Efficacy of multi-color near-infrared fluorescence with indocyanine green: A new imaging strategy and its early experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Near-infrared fluorescence imaging using intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) has a wide range of applications in multiple surgical scenarios. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), it facilitates intraoperative identification of the biliary system and reduces the risk of bile duct injury. However, the usual single color fluorescence imaging (SCFI) has limitations in manifesting the fluorescence signal of the target structure when its intensity is relatively low.

Association between dietary fatty acids and depressive symptoms in Chinese haemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study.

Depression is highly prevalent in haemodialysis patients, and diet might play an important role. Therefore, we conducted this cross-sectional study to determine the association between dietary fatty acids (FA) consumption and the prevalence of depression in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ between December 2021 and January 2022.

Clinical Features and Risk Factors for Outcome in Hemodialysis Patients with COVID-19 after Complete Liberalization of Epidemic Control in China.

Introduction: Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) are highly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 and death after the complete liberalization of epidemic control in China.

Methods: We followed the outcomes of the HD patients of Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, from December 6, 2022, to January 8, 2023.

NOVA2 regulates the properties of liver cancer stem cells and lenvatinib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via the Wnt pathway.

Background: The regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is influenced by RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). The present study sought to investigate the role of NOVA2 in the processes of self-renewal, carcinogenesis, and lenvatinib resistance in liver CSCs.

Methods: Neuro-oncological ventral antigen 2 (NOVA2) expression in liver CSCs was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Exploring near-infrared autofluorescence properties in parathyroid tissue: an analysis of fresh and paraffin-embedded thyroidectomy specimens.

Significance: Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) utilizes the natural autofluorescence of parathyroid glands (PGs) to improve their identification during thyroid surgeries, reducing the risk of inadvertent removal and subsequent complications such as hypoparathyroidism. This study evaluates NIRAF's effectiveness in real-world surgical settings, highlighting its potential to enhance surgical outcomes and patient safety.

Aim: We evaluate the effectiveness of NIRAF in detecting PGs during thyroidectomy and central neck dissection and investigate autofluorescence characteristics in both fresh and paraffin-embedded tissues.

Association between handgrip strength and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study from a single Chinese center.

Background: The relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and depression in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) was unknown. Therefore, we aimed to clarify this association in a cohort of patients.

Methods: HGS was used as a representative indicator of muscle strength and was measured with a handheld dynamometer.

Accurate preoperative prediction of nodal metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: Towards optimal management of patients.

Objective: To enhance the accuracy in predicting lymph node metastasis (LNM) preoperatively in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), refining the "low-risk" classification for tailored treatment strategies.

Methods: This study involves the development and validation of a predictive model using a cohort of 1004 patients with PTMC undergoing thyroidectomy along with central neck dissection. The data was divided into a training cohort (n = 702) and a validation cohort (n = 302).

Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Genotypes to Taiwan Pterygium Risk.

Background/aim: In the literature, the studies about the role of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in pterygium diagnosis are mainly based on its protein expression. The role of MMP-2 variants has never been examined. The aim of this study was to examine the association of MMP-2 genotypes with pterygium risk.

Correlation between Serum MMP-2/-16 Levels and Inflammation in Patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Background: The aim of the study was to clarify the correlation between serum MMP-2/-16 and inflammation in patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

Methods: Sixty DVT patients and 60 healthy people who underwent health examinations were collected. Serum MMP-2/-16, IL-6/-8, and TNF-α were determined by ELISA.

Astrocyte PERK and IRE1 Signaling Contributes to Morphine Tolerance and Hyperalgesia through Upregulation of Lipocalin-2 and NLRP3 Inflammasome in the Rodent Spinal Cord.

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and chronic pain. This study hypothesized that PRKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) and inositol-requiring enzyme type 1 (IRE1) regulate lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) expression in astrocytes, thereby contributing to morphine tolerance and hyperalgesia.

Methods: The study was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats and C57/Bl6 mice of both sexes.

