the xenogenic Matrigel requires sophisticated quality-assurance processes to meet clinical requirements. In this study, we develop an innovative coating-free medium for expanding hPSCs.

Kefir peptides attenuate atherosclerotic vascular calcification and osteoporosis in atherogenic diet-fed knockout mice.

Vascular calcification (VC) and osteoporosis were previously considered two distinct diseases. However, current understanding indicates that they share common pathogenetic mechanisms. The available medicines for treating VC and osteoporosis are limited.

Epilepsy and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Connection, Chance, and Challenges.

Comorbidities are common in children with epilepsy, with nearly half of the patients having at least one comorbidity. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by hyperactivity and inattentiveness level disproportional to the child's developmental stage. The burden of ADHD in children with epilepsy is high and can adversely affect the patients' clinical outcomes, psychosocial aspects, and quality of life.

The Effectiveness of Whole-Body Vibration and Heat Therapy on the Muscle Strength, Flexibility, and Balance Abilities of Elderly Groups.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a novel exercise training measure that promotes the muscle strength, flexibility, and balance abilities of elderly groups. The feasibility and applicability of 20-30 min (lowering a heat pack at 73 °C by wrapping it in multiple layers of towels to 40-43 °C before it touched the skin) thermotherapy are increasingly being demonstrated by applications and clinical trials. Studies show that it increases the flexibility of macules and ligament.

Association between Exposure to Particulate Matter Air Pollution during Early Childhood and Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Taiwan.

(1) Background: Recently, a growing number of studies have provided evidence to suggest a strong correlation between air pollution exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we assessed the relationship between early-life exposure to particulate matter (PM), PM., and ADHD; (2) Methods: The National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) contains the medical records, drug information, inspection data, etc.

Kefir peptides ameliorate osteoporosis in AKR1A1 knockout mice with vitamin C deficiency by promoting osteoblastogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

The AKR1A1 protein is a member of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily that catalyzes the transformation of D-glucuronate to L-gulonate in the synthesis of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C, Vit C). We previously demonstrated that AKR1A1 knockout mice (AKR1A1) with Vit C deficiency exhibited aberrant bone formation and osteoporosis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the osteoprotective effects of kefir peptides (KPs) in AKR1A1 mice and uncover the underlying mechanism of KPs in the modulation of bone remodeling.

Association between atrial fibrillation and risk of end-stage renal disease among adults with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). DM is associated with the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), due to poor glycemic control. However, few studies have focused on the risk of developing ESRD among DM patients with and without AF.

Telomeres and Cancer.

Telomeres cap the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes and are indispensable chromatin structures for genome protection and replication. Telomere length maintenance has been attributed to several functional modulators, including telomerase, the shelterin complex, and the CST complex, synergizing with DNA replication, repair, and the RNA metabolism pathway components. As dysfunctional telomere maintenance and telomerase activation are associated with several human diseases, including cancer, the molecular mechanisms behind telomere length regulation and protection need particular emphasis.

Using IVIM Parameters to Differentiate Prostate Cancer and Contralateral Normal Tissue through Fusion of MRI Images with Whole-Mount Pathology Specimen Images by Control Point Registration Method.

The intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) model may enhance the clinical value of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in the detection of prostate cancer (PCa). However, while past IVIM modeling studies have shown promise, they have also reported inconsistent results and limitations, underscoring the need to further enhance the accuracy of IVIM modeling for PCa detection. Therefore, this study utilized the control point registration toolbox function in MATLAB to fuse T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) MRI images with whole-mount pathology specimen images in order to eliminate potential bias in IVIM calculations.

Approach to the Connection between Meconium Consistency and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes: A Retrospective Clinical Review and Prospective In Vitro Study.

Whether meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) serves as an indicator of fetal distress is under debate; however, the presence of MSAF concerns both obstetricians and pediatricians because meconium aspiration is a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality, even with appropriate treatment. The present study suggested that thick meconium in infants might be associated with poor outcomes compared with thin meconium based on chart reviews. In addition, cell survival assays following the incubation of various meconium concentrations with monolayers of human epithelial and embryonic lung fibroblast cell lines were consistent with the results obtained from chart reviews.

The association between EKG abnormalities and the development of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes.

Microalbuminuria is associated with both with chronic kidney disease and various cardiovascular abnormalities. Given the common use of electrocardiograms (EKGs) in diagnosing cardiovascular dysfunction, this study is analyzing the relationship between EKG abnormalities and diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The enrollments of this study were from the 10-year follow-up data (2003-2012) of the Diabetes Management through an Integrated Delivery System project.

Clinical Characteristics of Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-Like Episodes.

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome, a maternally inherited mitochondrial disorder, is characterized by its genetic, biochemical and clinical complexity. The most common mutation associated with MELAS syndrome is the mtDNA A3243G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene encoding the mitochondrial tRNA-leu(UUR), which results in impaired mitochondrial translation and protein synthesis involving the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex subunits, leading to impaired mitochondrial energy production. Angiopathy, either alone or in combination with nitric oxide (NO) deficiency, further contributes to multi-organ involvement in MELAS syndrome.

Clinical spectrum and the comorbidities of Dravet syndrome in Taiwan and the possible molecular mechanisms.

Dravet syndrome (DS) is an uncommon epilepsy syndrome that may negatively affect the patients and their caregivers. However, reliable and valid measures of its impact on caregivers and the characteristics of patients with DS in Taiwan are lacking. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients with DS and concerns of their caregivers and establish a baseline frequency of disease characteristics using a cross-sectional survey in Taiwan.

Novel Coagulation Factor VIII Gene Therapy in a Mouse Model of Hemophilia A by Lipid-Coated FeO Nanoparticles.

Hemophilia A is a bleeding disease caused by loss of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) function. Although prophylactic FVIII infusion prevents abnormal bleeding, disability and joint damage in hemophilia patients are common. The cost of treatment is among the highest for a single disease, and the adverse effects of repeated infusion are still an issue that has not been addressed.

KFP-1, a Novel Calcium-Binding Peptide Isolated from Kefir, Promotes Calcium Influx Through TRPV6 Channels.

Introduction: Kefir is an acidic and alcoholic fermented milk product with multiple health-promoting benefits. A previous study demonstrated that kefir enhanced calcium absorption in intestinal Caco-2 cells. In this study, kefir-fermented peptide-1 (KFP-1) is isolated from the kefir peptide fraction, and its function as a calcium-binding peptide is characterized.

Sex-Specific Association of Uric Acid and Kidney Function Decline in Taiwan.

An elevated serum urate concentration is associated with kidney damage. Men's uric acid levels are usually higher than women's. However, postmenopausal women have a higher risk of gout than men, and comorbidities are also higher than in men.