Promoter hypermethylation-mediated downregulation of PAX6 promotes tumor growth and metastasis during the progression of liver cancer.

Background: The progression of liver cancer is a complicated process that involves genetic and epigenetic changes. Paired box 6 (PAX6) is a critical transcription factor for embryonic development. PAX6 is abnormally methylated in human cancer.

Investigating medication adherence among Taiwanese patient with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes: A pilot study using the Chinese version of a Two-Part Medication Nonadherence Scale and the NHI MediCloud system.

Background: This pilot study aimed to investigate medication nonadherence among Taiwanese patients with diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia using the Chinese version of the Two-Part Medication Nonadherence Scale (C-TPMNS) and the National Health Insurance (NHI) Medicloud system. The study revealed insights into the factors contributing to nonadherence and the implications for improving patient adherence to medications for chronic conditions. However, the small sample size limits the generalizability of the findings.

Association Between Use of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor and the Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease With Coexisting Diabetes and Heart Failure.

Purpose: This study was to investigate the association between the use of Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI; ie, Sacubitril + valsartan, Product name ENTRESTO) and the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients with coexisting diabetes and heart failure. Specifically, the study compared outcomes between patients using SGLT2i or valsartan + sacubitril and those not using these medications.

Methods: This study utilized data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) from 2017 to 2018.

SOX1 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Repressing HES1 in Lung Cancer.

The development of lung cancer is a complex process that involves many genetic and epigenetic changes. Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box (SOX) genes encode a family of proteins that are involved in the regulation of embryonic development and cell fate determination. SOX1 is hypermethylated in human cancers.

Synthesis Metakaolin-Based Geopolymer Incorporated with SiC Sludge Using Design of Experiment Method.

This study uses metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, sodium metasilicate, and water content as the reaction variables in the application of the design of experiment (DOE) method. At the same time, the various component factors and their interactions were analyzed to understand how these factors affect the mechanical properties of a metakaolin-based geopolymer incorporated with SiC sludge (SCSGPs). The results of the statistical analysis showed that the compressive strength of SCSGPs was affected by the Na/Si molar ratio (NSR) (p-level = 0.

The role of a synanthropic bird in the nest niche expansion of a secondary cavity nester to man-made structures.

Species with similar ecological characters often compete with each other; however, a species may also facilitate the survival or reproduction of another ecologically similar species, although such interaction is rarely documented in birds. Here, we reported a facilitative species interaction between Asian house martins () and russet sparrows (), both passerines using closed nests, in a montane farming area of Taiwan. We found that Asian house martins constructed dome-shaped nests in human houses that provided additional nest sites for russet sparrows, secondary cavity nesters with greatly declining populations in Taiwan.

[Effect of a Simple Home-Based Oral Care Regimen on Oral Mucositis in Patients With Oral Cavity and Nasopharyngeal Cancer: A Quasi-Experimental Study].

Background: The majority of patients with oral cavity and nasopharyngeal cancer experience severe oral mucositis during concurrent radiochemotherapy. The effectiveness of routine nursing education remains limited.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a simple home-based oral care regimen on oral mucositis.

Notch1/Hes1‑PTEN/AKT/IL‑17A feedback loop regulates Th17 cell differentiation in mouse psoriasis‑like skin inflammation.

IL‑17A, the effector cytokine of T helper (Th) 17 cells, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The Notch1 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are implicated in Th17 cell differentiation and IL‑17A production. The present study aimed to evaluate the regulatory effect of the Notch1/hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1)‑PTEN/AKT/IL‑17A feedback loop on Th17 cell differentiation via the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 in a mouse model of psoriasis.

Risk of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Births with Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Population-Based Cohort Study in Taiwan.

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a risk factor that plays an important role in retinopathy in preterm infants. We used population data of infants to investigate this relationship. This study evaluated whether respiratory distress syndrome was associated with an increased incidence of ROP in preterm infants.

Recycling of Silicon Carbide Sludge on the Preparation and Characterization of Lightweight Foamed Geopolymer Materials.

This study used silicon carbide sludge (SCS) to prepare lightweight foaming geopolymer materials (FGPs) by the direct foaming method. Results showed that when the SCS replacement level was 10%, the bulk density of the lightweight FGPs with added foaming agent amounts of 0.5% and 2.

Vaccination distribution by community pharmacists under the COVID-19 vaccine appointment system in Taiwan.