Association between serum β-microglobulin levels and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in chinese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Background: The association between serum β-microglobulin (βM) levels and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and the incidence of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) is inconclusive. Furthermore, no study has been performed in China on the significance of serum βM levels in MHD patients. Therefore, this study investigated the aforementioned association in MHD patients.

Association between corrected serum calcium levels after dialysis and post-dialysis fatigue risk: a hospital-based case-control study.

Objective: Post-dialysis fatigue (PDF) is an important problem in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD); however, evidence of the association between serum calcium after dialysis and the risk of PDF is limited and controversial. We explored this association among patients receiving MHD.

Methods: We carried out a case-control study of patients in the dialysis unit of Dalian Municipal Central Hospital between December 2019 and January 2020, including 340 patients with PDF and 270 patients without PDF.

Dialysis adequacy and hemoglobin levels predict cerebral atrophy in maintenance-hemodialysis patients.

The pathogenesis of cerebral atrophy (CA) is not clear. Previous studies show a high incidence of preterm CA in hemodialysis patients. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing CA and to derive a CA prediction nomogram in maintenance-hemodialysis patients.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Genotypes With Prostate Cancer Risk.

Background/aim: Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies among males, especially in Western populations. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays a critical role in extracellular regulation and metastasis. However, its genotypes have seldom been examined among patients with prostate cancer (PCa).

Keratinocyte TLR2 and TLR7 contribute to chronic itch through pruritic cytokines and chemokines in mice.

Although neuronal Toll-like receptors (TLRs) (e.g., TLR2, TLR3, and TLR7) have been implicated in itch sensation, the roles of keratinocyte TLRs in chronic itch are elusive.

Role of Matrix Metallopeptidase-2 Genotypes in Taiwanese Patients With Colorectal Cancer.

Background/aim: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) has been reported to plays a critical role in the metastatic behaviors of cancer via regulation of the extracellular matrix. However, its genotypes have seldom been examined in colorectal cancer (CRC). We examined the role of MMP2 promoter -1306 (rs243865) and -735 (rs2285053) genotypes in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Treatment for overactive bladder: A meta-analysis of tibial versus parasacral neuromodulation.

Background: The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of parasacral neuromodulation (PNS) versus tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) for patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods: Databases including PubMed, Embase, clinicalTrial.gov, and Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched from January 1, 1999 to September 9, 2022.

Different types of diabetes mellitus and risk of thyroid cancer: A meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Objective: Sex-specific thyroid cancer risk exists in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, thyroid cancer risk in different types of DM is still unclear. This meta-analysis aims to identify the real correlation between different types of DM and thyroid cancer risk in both sexes.

Quantitative study of the effects of early standardized ambulation on sleep quality in patients after hepatectomy.

Background: Sleep quality has been always an important problem for patients after hepatectomy. The main purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of early ambulation on sleep quality in patients after liver resection a quantitative study.

Methods: Patients undergoing liver tumor resection were randomly divided into two groups, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the postoperative activities and sleep quality.

Tetrodotoxin and Its Analogues in Food: Recent Updates on Sample Preparation and Analytical Methods Since 2012.

Tetrodotoxin (TTX), found in various organisms including pufferfish, is an extremely potent marine toxin responsible for numerous food poisoning accidents. Due to its serious toxicity and public health threat, detecting TTX and its analogues in diverse food matrices with a simple, fast, efficient method has become a worldwide concern. This review summarizes the advances in sample preparation and analytical methods for the determination of TTX and its analogues, focusing on the latest development over the past five years.

Impact of endometrial scratching on reproductive outcome in patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Endometrial scratching (ES) has demonstrated initial success in women with recurrent implantation failure, but the effect in women with 1 previous assisted reproductive technology (ART) failure is unknown. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of ES as a treatment in clinical outcomes for women with at least 1 failed in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)/Intrauterine Insemination (IUI).

Methods: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, and EMCC databases were searched for randomized controlled trial studies utilizing endometrial scratching for infertility women with at least 1 failed assisted reproductive technology (ART) to collect pregnancy outcomes, including clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), embryo implantation rate (IR), miscarriage rate (MR), live birth rate (LBR), and multiple pregnancy rate (MPR).