Repurposing of Metformin to Improve Survival Outcomes in Patients With Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Purpose: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) presents a higher incidence rate in Taiwan compared to Western societies. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of metformin in improving survival outcomes for patients with UTUC in Taiwan.

Material And Methods: This retrospective study included 940 patients with UTUC and type 2 diabetes from the Taiwan UTUC Collaboration Group, spanning 21 hospitals from July 1988 to September 2023.

Differential Adjuvant Activity by Flagellins from , Serotype Typhimurium, and .

(1) : The adjuvant properties of flagellin from various bacterial species have been extensively studied; however, a systematic comparison of the immunoadjuvant effects of flagellins from different bacterial species is lacking. This study aims to analyze the amino acid sequences and structural features of flagellins from (FliC), serotype Typhimurium (FliC), and (FliC), and to evaluate their adjuvant activities in terms of Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) activation, antibody production, and cytokine responses in a murine model. (2) : Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to compare the amino acid sequences and structural domains (D0, D1, D2, and D3) of flagellins from the three bacterial species.

Kynurenine-AhR reduces T-cell infiltration and induces a delayed T-cell immune response by suppressing the STAT1-CXCL9/CXCL10 axis in tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is a critical global health issue that is complicated by the ability of the pathogen to delay the host's T-cell immune response. This delay in T-cell recruitment to the site of infection is a pivotal survival strategy for Mtb, allowing it to establish a persistent chronic infection. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, this study focused on Mtb's exploitation of host tryptophan metabolism.

Observation of structural and vascular features of retina and choroid in myopia using ultra-widefield SS-OCTA.

Background: To find the relationship between the changes of retinal and choriodal structure/ vascular densities (VD) and the myopia progress.

Methods: 126 eyes of 126 age-matched young participants were divided into three groups: Emmetropia and Low Myopia (EaLM) (33 eyes), Moderate Myopia (MM) (39 eyes), and High Myopia (HM) (54 eyes). Fundus images measuring 12 × 12 mm were captured using ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

Biodegradation of various grades of polyethylene microplastics by Tenebrio molitor and Tenebrio obscurus larvae: Effects on their physiology.

Polyethylene (PE) is the most productive plastic product and includes three major polymers including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) variation in the PE depends on the branching of the polymer chain and its crystallinity. Tenebrio obscurus and Tenebrio molitor larvae biodegrade PE. We subsequently tested larval physiology, gut microbiome, oxidative stress, and PE degradation capability and degradation products under high-purity HDPE, LLDPE, and LDPE powders (<300 μm) diets for 21 days at 65 ± 5% humidity and 25 ± 0.

The interactions of subcellular organelles in pulmonary fibrosis induced by carbon black nanoparticles: a comprehensive review.

Owing to the widespread use and improper emissions of carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs), the adverse effects of CBNPs on human health have attracted much attention. In toxicological research, carbon black is frequently utilized as a negative control because of its low toxicity and poor solubility. However, recent studies have indicated that inhalation exposure to CBNPs could be a risk factor for severe and prolonged pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.

Risk assessment of pneumothorax in colorectal lung metastases treated by percutaneous thermal ablation: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: To evaluate the risk of pneumothorax in the percutaneous image-guided thermal ablation (IGTA) treatment of colorectal lung metastases (CRLM).

Methods: Data regarding patients with CRLM treated with IGTA from five medical institutions in China from 2016 to 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Pneumothorax and non-pneumothorax were compared using the Student's t -test, χ 2 test and Fisher's exact test.

A nomogramic model for predicting the left ventricular ejection fraction of STEMI patients after thrombolysis-transfer PCI.

Background: The prognosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is closely linked to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In contrast to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), thrombolysis-transfer PCI (TTPCI) is influenced by multiple factors that lead to heterogeneity in cardiac function and prognosis. The aim of this study is to develop a nomogram model for predicting early LVEF in STEMI patients with TTPCI, based on routine indicators at admission.

Deubiquitinase OTUD5 as a Novel Protector against 4-HNE-Triggered Ferroptosis in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Despite the development of advanced technologies for interventional coronary reperfusion after myocardial infarction, a substantial number of patients experience high mortality due to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (MI/R) injury. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms underlying MI/R injury can provide crucial strategies for mitigating myocardial damage and improving patient survival. Here, it is discovered that the 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) accumulates during MI/R, accompanied by high rates of myocardial ferroptosis.

Ocular Surface Evaluation in Immunoglobulin G4-Related Ophthalmic Disease.

Purpose: To evaluate the functional and structural changes of the meibomian glands and ocular surface in immunoglobulin G4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) patients.

Design: Cross-sectional, matched case-control comparison study.

Methods: This study included 64 patients with biopsy-proven IgG4-ROD (aged 63.

Neurophysiology State Dynamics Underlying Acute Neurologic Recovery After Cardiac Arrest.

Background And Objectives: Epileptiform activity and burst suppression are neurophysiology signatures reflective of severe brain injury after cardiac arrest. We aimed to delineate the evolution of coma neurophysiology feature ensembles associated with recovery from coma after cardiac arrest.

Methods: Adults in acute coma after cardiac arrest were included in a retrospective database involving 7 hospitals.

Hierarchically Structured Nanotube Arrays as Heterogenous Photocatalysts for Highly Efficient Broadband Photoinduced Controlled Radical Polymerization.

