Association between PM2.5 and skin redness features in Taiwan.

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), has been associated with various health issues, but its effects on skin health, specifically skin redness, remain underexplored. This study aims to examine the relationship between PM2.

Bio-Inspired Ionic Sensors: Transforming Natural Mechanisms into Sensory Technologies.

Many natural organisms have evolved unique sensory systems over millions of years that have allowed them to detect various changes in their surrounding environments. Sensory systems feature numerous receptors-such as photoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, and chemoreceptors-that detect various types of external stimuli, including light, pressure, vibration, sound, and chemical substances. These stimuli are converted into electrochemical signals, which are transmitted to the brain to produce the sensations of sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell.

Guanfacine Use in the ICU for Management of Sedation Weaning.

Recent evidence highlights the increasing utilization of guanfacine in the intensive care unit. While dexmedetomidine is a widely used sedative and anti-anxiety agent in the intensive care unit, prolonged use can lead to withdrawal effects when attempting to reduce the dosage. This has generated interest in using guanfacine to manage agitation in patients being weaned off dexmedetomidine.

Diagnostic accuracy of IgG 4/IgG and IgG 4 in patients with IgG 4-related disease: a meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of immunoglobulin G4/Immunoglobulin G (IgG 4/IgG) and immunoglobulin G4 (IgG 4) alone in identifying immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG 4-RD).

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using data from Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception to November 2024. Two meta-analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic accuracies of IgG 4/IgG and IgG 4 in IgG 4-RD patients.

Bone Regeneration Enhanced by Quercetin-Capped Selenium Nanoparticles via miR206/Connexin43, WNT, and BMP signaling pathways.

Age-related alterations in the skeletal system are linked to decreased bone mass, a reduction in bone strength and density, and an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Therapeutics are desired to stimulate bone regeneration and restore imbalance in the bone remodeling process. Quercetin (Qu), a naturally occurring flavonoid, induces osteogenesis; however, its solubility, stability, and bioavailability limit its therapeutic use.

Tomatine Improves Glucose Metabolism and Mitochondrial Respiration in Insulin-Resistant Hepatocyte Cell Lines AML12 and HepG2 via an AMP-Activated Protein Kinase-Dependent Pathway.

Insulin resistance (IR) disrupts hepatic glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function, which contributes to metabolic disorders. The present study examined the effects of tomatine on glucose metabolism in high-glucose-induced IR hepatocytes and explored its underlying mechanisms using AML12 and HepG2 cell models. The results showed that tomatine did not exhibit cytotoxic effects.

Structural investigation of an RNA device that regulates PD-1 expression in mammalian cells.

Synthetic RNA devices are engineered to control gene expression and offer great potential in both biotechnology and clinical applications. Here, we present multidisciplinary structural and biochemical data for a tetracycline (Tc)-responsive RNA device (D43) in both ligand-free and bound states, providing a structure-dynamical basis for signal transmission. Activation of self-cleavage is achieved via ligand-induced conformational and dynamical changes that stabilize the elongated bridging helix harboring the communication module, which drives proper coordination of the catalytic residues.

Lived Experience of South Korean Pregnant Women at Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study.

This study examined South Korean pregnant women's workplace experiences through Meleis' transition theory. Twenty participants engaged in online focus groups, discussing pregnancy, childbirth, prenatal care, and COVID-19 concerns. Content analysis revealed 15 themes reflecting transition theory's components.

Perspectives of traditional healers, faith healers, and biomedical providers about mental illness treatment: qualitative study from rural Uganda.

Most people with mental illness in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not receive biomedical treatment, though many seek care from traditional healers and faith healers. We conducted a qualitative study in Buyende District, Uganda, using framework analysis. Data collection included interviews with 24 traditional healers, 20 faith healers, and 23 biomedical providers, plus 4 focus group discussions.

Phosphorylation of an RNA-Binding Protein Rck/Me31b by Hippo Is Essential for Adipose Tissue Aging.

The metazoan lifespan is determined in part by a complex signaling network that regulates energy metabolism and stress responses. Key signaling hubs in this network include insulin/IGF-1, AMPK, mTOR, and sirtuins. The Hippo/Mammalian Ste20-like Kinase1 (MST1) pathway has been reported to maintain lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans, but its role has not been studied in higher metazoans.

Adipose stromal cells increase insulin sensitivity and decrease liver gluconeogenesis in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of hyperglycemic emergency caused by insulin deficiency through accelerated liver gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. DKA is most common in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Transplantation of islet cells and pancreas is an alternative to insulin injection for treating T1D.

Whose sleep matters? Untangling the relationships between maternal sleep, child sleep, and maternal depressive symptoms in the first two years of life.

Infants frequently experience sleep problems in early childhood. Poor infant sleep can impact not only infants' cognitive development but also maternal sleep and maternal mental health. Studies have reported associations between infant sleep and maternal sleep and between infant sleep and maternal depression.

Effect of lockdown during COVID-19 pandemic on physical endurance among healthy male university students in Wuhan: a retrospective cohort study.

