Cerebral white matter damage in patients with end-stage kidney disease associates with cognitive impairment.

Background: Damage to brain white matter often occurs in individuals with chronic kidney disease, which might be related to their cognitive decline. This study aims to investigate tract-specific white matter damage in patients with end-stage kidney disease by using fixel-based analysis.

Methods: Images of 31 end-stage kidney disease patients and 16 normal controls (aged: 61.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Ultrasound-Guided Subacromial-Subdeltoid Bursa and Coracohumeral Ligament Corticosteroid Injections With and Without Physiotherapy in Adhesive Capsulitis Treatment.

: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection to the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa (SSB) and coracohumeral ligament (CHL) in treating adhesive capsulitis, with a particular focus on evaluating the potential benefits of regular electrotherapy and conventional rehabilitation exercises. : A total of 29 patients with unilateral shoulder pain and restricted shoulder range of motion (ROM) were included. Corticosteroids were delivered to the subacromial-subdeltoid bursa (SSB) and coracohumeral ligament (CHL) through a single percutaneous injection.

Therapeutic potential of -based Eefooton in patients with chronic kidney disease: from clinical to bench study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health concern, and recent clinical evidence suggests the potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to slow CKD progression. This offers alternative strategies for CKD patients, mitigating risks related to polypharmacy and adverse drug reactions. Our self-controlled, prospective study aims to assess the impact of Eefooton (EFT), a TCM-based regimen, on kidney health in stage 3-5 CKD patients.

Efficacy of defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) lenses and low-dose atropine on retarding myopic shift among premyopic preschoolers: Protocol for a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Background: Myopia has been a rising problem globally. Early-onset myopia significantly increases the risk of high myopia later in life. Despite the proven benefits of increased outdoor time, optimal strategies for preventing early-onset myopia in premyopic children need further investigation.

Comparative analysis of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction.

Introduction: To clarify the efficacy of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (RASI/ARNI) in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF).

Methods: This study assessed the association between these medications and outcomes in HFmrEF using data from the National Taiwan University Hospital-integrated Medical Database. The primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality/heart failure hospitalization (HHF).

Hydrogen inhalation exerts anti-seizure effects by preventing oxidative stress and inflammation in the hippocampus in a rat model of kainic acid-induced seizures.

Hydrogen gas (H) is an antioxidant with demonstrated neuroprotective efficacy. In this study, we administered H via inhalation to rats to evaluate its effects on seizures induced by kainic acid (KA) injection and the underlying mechanism. The animals were intraperitoneally injected with KA (15 mg/kg) to induce seizures.

Modified Periosteal Releasing Incision (MPRI) for Primary Closure: Visualization of the Mental Nerve.

Periodontal procedures often require flap advancement for adequate coverage of the surgical site, with tension-free primary closure essential for successful outcomes. Although the periosteal releasing incision is frequently performed, it may necessitate deeper or more incisions, which could result in consequences such as edema, bleeding, paresthesia, and discomfort for the patient. To address these issues, the modified periosteal releasing incision was proposed to minimize trauma into the submucosa.

Case Report: A novel method of needle-free transseptal puncture.

Background: In the era of fluoroless catheter ablation (CA), achieving a successful transseptal puncture (TSP) presents a significant challenge. We introduce a novel technique for zero-fluoroscopy and cost-effective needle-free TSP.

Case Summary: We describe two cases where a GMS-1 guidewire (0.

Microglia-Impaired Phagocytosis Contributes to the Epileptogenesis in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome.

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by a deficit in the Nav1.1 channel, leading to drug-resistant epilepsy. The Nav1.

The novel role of LOC344887 in the enhancement of hepatocellular carcinoma progression via modulation of SHP1-regulated STAT3/HMGA2 signaling axis.

Pseudogene-derived long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become crucial regulators in cancer progression. Extensive research highlights the pivotal role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. As a result, targeting aberrant STAT3 activation presents a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.

Changes in Serum Rheumatoid Factor Following Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus Infection With Interferon or Direct Antiviral Therapy.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a myriad of extrahepatic manifestations (EHM), as well as the production of autoantibodies, including rheumatoid factor (RF). This study aims to elucidate whether serum levels of RF change before and after HCV eradication, and whether these changes differ according to the type of therapy used. This is a retrospective cohort study of adults with chronic HCV infection treated with interferon-free or interferon-based regimens.

Therapeutic effects of Huangqi formula (Eefooton) in chronic kidney disease: clinical research and narrative literature review.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the clinical effects of employing the Huangqi formula (Eefooton; EFT) for chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment. A narrative literature review was undertaken to elucidate the specific ingredients of EFT and their potential impact on renal health.

Methods: A retrospective observational study investigated EFT treatment in outpatients with stable CKD (stages 3B to 5) from March 2019 to March 2021.

Perinatal risk factors and outcomes of pulmonary air leak in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants: A multicenter registry study in Taiwan.

