A Decision Tree Model Using Urine Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers for Predicting Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Females.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) was associated with bladder inflammation and tissue hypoxia with oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to investigate the profiles of urine inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in females with LUTD and to develop a urine biomarker-based decision tree model for the prediction. Urine samples were collected from 31 female patients with detrusor overactivity (DO), 45 with dysfunctional voiding (DV), and 114 with bladder pain syndrome (BPS).

Stratum corneum nanotexture feature detection using deep learning and spatial analysis: a noninvasive tool for skin barrier assessment.

Background: Corneocyte surface nanoscale topography (nanotexture) has recently emerged as a potential biomarker for inflammatory skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis (AD). This assessment method involves quantifying circular nano-size objects (CNOs) in corneocyte nanotexture images, enabling noninvasive analysis via stratum corneum (SC) tape stripping. Current approaches for identifying CNOs rely on computer vision techniques with specific geometric criteria, resulting in inaccuracies due to the susceptibility of nano-imaging techniques to environmental noise and structural occlusion on the corneocyte.

Practical Application of the COuGH RefluX Score for Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Symptoms: Real-World Assessment in Predicting Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Proton-Pump Inhibitor Response.

Introduction: The COuGH RefluX score has been validated to predict likelihood of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in patients with laryngopharyngeal symptoms (LPS) using parameters of cough, overweight, globus, hiatal hernia, regurgitation, and male sex. The aim of this study was to assess the real-world value of the COuGH RefluX score in predicting proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) response in patients with LPS.

Methods: Patients with LPS for > 3 months were prospectively enrolled and assessed using the Reflux Symptom Index and 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring.

Progesterone receptor isoform B in the stroma of squamous cervical carcinoma: An independent favorable prognostic marker correlating with hematogenous metastasis.

Objectives: To ascertain the prognostic role of the expression levels of estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) within the stroma microenvironment of cervical cancer and explore their correlation with clinical parameters.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved patients with cervical cancer diagnosed and treated at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital between 2000 and 2010. ERα, PRB, and PR (A + B) expression levels in 169 cervical carcinoma samples, including both the tumor and stromal components, were independently scored by two pathologists, and survival and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed.

Global tilt angle in spinal alignment of asymptomatic older women with low bone mass.

This study investigated the relationship between sagittal spinal alignment and musculoskeletal health in older women, particularly those exhibiting diminished bone density without apparent symptoms. The study assessed the impact of global tilt (GT) and the presence of coronal malalignment on spinal health. The research involved 165 asymptomatic older women with an average age of 68.

Incidence and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy After Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The impact of cataract surgery on diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and progression of DR in patients with DM who underwent cataract surgery.

Design: Meta-analysis.

ToxTeller: Predicting Peptide Toxicity Using Four Different Machine Learning Approaches.

Examining the toxicity of peptides is essential for therapeutic peptide-based drug design. Machine learning approaches are frequently used to develop highly accurate predictors for peptide toxicity prediction. In this paper, we present ToxTeller, which provides four predictors using logistic regression, support vector machines, random forests, and XGBoost, respectively.

The Assessment of Retinal Image Quality Using a Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera in a Teleophthalmologic Platform.

This study assesses the quality of retinal images captured using a non-mydriatic fundus camera within a teleophthalmologic platform in Taiwan. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-mydriatic fundus cameras for remote retinal screening and identify factors impacting image quality. From June 2020 to August 2022, 629 patients from five rural infirmaries underwent ophthalmic examinations, with fundus images captured without pupil dilation.

Overview of clinical status, treatment, and long-term outcomes of pediatric autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease: a nationwide survey in Taiwan.

This retrospective study investigated the incidence, medication use, and outcomes in pediatric autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). A 1:4 matched control group of individuals included in the NHIRD during the same period was used for comparative analyses. A total of 621 pediatric patients were identified from 2009 to 2019 (mean age, 9.

Risk factors for reoperation after discectomy of lumbar herniated intervertebral disc disease.

Objectives: Discectomy is the most common surgery for lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD) disease. However, 5%-24% of patients undergo a second surgery due to recurrent disc herniation.

Materials And Methods: This study was aimed to identify the risk factors for reoperation after discectomy of lumbar HIVD and recommend treatment for patients with a high risk of reoperation.

The Therapeutic Potential of Intra-Articular Injection of Synthetic Deer Antler Peptides in a Rat Model of Knee Osteoarthritis.

Synthetic deer antler peptides (TSKYR, TSK, and YR) stimulate the proliferation of human chondrocytes and osteoblasts and increase the chondrocyte content of collagen and glycosamino-glycan in vitro. This study investigated the peptide mixture's pain relief and chondroprotective effect in a rat model of collagenase-induced osteoarthritis. Thirty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control (saline), positive control (hyaluronic acid), and ex-perimental (peptides).