Highly ordered TiO nanotube arrays (TNTAs) and their heterostructure nanocomposites by structural engineering design were utilized as heterogeneous photocatalysts for highly efficient broadband photoinduced controlled radical polymerization (photoCRP), including photoATRP and PET-RAFT. Highly efficient broadband UV-visible light responsive photoCRP was achieved by combining the acceleration effects of electron transfer derived from the distinctive highly ordered nanotube structure of TNTAs and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect combined with the formation of the Schottky barrier via modification of Au nanoparticles. This polymerization system was capable to polymerize acrylate and methacrylate monomers with high conversion, "living" chain-ends, tightly regulated molecular weights, and outstanding temporal control properties.

Systematic Review of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis for Surgical and Neurostimulation Treatments for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Adults.

Background And Objectives: Surgical and neurostimulator treatments are effective for reducing seizure burden in selected individuals living with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). We aimed to determine the presence and key model determinants for cost-effectiveness of these interventions, compared with medical management alone, to assist with decisions about resource allocation.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on June 1, 2022, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, the NHS Economic Evaluation Database, and the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis database.

Surface modifications of titanium dental implants with strontium eucommia ulmoides to enhance osseointegration and suppress inflammation.

Background: Titanium (Ti) is now widely used as implant material due to its excellent mechanical properties and superior biocompatibilities, while its inert bioactivities might lead to insufficient osseointegration, and limit its performance in dental applications.

Methods: We introduced a robust and simple approach of modifying titanium surfaces with polysaccharide complexes. Titanium samples were subjected to hydrothermal treatment to create a uniform porous structure on the surface, followed by coating with a bioinspired and self-assembly polydopamine layer.

Complications and functional outcomes of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled studies.

Introduction: There are several endoscopic enucleation procedures (EEP) using different energy sources: holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP), Greenlight (GreenVEP) and diode (DiLEP) lasers, and plasma kinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP). The comparative outcomes among these EEPs are unclear. We aimed to compare the peri-operative and post-operative outcomes, complications and functional outcomes among different EEPs.

Peroxiredoxin 2 Is a Potential Objective Indicator for Severity and the Clinical Status of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients.

Purpose: We have demonstrated that peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) released from lytic erythrocytes and damaged neurons into the subarachnoid space could activate microglia and then result in neuronal apoptosis. In this study, we tested the possibility of using Prx2 as an objective indicator for severity of the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the clinical status of the patient.

Materials And Methods: SAH patients were prospectively enrolled and followed up for 3 months.

Peri- and post-operative outcomes, complications, and functional results amongst different modifications of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To investigate and assess outcomes, complications, and functional results amongst different modifications of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP).

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA checklist. We searched the Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases.

Pearls & Oy-sters: Status Epilepticus and Cerebral Edema From Hyperammonemia Due to Disseminated and Species.

Nonhepatic hyperammonemia syndrome is a rare cause of neurologic dysfunction and cerebral edema and has most commonly been reported in posttransplant patients. Only recently has opportunistic infection with species and been found to be key to the pathogenesis. We describe the cases of 3 immunosuppressed patients who developed hyperammonemia syndrome with new-onset refractory status epilepticus and diffuse cerebral edema.

Robust generation of human-chambered cardiac organoids from pluripotent stem cells for improved modelling of cardiovascular diseases.

Background: Tissue organoids generated from human pluripotent stem cells are valuable tools for disease modelling and to understand developmental processes. While recent progress in human cardiac organoids revealed the ability of these stem cell-derived organoids to self-organize and intrinsically formed chamber-like structure containing a central cavity, it remained unclear the processes involved that enabled such chamber formation.

Methods: Chambered cardiac organoids (CCOs) differentiated from human embryonic stem cells (H7) were generated by modulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signalling under fully defined conditions, and several growth factors essential for cardiac progenitor expansion.

Structural Characterization, Rheological Properties, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Polysaccharides from Zingiber officinale.

The structural characteristics, rheological properties, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Zingiber officinale polysaccharides (ZOP) and ZOP-1 were studied. The total soluble sugar contents of ZOP and ZOP-1 were 78.6 ± 0.

The relationship between zinc deficiency and infectious complications in patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute-on-chronic liver failure.

Background: The prevalence of zinc deficiency is high in patients with chronic liver disease, but few studies have hitherto explored the relationship between the serum zinc level and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This study aimed to assess the association between zinc deficiency and infectious complications, and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score in patients with HBV-related ACLF.

Methods: Patients with HBV-related ACLF from the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) between January 2019 and December 2019 were retrospectively analysed in this study.

Prognostic value of fibroblast activation protein expressing tumor volume calculated from [ Ga]Ga-FAPI PET/CT in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of semiquantitative parameters derived from [ Ga]Ga-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis on patients from a prospective parent study (NCT04416165). A total of 45 patients with locally advanced ESCC who underwent [ Ga]Ga-FAPI from December 2019 to March 2021 were included.

Association of CLTA-4 Gene Polymorphisms with Diabetes Mellitus: A Study Based on the Han Population of Northern China.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of CLTA-4 gene polymorphism with Type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (T1DM and T2DM) in the Han population of northern China.

Methods: A total of 234 Chinese Han DM patients and 187 non-diabetic subjects were included in the study. Two gene polymorphisms of the CLTA-4, including CTLA-4+49A/G (rs231775) and CTLA4-318C/T (rs5742909), were studied using polymerase chain reaction-restriction endonuclease fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis.