Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Improves Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Mediated Neovascularization in Mice with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a pivotal role. We examined the impact of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on EPC function in response to tissue ischemia. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J male mice were divided into sham operation and subtotal nephrectomy (SNx) groups, received hindlimb ischemic operation after seven weeks, then randomly received G-CSF or PBS intervention for four weeks with weekly follow-ups.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Trauma Induced Coagulopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Optimal management for trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) is a clinical conundrum. In conjunction with the transfusion of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), additional administration of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) was proposed to bring about further coagulative benefit. However, investigations evaluating the efficacy as well as corresponding side effects were scarce and inconsistent.

Morphing pasta and beyond.

Morphing structures are often engineered with stresses introduced into a flat sheet by leveraging structural anisotropy or compositional heterogeneity. Here, we identify a simple and universal diffusion-based mechanism to enable a transient morphing effect in structures with parametric surface grooves, which can be realized with a single material and fabricated using low-cost manufacturing methods (e.g.

Propolin C Inhibited Migration and Invasion via Suppression of EGFR-Mediated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Controlling lung cancer cell migration and invasion via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway has been demonstrated. Searching biological active phytochemicals to repress EGFR-regulated EMT might prevent lung cancer progression. Propolis has been used as folk medicine in many countries and possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Higher disappearance rate of anti-HBs in Taiwanese freshers neonatally vaccinated with recombinant yeast hepatitis B vaccine.

Background & Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term efficacy of infant recombinant yeast hepatitis B vaccine (Recombinant group) and infant plasma-derived one (Plasma group) in Taiwanese freshers.

Methods: Recruited were a total of 38 377 freshmen who underwent university entrance health examinations from 2003 to 2015. Subjects were assigned into two groups-plasma type and recombinant type, according to the national neonatal hepatitis B immunization program.

Pain Control on Demand Based on Pulsed Radio-Frequency Stimulation of the Dorsal Root Ganglion Using a Batteryless Implantable CMOS SoC.

This paper presents the implementation of a batteryless CMOS SoC with low voltage pulsed radio-frequency (PRF) stimulation. This implantable SoC uses 402 MHz command signals following the medical implanted communication system (MICS) standard and a low frequency (1 MHz) for RF power transmission. A body floating type rectifier achieves 84% voltage conversion ratio.

Predominance of genetic diagnosis and imaging results as predictors in determining the speech perception performance outcome after cochlear implantation in children.

Objective: To investigate the roles of genetic diagnosis and imaging studies, as well as other prognostic factors, in predicting outcomes in children with cochlear implant.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Lifestyle risk factors associated with fatigue in graduate students.

Background/purpose: Fatigue is not only common in clinical patients but is also prevalent in the healthy population. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence rate of fatigue and identify significant risk factors among graduate students.

Methods: Health check-ups were carried out on graduate students who were newly admitted to the National Taiwan University in this cross-sectional study.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B viral markers among freshmen--20 years after mass hepatitis B vaccination program in Taiwan.

Background/purpose: The nationwide hepatitis B vaccination program in Taiwan was well known for its efficacy in reducing the carrier rate of hepatitis B and the morbidity and mortality of hepatitis B-related diseases among children. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B 20 years after this program was implemented.

Methods: A total of 7592 freshmen from one university in Northern Taiwan participated in this study during their school entry health exam in September 2003 and September 2004.