Research of Global Tilt and Functional Independence: Insights into Spinal Health of Older Women.

Spinal alignment intricately influences functional independence, particularly in older women with osteopenia experiencing mild neck and back pain. This study elucidates the interplay between spinal alignment, bone mineral density (BMD), and muscle strength in elderly women presenting with mild neck and back pain. Focusing on a cohort of 189 older women, we examined the associations among global tilt (GT), coronal and sagittal alignment, BMD, grip strength, and functional independence as gauged by the Barthel index.

Skin Barrier- and Immune Response-Related Biomarkers of Solar UVR Exposure Comparing Indoor and Outdoor Workers.

Outdoor workers have increased risk of developing keratinocyte cancer due to accumulated skin damage resulting from chronic and excessive exposure to UVR. This study aims to identify potential noninvasive biomarkers to assess chronic UVR exposure. We analyzed stratum corneum biomarkers collected from 2 skin locations and 2 occupational groups with contrasting solar UVR exposure: the forehead and retroauricular skin among outdoor workers and indoor workers.

Effects of integrated intrinsic foot muscle exercise with foot core training device on balance and body composition among community-dwelling adults aged 60 and above.

Background: Evidence on the effects of plantar intrinsic foot muscle exercise in older adults remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an integrated intrinsic foot muscle exercise program with a novel three-dimensional printing foot core training device on balance and body composition in community-dwelling adults aged 60 and above.

Methods: A total of 40 participants aged ≥ 60 years were enrolled in this quasi-experimental, single-group, pretest-posttest design; participants were categorized into two groups, those with balance impairment and those without balance impairment.

Satisfaction with Teleophthalmology Services: Insights from Remote Areas of Taiwan.

During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, teleophthalmology provided access to eye care for rural populations. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of and satisfaction with an integrated real-time videoconferencing module. This project incorporated ophthalmic instruments and telecommunication devices and provided on-site consultations via videoconferencing.

Incidence, prevalence, and medical costs of pressure injuries in Taiwan from 2001 to 2015: Results of a retrospective cohort study.

Aims And Objectives: This study aims to analyse the trends in the incidence, prevalence and medical costs of pressure injuries (PIs) among genders in Taiwan.

Background: The treatment of PIs is complex and costly, often leading to complications and increased mortality. This issue significantly impacts healthcare quality and incurs substantial medical and social costs, warranting attention.

Therapeutic advantage of teriparatide in very elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures: a functional and BMD analysis.

Background: Teriparatide, a recombinant parathyroid hormone, is pivotal in osteoporosis treatment, particularly in post-surgical recovery for hip fractures. This study investigates its efficacy in functional recovery post-hip fracture surgery in elderly patients, a demographic particularly susceptible to osteoporotic fractures.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 150 elderly patients with proximal femoral fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation were enrolled.

Effects of Aloe vera on Burn Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Burn injuries cause severe pain, infection risks, psychological distress, financial burdens, and mortality, necessitating effective care. Aloe vera, a traditional burn remedy, shows wound-healing potential, but its analgesic effects and efficacy with varying burn severity are uncertain. This study aims to investigate A.

Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Atropine on Myopia Prevention in Premyopic Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Early-onset myopia increases the risk of irreversible high myopia. This study systematically evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose atropine for myopia control in children with premyopia through meta-analysis using random-effects models. Effect sizes were calculated using risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Cerebrospinal fluid shunt surgery reduces the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a nationwide population-based propensity-weighted cohort study.

Background: Patients with idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) are predisposed to developing dementing disorders. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt implantation is a treatment used to improve the motor and cognitive disabilities of these patients; however, its effect on the risk of developing dementing disorders remains unclear. We conducted a population-based propensity-weighted cohort study to investigate whether CSF shunt surgery may reduce the risk of subsequently developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and vascular dementia in iNPH patients.

Correlations between Sagittal Parameters and Functional Scores in 65-Year-Old Osteoporotic Females with Vertebral Body Fracture under Low-Energy Mechanism.

: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are the most common fragility fractures associated with low-energy injury mechanisms in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. No clear consensus is currently available on the optimal timing for surgical intervention in specific cases. : This study examined the correlations between sagittal parameters, functional scores, and the appropriate timing for surgical intervention during the recovery stage in patients with osteoporosis with thoracolumbar (TL) vertebral body fractures.

Myopia progression after cessation of atropine in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To comprehensively assess rebound effects by comparing myopia progression during atropine treatment and after discontinuation. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted up to 20 September 2023, using the keywords "myopia," "rebound," and "discontinue.

Dermoscopic features of pigmented basal cell carcinoma according to size.

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer in humans, requires early detection. Dermoscopy enhances diagnostic accuracy through a noninvasive approach. Pigmented BCC (pBCC) is characterized by distinctive dermoscopic features, including the presence of pigmented globules or nests.