Background: Pulmonary air leak may cause serious complications and mortality in neonates, especially preterm infants. Its incidence and perinatal risk factors in preterm infants might differ from those in term infants. We investigated the incidence, perinatal risk factors and morbidities associated with pulmonary air leak in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants in Taiwan.

Critical COVID-19 in children and adolescents during the 2022 Omicron Surge in Taiwan: Risk factors and vaccine effectiveness.

Background/aim: Critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rare but devastating complication of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection in children and adolescents. This study aimed to assess the risk factors for, and evaluate the vaccine effectiveness against, critical COVID-19 during the 2022 Omicron Surge in Taiwan.

Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 41 pediatric patients with critical COVID-19 (which required mechanical ventilation, inotropic agents, extracorporeal membrane oxygenator, or resulting in in-hospital death) and 793 with non-critical COVID-19 who were hospitalized at National Taiwan University Children Hospital during the 2022 Omicron Surge.

Profiling Social Detachment in Older People in Taiwan: A Cluster Analysis.

Objectives: The Social Detachment Questionnaire for the Older Population (SDQO) is a validated tool that assesses various dimensions of social relationships. This study aimed to profile social detachment among older people in Taiwan using the SDQO and explore its use in distinguishing groups with varying levels of social engagement.

Methods: A telephone-based survey was conducted, collecting demographic data and responses to the SDQO and Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5 (BSRS-5).

International experts consensus on optimal central vascular access device selection and management for patients with cancer.

Background: In patients with cancer, the choice of an appropriate venous access device is crucial for effective treatment, minimizing complications, and reducing healthcare costs. Key management decisions, such as the timing of device removal post-therapy, can impact clinical outcomes. As current international guidelines lack specific directives for these issues, a global consensus of experts, representing different countries, was deemed appropriate.

Zingerone Facilitates Apoptosis in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Inducing Autophagy.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by high heterogenicity and aggressiveness and autophagy plays a complicated role in cancer development. Zingerone is reported to possess multiple pharmacological activities, including antitumors. This study explored the biological role and the relevant mechanisms of zingerone in TNBC.

Biphasic cartilage repair implant versus microfracture in the treatment of focal chondral and osteochondral lesions of the knee: a prospective, multi-center, randomized clinical trial.

Background: Autologous minced cartilage is a method for cartilage defect repair, and our study focuses on a newly developed biphasic cylindrical osteochondral construct designed for use in human knees. We aimed to compare its clinical effectiveness and safety with microfracture, the commonly utilized reparative treatment for knee chondral or osteochondral defects.

Materials And Methods: Conducted as a prospective multicenter, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial across nine hospitals, the study involved 92 patients with International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade 3 to 4 chondral or osteochondral lesions on femoral condyles.

Effects of Intra-Articular Stromal Vascular Fraction Injection on Clinical Symptoms and Cartilage Health in Osteoarthritic Knees: A Single-Center Pilot Study.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent form of arthritis worldwide. Intra-articular stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injections are a potential therapeutic option for patients with OA. This study aims to assess the effects of intra-articular SVF injections on knee OA.

Circulating YKL-40 levels but not CHI3L1 or TRIB1 gene variants predict long-term outcomes in patients with angiographically confirmed multivessel coronary artery disease.

YKL-40 is significantly associated with the prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). YKL-40 levels are significantly associated with variations in the CHI3L1 and TRIB1 genes. We investigated candidate genes for YKL-40 levels and evaluated the prognostic value of this biomarker and corresponding variants for long-term outcomes in patients with CAD.

Effects of advanced practice nurses on health-care costs, quality of care, and patient well-being: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The growing recognition of advanced practice nurses' role has been challenged by the need for decreased health-care costs while ensuring quality of care and patient well-being. However, limited evidence exists from previous reviews evaluating the effectiveness of advanced practice nurses.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of advanced practice nurses on health-care costs, quality of care, and patient well-being.

2023 TSOC-TACVPR-TACPAH Consensus Statement of the Rehabilitation on Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

In the past, patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) were advised to avoid exercise due to concerns that it might strain cardiac function and exacerbate symptoms. However, recent evidence indicates that structured exercise programs can enhance outcomes and improve health-related quality of life for these patients. Consequently, exercise rehabilitation is now recommended in international guidelines as a key component of PH management.

Establishing a machine learning dementia progression prediction model with multiple integrated data.

Objective: Dementia is a significant medical and social issue in most developed countries. Practical tools for predicting the progression of degenerative dementia are highly valuable. Machine learning (ML) methods facilitate the construction of effective models using real-world data, which may include missing values and various integrated datasets.

Comparative Analysis of Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Radioimmunoassay in Determining Plasma Aldosterone Concentration and Plasma Renin Activity for Primary Aldosteronism Screening.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) accurately measures plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), but its correlation with radioimmunoassay (RIA), equivalent RIA levels, and optimal cutoff for PAC and aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) in primary aldosteronism (PA) screening have not been determined in a Korean population. Our study of 127 patients who underwent diagnostic testing for PA showed that the LC-MS/MS and RIA methods have good correlation, with a mean bias of 29.3% for PAC.