Physical symptoms distress and demoralization among haemodialysis patients; the mediating effect of spirituality and self-compassion. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

Background: Long-term haemodialysis patients often experience physical symptom distress (PSD) and varying levels of demoralization. Spirituality and self-compassion can help patients to cope these challenges. However, the interrelations between these variables remain underexplored, necessitating further investigation.

Evaluating atherogenic index of plasma as a predictor for metabolic syndrome: a cross-sectional analysis from Northern Taiwan.

Background: The rising global prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors, underscores the urgent need to identify reliable predictive biomarkers. We hypothesize that an elevated atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) predicts MetS risk through lipid imbalance, but population-specific variations in its predictive strength remain unexplored. Our study aimed to assess AIP), a ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as a predictor of MetS.

Use of Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Sensory Nerve Injuries of the Head and Neck.

Background: Identification of peripheral nerve injuries of the head and neck can be challenging due to a broad spectrum of symptoms from neuropathic pain to headaches and migraine. This article aimed to present the clinical features and diagnostic workup of patients with acute and chronic peripheral nerve injuries of the head and neck using magnetic resonance neurography (MRN), to demonstrate potential advantages compared with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: Patients who presented with suspected peripheral nerve injury were either referred for a conventional MRI or MRN.

Effects of Conservation Agriculture on Soil NO Emissions and Crop Yield in Global Cereal Cropping Systems.

Conservation agriculture, which involves minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation, has been widely adopted as a sustainable agricultural practice globally. However, the effects of conservation agriculture practices on soil NO emissions and crop yield vary based on geography, management methods, and the duration of implementation, which has hindered its widespread scientific application. In this study, we assessed the impacts of no-tillage (NT), both individually and in combination with other conservation agriculture principles, on soil NO emissions and crop yields worldwide, based on 1270 observations from 86 peer-reviewed articles.

Dual-Induced Directed Deposition Mechanism Based on Anionic Surfactants Enables Long Cycle Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries.

Aqueous zinc-ion battery has low cost, and environmental friendliness, emerging as a promising candidate for next-generation battery systems. However, it still suffers from a limited cycling life, caused by dendritic Zn growth and severe side reactions. Recent research highlights that the Zn (002) crystal plane exhibits superior anti-corrosive properties and a horizontal growth pattern.

Enhancing Zn Deposition Reversibility on MXene Current Collectors by Forming ZnF-Containing Solid-Electrolyte Interphase for Anode-Free Zinc Metal Batteries.

Anode-free aqueous zinc metal batteries (AZMBs) offer significant potential for energy storage due to their low cost and environmental benefits. TiCT MXene provides several advantages over traditional metallic current collectors like Cu and Ti, including better Zn plating affinity, lightweight, and flexibility. However, self-freestanding MXene current collectors in AZMBs remain underexplored, likely due to challenges with Zn deposition reversibility.

Resolution of Iatrogenic Spinal Accessory Neuropathy Following Delayed Surgical Intervention.

We present an interesting case of a 74-year-old female who presented with spinal accessory neuropathy following an ipsilateral right-sided carotid endarterectomy 6 months after the initial injury. Subsequent surgical exploration revealed a surgical clip that had been placed directly across the spinal accessory nerve. Clip removal and neurolysis was subsequently performed, leaving the nerve intact.

ROS-regulated SUR1-TRPM4 drives persistent activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia after whole-brain radiation.

Delayed radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI) characterized by progressive cognitive decline significantly impacts patient outcomes after radiotherapy. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome within microglia after brain radiation is involved in the progression of RIBI by mediating inflammatory responses. We have previously shown that sulfonylurea receptor 1-transient receptor potential M4 (SUR1-TRPM4) mediates microglial NLRP3-related inflammation following global brain ischemia.

Where does the tether break in vertebral body tethering cases? Clinical insights from revision cases after tether breakage.

Purpose: To evaluate the sites where the tether breaks in vertebral body tethering (VBT) cases.

Methods: Intraoperative evaluation of broken tethers in patients who had anterior revision.

Inclusion Criteria: anterior revision of VBT cases with explantation of the full implant and photo documentation.

Acute Concurrent Exercise Improves Inhibitory Control Without Mediating the Role of Lactate: An Event-Related Potential Study.

Background: Concurrent exercise (CE), an emerging exercise modality characterized by sequential bouts of aerobic (AE) and resistance exercise (RE), has demonstrated acute benefits on executive functions (EFs) and neuroelectric P3 amplitude. However, the effect of acute CE on inhibitory control, a sub-component of EFs, and P3 amplitude remains inconclusive. Moreover, exploring the mechanisms underlying the effects of acute exercise on EFs contributes to scientific comprehension, with lactate recognized as a crucial candidate positively correlated with EFs.

Rome Foundation Working Team Report on overlap in disorders of gut-brain interaction.

In patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), overlapping non-gastrointestinal conditions such as fibromyalgia, headaches, gynaecological and urological conditions, sleep disturbances and fatigue are common, as is overlap among DGBI in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract. These overlaps strongly influence patient management and outcome. Shared pathophysiology could explain this scenario, but details are not fully understood.

Establishing an objective quantitative method for assessing the severity of plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity.

Background: To establish an objective method for assessing plus disease severity in retinopathy of prematurity.

Methods: Six images of plus diseases that were color-coded according to severity and published in the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity, Third Edition (ICROP3) were analyzed. These images were individually processed, and the best-fit curve and vessel course in zone I were obtained using ImageJ software.

A photodetector for red and green with balanced negative and positive photocurrent for imaging is realized.

A dual-polarity, photovoltaic photodetector for red-green dual-wavelength detection is demonstrated, operating in the self-powered mode. It is based on a core-shell n-InGaN nanowire/p-CuO heterostructure with inner upward energy band bending and near surface downward energy band bending. This produces negative photocurrent for red light illumination and positive photocurrent for green light illumination.

Clinical characteristics and esophageal motility in patients with gastric cardia submucosal tumors and associated changes after endoscopic resection.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and esophageal motility of patients with gastric cardia submucosal tumors (SMTs) and the associated changes after endoscopic resection based on high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM).

Methods: From our electronic database, we identified patients who underwent pre-operative evaluation of gastric cardia SMTs between 2015 and 2023. All patients completed standardized symptom questionnaires and underwent endoscopic ultrasonography and HRIM.

Research on the impact of the digital economy on carbon emissions based on the dual perspectives of carbon emission reduction and carbon efficiency.

China's digital economy is currently thriving, with the "dual carbon" targets representing a significant pursuit of economic development. The role of the digital economy in achieving these targets warrants detailed discussion. Using urban panel data from China spanning 2011 to 2021, this paper empirically examines the impact of the digital economy on urban carbon emissions.

Utilizing TP53 hotspot mutations as effective predictors of gemcitabine treatment outcome in non-small-cell lung cancer.

TP53 mutations are recognized to correlate with a worse prognosis in individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). There exists an immediate necessity to pinpoint selective treatment for patients carrying TP53 mutations. Potential drugs were identified by comparing drug sensitivity differences, represented by the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), between TP53 mutant and wild-type NSCLC cell lines using database analysis.

Data-driven exploration of weak coordination microenvironment in solid-state electrolyte for safe and energy-dense batteries.

The unsatisfactory ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes hinders their practical use as substitutes for liquid electrolytes to address safety concerns. Although various plasticizers have been introduced to improve lithium-ion conduction kinetics, the lack of microenvironment understanding impedes the rational design of high-performance polymer electrolytes. Here, we design a class of Hofmann complexes that offer continuous two-dimensional lithium-ion conduction channels with functional ligands, creating highly conductive electrolytes.

Use of iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast media in patients with chronic kidney disease: Consensus statements from nephrologists, cardiologists, and radiologists at National Taiwan University Hospital.

Contrast media are essential agents that enhance the diagnostic capabilities of imaging studies, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, concerns regarding the risk of adverse events have led to cautious use in patients with chronic kidney disease. A multidisciplinary review by nephrologists, cardiologists, and radiologists at National Taiwan University Hospital examined evidence linking iodinated contrast media and gadolinium-based contrast agents with acute kidney injury and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis.

Comparative impact of tertiary lymphoid structures and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in cholangiocarcinoma.

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma is a challenging malignancy with limited responses to conventional therapies, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have been implicated in the immune response to cancer. However, the role and difference of TLSs and TILs in patients with cholangiocarcinoma remains unclear.

Diagnostic value of three urine miRNAs composite score in BK virus nephropathy.

Noninvasive detection of BK virus, for early detection of BK polyomavirus-associated nephropathy post-renal transplantation, is currently an active subject of investigation. In this study, we developed and validated a novel risk score diagnostic assay (PymiR Score) based on measurements of three urine miRNAs, including BKV-related miRNA (bkv-miR-B1-5p), polyomavirus-related miRNA (bkv-miR-B1-3p) and renal tubular injury-related miRNA (miR-21-5p), by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The limit of detection of the three miRNAs was 2 × 10 copies/mL, while the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were in the ranges of 2.

Insight into enhanced tetracycline photodegradation by hematite/biochar composites: Roles of charge transfer, biochar-derived dissolved organic matter and persistent free radicals.

The combination of hematite and biochar significantly accelerated tetracycline (TC) removal under visible light irradiation. The k of TC removal with Hem/BC-5 reached 0.103 min, 3.

Enhanced breathing effort in pulmonary function tests by CO2/O2 gas mixture and barometric whole-body plethysmography in healthy and feline lower airway disease cats.

Objective: Enhancing ventilatory effort during pulmonary function testing can help reveal flow limitations not evident in normal tidal breathing. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of using a CO2/O2 gas mixture to enhance tidal breathing with a barometric whole-body plethysmography system in both healthy cats and those with feline lower airway disease (FLAD).

Methods: This prospective study included healthy cats and those with FLAD, which underwent pulmonary function testing and were exposed to a 10% CO2/90% O2 gas mixture in a barometric whole-body plethysmography chamber, with CO2 concentrations maintained within the target range of 5% to 10%.