Osteoporotic fracture risks of thiazides and dihydropyridines in angiotensin modulator users.

Unlabelled: This study examined the impact of thiazide and RAAS antihypertensive medications vs DHP-RAAS medications on fracture risk. The close alignment of such settings with clinical use, combined with the potential bone benefits of ACEis and ARBs, provides enhanced accuracy in bone health evidence.

Purpose: To determine whether thiazides, combined with either angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), offer bone-protective benefits compared with dihydropyridine (DHP) drugs combined with ACEi or ARB.

Urinary MicroRNA-21 for Prostate Cancer Detection Using a Silver Nanoparticle Sensor: A Promising Diagnostic Tool.

In this study, we detected the expression levels of miR-21 in 38 clinical urine samples, obtained from 10 patients with PCa (with each sample obtained at three time points: before surgery, 1 month after surgery, and 3 months after surgery), 3 patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and 5 healthy subjects (as a control group). All of the samples were examined using a silver nanoparticle-based biosensor, and the sensitivity of the biosensor was simultaneously confirmed via qRT-PCR. The results were further analyzed together with clinical data such as PSA values and cancer stages.

Predicting Bleeding Related Events in Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Angiomyolipoma: Simplifying Risk Assessment with Tumor Diameter and Depth, A Retrospective Study.

Background: Evaluating risk factors for bleeding events in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) is essential for improving surgical outcomes.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent RAPN for renal masses between May 2019 and June 2023 at a single medical center, categorizing them into AML and non-AML groups. We assessed demographic data, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes.

Vodobatinib overcomes cancer multidrug resistance by attenuating the drug efflux function of ABCB1 and ABCG2.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a significant obstacle in cancer treatment, primarily attributable to the overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters such as ABCB1 and ABCG2 within cancer cells. These transporters actively diminish the effectiveness of cytotoxic drugs by facilitating ATP hydrolysis-dependent drug efflux, thereby reducing intracellular drug accumulation. Given the absence of approved treatments for multidrug-resistant cancers and the established benefits of combining tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with conventional anticancer drugs, we investigate the potential of vodobatinib, a potent c-Abl TKI presently in clinical trials, to restore sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in multidrug-resistant cancer cells overexpressing ABCB1 and ABCG2.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Interobserver Reliability of Rotator Cuff Tear Detection with Ultrasonography are Improved with Attentional Deep Learning.

Purpose: Improve the accuracy of one-stage object detection by modifying the YOLOv7 with Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM), known as YOLOv7-CBAM, which can automatically identify torn or intact rotator cuff tendon to assist physicians in diagnosing rotator cuff lesions through ultrasound.

Methods: Between 2020 and 2021, patients who experienced shoulder pain for over 3 months and had both ultrasound and MRI examinations were categorized into torn and intact group. To ensure balanced training, we included the same number of patients on both groups.

Patient-caregiver concordance on death preparedness over Taiwanese cancer patients' last 6 months.

Background: Worldwide patient-caregiver concordance on cognitive prognostic awareness (PA) has been extensively examined, but concordance on sufficient (ie, cognitive and emotional) death preparedness is unexplored. We comprehensively examine the evolution of patient-caregiver concordance on death preparedness over the patient's last 6 months.

Materials/methods: This study re-examined data from 2 cohort studies on 694 dyads of cancer patients and their caregivers recruited from a single medical center in Taiwan.

Modeling the role of temperature-dependent microbiome composition in black band disease transmission among coral reefs.

Black band disease (BBD) is one of the most prevalent diseases causing significant destruction of coral reefs. Coral reefs acquire this deadly disease from bacteria in the microbiome community, the composition of which is highly affected by the environmental temperature. While previous studies have provided valuable insights into various aspects of BBD, the temperature-dependent microbiome composition has not been considered in existing BBD models.

Early Experience of Uniportal Robotic-Assisted Anatomic Resection in Lung Cancer Patients: Is it Safe and Feasible for Direct Transition From Uniportal Video Thoracoscopic-Assisted Surgery to Uniportal Robotic-Assisted Surgery?

Background: Lung cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with surgery being a primary treatment option for early-stage cases. Minimally invasive surgery has gained attention due to its potential benefits. Uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is emerging as a viable option for treating lung cancer patients.

Association of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome With Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: Despite certain studies indicating hearing impairments in individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the correlation between PCOS and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) remains inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the association between PCOS and SNHL.

Data Sources: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to June 24, 2024.

Baseline urinary ALA and PBG as criteria for starting pharmacologic prophylactic treatment in acute intermittent porphyria treated with givosiran.

Introduction: For patients with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), a true attack could be difficult to distinguish from chronic abdominal pain. This study focused on treatment responses from two patients with confirmed elevated biochemical data (delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), porphobilinogen (PBG)) and clinical evidence for acute attacks before starting givosiran.