Pharmacists play a critical role in implementing and promoting public health policies, particularly during pandemics, thanks to their exceptional skills, knowledge, expertise, and accessibility to the public. This study aimed to increase the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in a coordinated manner to ensure equal accessibility to all Taiwanese residents. A total of 3301 health insurance special pharmacies, equivalent to 80% of all community pharmacies in Taiwan, are assisting the public in scheduling vaccines.

Stroke risk associated with NSAIDs uses in women with dysmenorrhea: A population-based cohort study.

Objective: Dysmenorrhea is among the most common type of gynecological problem, affecting young women across the globe. This study assessed the comparative risk of stroke associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and non-NSAIDs in women with dysmenorrhea while taking into account the following factors such as age, history of pregnancy, NSAIDs uses and its duration of use, and selected comorbidities.

Methodology: We used a quantitative research approach based on a comparative case-control study design.

Medical Costs of Stroke Care Between Women With and Without Dysmenorrhea: A Population-Based Comparison.

This study investigated the medical care costs of stroke type between age-matched cohorts with and without dysmenorrhea using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). We collected all 66,048 women with dysmenorrhea and 66,048 women without dysmenorrhea whose age (15-44-year-old) and index year (from 1997 to 2013) were matched for comparison. We assessed the incidence and compared the risk of stroke and stroke subtype in two cohorts.

Effects of the Health-Awareness-Strengthening Lifestyle Program in a Randomized Trial of Young Adults with an At-Risk Mental State.

Background: Increasing health awareness in health promotion is considered as one of the less stigmatized interventions for improving help-seeking behaviors and total well-being. This study aimed to explore the short-term and long-term effectiveness of the health-awareness-strengthening lifestyle (HASL) program on Taiwanese young adults with at-risk mental state.

Methods: A pre- and post-test randomized trial was conducted on 92 young adults with at-risk mental state.

Outcomes of Infection and Risk of Mortality in Liver Transplant Patients with Simultaneous Splenectomy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of infection between liver transplant patients with and without simultaneous splenectomy.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 211 patients who underwent liver transplantation in the Tri-Service General Hospital from 2012 to 2017. The frequency of blood cultures obtained after liver transplantation; incidence of bacteremia, pathogens, and complications; and overall survival rates were compared between the groups.

Regulation of carcinogenesis and mediation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling by 3,3'-diindolylmethane in an enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cell line.

Enzalutamide (ENZ) is an important drug used to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which inhibits androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Previous study showed that 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) is an AR antagonist that also inhibits Wnt signaling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). To investigate whether combined treatment with ENZ and DIM can overcome ENZ resistance by regulating Wnt signaling to inhibit AR signaling and EMT in ENZ-resistant prostate cancer cells, 22Rv1 cells were cultured in normal medium and treated with ENZ, DIM, and DIM with ENZ.

The pharmaceutical practice of mask distribution by pharmacists in Taiwan's community pharmacies under the Mask Real-Name System, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Background: Pharmacists hold to their promise to foster, implement and promote the health of the population and to prevent disease, given their knowledge, skills, and proximity to the locals. The objective of this study was to foster equality and cost-effectiveness in the distribution and sale of masks to all Taiwanese citizens, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: All 6336 special community pharmacies participating in the NHI (National Health Insurance) served as mask-selling sites.

NKX6.1 Represses Tumorigenesis, Metastasis, and Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer.

Accumulating evidence suggests that NKX6.1 (NK homeobox 1) plays a role in various types of cancer. In our previous studies, we identified hypermethylation as a promising marker and demonstrated that the NKX6.

Occupational health and safety hazards faced by healthcare professionals in Taiwan: A systematic review of risk factors and control strategies.

Background: Healthcare professionals in Taiwan are exposed to a myriad of occupational health and safety hazards, including physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. Healthcare professionals working in hospitals and healthcare facilities are more likely to be subjected to these hazards than their counterparts working in other areas.

Objectives: This review aims to assess current research literature regarding this situation with a view to informing policy makers and practitioners about the risks of exposure and offer evidence-based recommendations on how to eliminate or reduce such risks.

Emetine Synergizes with Cisplatin to Enhance Anti-Cancer Efficacy against Lung Cancer Cells.

Cisplatin is still the primary therapeutic choice for advanced lung cancers without driver mutations. The occurrence of cisplatin resistance is a major clinical problem in lung cancer treatment. The natural extracted agent emetine reportedly has anticancer effects.