We aimed at investigating the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the time required to complete a 1000-m run and vital capacity (VC) among healthy male students at three universities in Wuhan, China, followed for four years covering the prepandemic (2019), early/late pandemic (2020/2021), and post-pandemic (2022) periods. Demographic information including age, body height/weight, and body mass index (BMI) were also collected. After dividing the participants into four groups based on BMI (i.

Brain Perfusion, Atrophy, and Dopaminergic Changes in Amyloid Negative Logopenic Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Although most cases of logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) are caused by Alzheimer's disease (AD), Lewy body disease (LBD) has also been reported. We assessed brain perfusion, atrophy, dopamine transporter (DAT) uptake, and language function among patients with lvPPA based on beta-amyloid. Thirty-three patients with lvPPA and 28 healthy controls (HCs) underwent MRI, F-florbetaben PET, and early- and late-phase DAT PET.

Whole-genome sequencing-based characterization of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from cattle and pig slaughterhouses.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes human listeriosis and may be transmitted to humans via the food chain, beginning at slaughter and extending through food production and consumption. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis to determine the genetic characteristics of L. monocytogenes from the carcasses and environments of cattle and pig slaughterhouses in Korea.

A multicenter pilot study of the effectiveness and safety of a monopolar radiofrequency device for improving periorbital and facial fine wrinkles.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of a new monopolar radiofrequency device equipped with a 5 cm tip, against fine wrinkles around the eyes and cheeks.

Materials And Methods: This multicentered, prospective pilot study involved treating participants with mild-to-moderate wrinkles on both periorbital areas and cheeks using the monopolar radiofrequency device for one session. One and four months after treatment, wrinkle reduction, overall esthetic improvement, adverse events, and vital signs were evaluated.

SIRT2 Regulates Apoptosis Signaling in Hyperoxic Acute Lung Injury.

Purpose: Oxygen therapy is helpful for patients with breathing difficulties; however, sustained supplementation with high-concentration oxygen can cause hyperoxic acute lung injury. Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent deacetylase, has been shown to be involved in pulmonary fibrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation. Here, we elucidated the role of SIRT2 in hyperoxic acute lung injury.

MRI-based Deep Learning Algorithm for Assisting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Detection: A Bicenter Prospective Study.

Background Although artificial intelligence is actively being developed for prostate MRI, few studies have prospectively validated these tools. Purpose To compare the diagnostic performance of a commercial deep learning algorithm (DLA) and radiologists' clinical reports for cancer detection in participants from two hospitals using histopathologic findings from biopsy specimens as the reference standard. Materials and Methods This prospective bicenter study enrolled participants suspected of having prostate cancer (PCa) who were scheduled for biopsy based on clinical information, including prostate MRI, from December 2022 to July 2023.

Oral hygiene of palliative patients in hospice wards: a best practice implementation project.

Introduction: Oral hygiene is crucial in palliative care, as it directly affects patient comfort and quality of life.

Aim: This study aimed to enhance oral hygiene practices in hospice wards by aligning them with evidence-based guidelines, evaluating current practices, identifying barriers, and implementing targeted interventions.

Methods: This study was conducted at Changhua Christian Hospital in Taiwan and involved 18 nurses and 30 unique patients.

Miliary Mesothelioma.

Miliary spread of mesothelioma is a rare but important manifestation of late-stage disease, likely due to hematogenous dissemination. This case highlights characteristic CT imaging findings, emphasizing the need for awareness among clinicians and radiologists. Recognizing this pattern can aid in diagnosis, prognostication, and appropriate referral for palliative management.

Effects of alpha-ketoisocaproate in oxidative stress-induced C2C12 myotubes via inhibition of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2.

Sarcopenia is an age-related muscle atrophy characterized by decreased muscle mass and function. However, potential treatments to alleviate sarcopenia remain limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of α-ketoisocaproate (KIC) on C2C12 differentiation and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced atrophy in C2C12 myotubes.

Urine Leukocyte Counts for Differentiating Asymptomatic Bacteriuria From Urinary Tract Infection and Predicting Secondary Bacteremia.

Background: Differentiating between asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and urinary tract infection (UTI) is difficult in patients who have difficulty communicating their symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of urine leukocytes in distinguishing between UTI and ASB, and the clinical outcomes of patients with UTI according to the degree of pyuria.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with positive urine cultures between July 2022 and June 2023 at two hospitals.

Ethical considerations in AI for child health and recommendations for child-centered medical AI.

There does not exist any previous comprehensive review on AI ethics in child health or any guidelines for management, unlike in adult medicine. This review describes ethical principles in AI for child health and provides recommendations for child-centered medical AI. We also introduce the Pediatrics EthicAl Recommendations List for AI (PEARL-AI) framework for clinicians and AI developers to ensure ethical AI enabled systems in healthcare for children.

A comparative study of patient safety culture from departed and on-the-job nurses' viewpoints.

Purpose: This study aims to first investigate and compare the perceptions of departed and on-the-job nurses in the patient safety culture and then identify critical dimension(s) that might affect these two groups.

Design/methodology/approach: A chi-squared test is employed to find critical demographic variables between departed and on-the-job nurses. In addition, linear regression with forward selection is used to identify the essential dimensions of the Chinese version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (CSAQ) that affect the overall satisfaction of the patient safety culture in a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan.