A Comprehensive Analysis of Moist Versus Non-Moist Dressings for Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Aims: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the efficacy of moist versus non-moist dressings for split-thickness skin graft (STSG) donor sites, focusing on time to healing, pain management, and adverse events to guide clinical practice.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases including Ovid/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus up to November 28, 2023. The study adhered to PRISMA guidelines.

High Intelectin-1 Expression Associated with Aggressive Tumor Behavior and Worse Survival in Rectal Cancer.

Background: Multimodal treatment involving preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery is the current standard of care for rectal cancer. Despite advancements, the risk of recurrence, metastasis, and decreased survival remains high. This study aims to evaluate potential biomarkers to stratify prognosis in patients with rectal cancer undergoing preoperative CRT and surgery.

Neural plate pre-patterning enables specification of intermediate neural progenitors in the spinal cord.

Dorsal-ventral patterning of neural progenitors in the posterior neural tube, which gives rise to the spinal cord, has served as a model system to understand how extracellular signals organize developing tissues. While previous work has shown that signaling gradients diversify progenitor fates at the dorsal and ventral ends of the tissue, the basis of fate specification in intermediate regions has remained unclear. Here we use zebrafish to investigate the neural plate, which precedes neural tube formation, and show that its pre-patterning by a distinct signaling environment enables intermediate fate specification.

Real-world efficacy and safety of universal 8-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic hepatitis C with early chronic kidney disease or pre-end-stage renal disease: Insights from a nationwide hepatisis C virus registry in Taiwan.

An 8-week regimen of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is recommended for treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In alignment with the Taiwanese government's objective to eliminate hepatitis C by 2025, this study aimed to provide real-world evidence on the use of this regimen in treatment-naïve patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by using data from the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver HCV Registry (TACR). CKD was defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.

Nano- and Micro-SiO With Integrated Green Chemistry-Based Superhydrophobic Coating for Robust Antifouling and Anticorrosion Properties.

With increasing energy demands, the need for coating materials with exceptional superhydrophobic properties has grown substantially. However, the widespread use of fluorinated compounds, solvents, and polymer-based synthetic materials has led to heightened levels of microplastics and pollutants. Here, we used a self-curing, solvent-free, and recyclable polyester polyol polymer material combined with (5 and 6.

Interpenetration Control in Metal-Organic Polyrotaxanes via Solvent Composition and Ligand Steric-Modulation: Supramolecular Isomerism and Luminescence Detection toward Fe3+ Ions.

Three fluorescent Zn coordaintion polymers (CPs) have been synthesized from the reactions of Zn(NO3)2∙6H2O, benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (1,4-H2bdc), and angular carbazole-derived bispyridyl ligands (Cz-3,6-bpy or Cz-Pr-3,6-bpy). CPs 1-3 all adopt similar two-dimensional (2D) ring-and-rod layer structures, described as topologically 4-connected 2∙65 nets where the Zn(II) centers act as 4-connected nodes. CPs 1 and 2 are a pair of solvent-mediated supramolecular isomers where the former shows a two-fold interlocked 2D → 2D polyrotaxane-like entangled net and the latter reveals a four-fold interpenetrated 2D → 3D polyrotaxane entanglement.

Impact of Functional Fluorinated Porphyrins on the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells.

Additives play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), and carefully designed additives contribute to major breakthroughs in device performance. In this study, a series of novel A-π-A-type porphyrin derivatives-PPH-1, PPH-2, and PPF-1-are synthesized, each incorporating pyridyl groups, specifically engineered to function as passivation agents for PSCs. The electron-withdrawing properties of fluorine in PPF-1 increase the molecular polarity, thereby strengthening its interaction with the perovskite and enhancing the passivation efficacy.

Safety and Antioxidant Assessments of BLR-E50, 50% Ethanolic Extract from Red Beans Co-fermented by Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus bulgaricus.

Since red beans have poor textural properties, fermentation is commonly used to help produce better pulse products. To obtain BLR-E50, red beans are fermented using a co-culture of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus bulgaricus, followed by extraction with 50% ethanol. The present data demonstrate that BLR-E50 did not exhibit mutagenicity, genotoxicity, or subacute oral toxicity.

Evaluating Variability in Decision-Making Among Spine Surgeons Treating Adult Spine Deformity.

Background Context: Significant variability in the management of Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) has been observed among spine surgeons worldwide. The variability among Canadian spine surgeons, a country with universal public healthcare, remains unknown.

Purpose: The study aims to evaluate areas of variability in the peri-operative optimization and surgical management of ASD among Canadian spine surgeons.

Virtual Human Retina: Simulating Neural Signalling, Degeneration, and Responses to Electrical Stimulation.

Introduction: Current brain-based visual prostheses pose significant challenges impeding adoption such as the necessarily complex surgeries and occurrence of more substantial side effects due to the sensitivity of the brain. This has led to much effort toward vision restoration being focused on the more approachable part of the brain - the retina. Here we introduce a novel, parameterized simulation platform that enables study of human retinal degeneration and optimization of stimulation strategies.

Mild autonomous cortisol secretion in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma and risk for cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction.

Background: Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is common in adrenal adenomas, including patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) with aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA). This study investigated the impact of MACS on cardiac remodeling and diastolic dysfunction in patients with APA.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 483 patients with APA.

Surveillance and genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhea virus in dairy herds across Taiwan.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) significantly impacts cattle worldwide, causing respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive disorders that lead to substantial economic losses. Despite its high global prevalence and various genotypes, the infection status of BVDV in Taiwan has not been reported. This study conducted large-scale surveillance in 2014, analyzing 460 bovine serum samples collected from 49 dairy herds across Taiwan.

Exercise as a mediator between childhood adversity and psychological distress: Can BDNF moderate the mediating effect?

Background: Adverse childhood events (ACEs) have been associated with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in young adulthood. To identify at-risk individuals and potential strategies to combat the negative impacts of ACE, this study investigated the mediating role of exercise in the relationship between psychological distress and ACEs. Further, we examined the moderating effect of the BDNF polymorphism in the mediation relationship.

FORCE platform overcomes barriers of oligonucleotide delivery to muscle and corrects myotonic dystrophy features in preclinical models.

Background: We developed the FORCE platform to overcome limitations of oligonucleotide delivery to muscle and enable their applicability to neuromuscular disorders. The platform consists of an antigen-binding fragment, highly specific for the human transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1), conjugated to an oligonucleotide via a cleavable valine-citrulline linker. Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by expanded CUG triplets in the DMPK RNA, which sequester splicing proteins in the nucleus, lead to spliceopathy, and drive disease progression.

Clinical Relevancies of Sarcopenic Obesity in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD).

Aim: Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is associated with adverse outcomes in diseased patients. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risks associated with SO, with a focus on the impact of SO on cardiovascular risk in patients with MASLD.

Materials And Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients with MASLD were prospectively enrolled.

Intercellular TIMP-1-CD63 signaling directs the evolution of immune escape and metastasis in KRAS-mutated pancreatic cancer cells.

Background And Aims: Oncogenic KRAS mutations are present in approximately 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, Kras mutation alone is insufficient to transform precancerous cells into metastatic PDAC. This study investigates how KRAS-mutated epithelial cells acquire the capacity to escape senescence or even immune clearance, thereby progressing to advanced PDAC.

Harnessing the synergy of Urochloa brizantha and Amazonian Dark Earth microbiomes for enhanced pasture recovery.

Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are fertile soils from the Amazon rainforest that harbor microorganisms with biotechnological potential. This study aimed to investigate the individual and potential synergistic effects of a 2% portion of ADEs and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu roots (Brazil's most common grass species used for pastures) on soil prokaryotic communities and overall soil attributes in degraded soil.

Targeting FABP4/UCP2 axis to overcome cetuximab resistance in obesity-driven CRC with drug-tolerant persister cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is closely linked to obesity, a condition that significantly impacts tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Although cetuximab, an EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody, is a cornerstone in metastatic CRC treatment, resistance often emerges, leading to poor outcomes. This study investigated the role of drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells and their metabolic interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME) in cetuximab resistance.

Heat-inactivated Lactobacillus casei strain GKC1 Mitigates osteoporosis development in vivo via enhanced osteogenesis.

Osteoporosis, a significant bone disease predominantly affecting elderly and postmenopausal women, leads to increased bone fragility and fracture risk, presenting a major public health concern with substantial socioeconomic implications. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Lactobacillus strains, known for their immunomodulatory properties, in an ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mouse model. Among three tested strains Lactobacillus casei GKC1, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GKLC1, and Lactobacillus johnsonii GKJ2, GKC1 demonstrated superior efficacy in promoting osteogenesis-related gene expression, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2).

Melanophilin-induced primary cilia promote pancreatic cancer metastasis.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors because of its high metastatic ability. The glutamine (Gln)-deficient microenvironment contributes to PDAC metastasis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that melanophilin (MLPH) promotes PDAC metastasis by inducing the regrowth of primary cilia.

The Effects of Gymnastics Programs with Different Cognitive Loads on Working Memory and Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to investigate the effects of gymnastics programs with high versus low cognitive load on children's visuospatial working memory (VSWM) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) oxygenation.

Methods: Eighty-one healthy children aged 7 to 10 from Taipei City were randomly assigned to high cognitive load (HG), low cognitive load (LG), and control (SC) groups. The HG and LG groups underwent an 8-week gymnastics program with different levels of cognitive load, while the SC group participated in a static course.

Exploring mental health symptoms in elite athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis on sex differences.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected elite athletes, leading to increased mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Sex differences in mental health may exist among athletes during the COVID-19 crisis. This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine sex differences in mental health symptoms among elite athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Probing quantum floating phases in Rydberg atom arrays.

The floating phase, a critical incommensurate phase, has been theoretically predicted as a potential intermediate phase between crystalline ordered and disordered phases. In this study, we investigate the different quantum phases that arise in ladder arrays comprising up to 92 neutral-atom qubits and experimentally observe the emergence of the quantum floating phase. We analyze the site-resolved Rydberg state densities and the distribution of state occurrences.