Methods: Data from patients who participated in the phase III givosiran trial in Taiwan between May 2018 and May 2021 were reviewed.

DEK::AFF2 Fusion Sinonasal and Skull Base Nonkeratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Clinical Outcome Study Compared With Conventional Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

DEK::AFF2 fusion nonkeratinizing squamous cell carcinoma (NKSCC) is an emerging entity in the sinonasal tract, temporal bone, and skull base. However, the clinical behavior of these tumors has not been well studied. Here, we report the largest cohort of DEK::AFF2 carcinomas to determine if morphology, mitotic rate, and/or Ki-67 IHC are associated with patient outcomes, including a comparison with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated and independent patients.

Trimethylamine-N-oxide accelerates osteoporosis by PERK activation of ATF5 unfolding.

Imbalances in gut microbiota and their metabolites have been implicated in osteoporotic disorders. Trimethylamine-n-oxide (TMAO), a metabolite of L-carnitine produced by gut microorganisms and flavin-containing monooxygenase-3, is known to accelerate tissue metabolism and remodeling; however, its role in bone loss remained unexplored. This study investigates the relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis, TMAO production, and osteoporosis development.

Effects of physical therapy on health-related quality of life in patients with haemophilia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Physical therapy benefits patients with haemophilia (PWH), but its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) remains unclear.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association of physical therapy, including therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and physical agent modality, with HRQOL improvement in PWH.

Methods: Databases PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Scopus were searched from inception until April 2024.

Post-irradiation Sinus Mucosa Disease in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Treated With Proton Therapy.

Objective: Post-irradiation sinonasal mucosa disease (SMD) is observed in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with radiotherapy (RT), leading to a detrimental impact on quality of life. This study aimed to assess the incidence, severity, and regression of the post-irradiation SMD among patients with NPC treated with proton therapy.

Methods: NPC patients treated with proton therapy were retrospectively enrolled.

Gestational Exposure to Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease in Childhood.

Importance: Gestational exposure to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of adverse fetal kidney outcomes. However, details regarding timing, specific NSAIDs, and long-term childhood kidney outcomes are limited.

Objective: To evaluate the association between gestational exposure to NSAIDs and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood.

Comparative analysis of sleep physiology using qualitative and quantitative criteria for insomnia symptoms.

Despite decades of research, defining insomnia remains challenging due to its complex and variable nature. Various diagnostic systems emphasize the chronic nature of insomnia and its impact on daily functioning, relying heavily on patient self-reporting due to limitations in objective measures like polysomnography (PSG). Discrepancies between subjective experiences and objective PSG results highlight the need for more nuanced approaches, such as electroencephalogram (EEG) spectral analysis, which reveals distinct patterns of high-frequency activity in individuals with insomnia.

Harnessing aryl hydrocarbon receptor dynamics: Unveiling therapeutic pathways in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

This editorial discusses the insightful minireview by Rahmati . The minireview delves into the role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor in the development and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic target. The authors concisely summarize the current understanding of how aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulation influences immune responses and the tumor microenvironment, offering fresh perspectives on therapeutic strategies.

Interocular retinal asymmetry and cognitive frailty: A prospective cohort study.

Introduction: The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) or ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) is associated with cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between retinal asymmetry and cognitive frailty (CF) remains unknown.

Methods: Two hundred twenty-two community-dwelling older adults were assessed starting in 2015 and underwent biennial cognitive and frailty evaluations until 2022.

Neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 of vaccinated healthcare workers in Taiwan.

Background: Vaccination is one of the best ways to control the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. In Taiwan, healthcare workers were prioritized for vaccination, but the effectiveness of these vaccines for them remains unclear. Thus, it's essential to examine their neutralizing antibodies after prime-boost vaccinations.

The Potential Role of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2/-4 in Excessive Mechanical Overloading-Initiated Joint Degeneration.

Excessive mechanical overloading of articular cartilage caused by excessive exercise or severe trauma is considered a critical trigger in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the available clinical theranostic molecular targets and underlying mechanisms still require more elucidation. Here, we aimed to examine the possibility that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) serve as molecular targets in rat cartilages and human chondrocytes under conditions of excessive mechanical overloading.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Surgical Outcomes and Oncological Results of Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Reconstruction Through a Single Axillary Incision with Different Approach Methods.

Background: We investigated the perioperative outcome and oncologic safety of performing nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) through a single axillary incision (NSM-SAI) compared with performing NSM through a conventional incision (NSM-C).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 725 patients who underwent NSM for breast cancer between January 2010 and December 2023; 333 patients who underwent NSM with immediate reconstruction (IR) were enrolled. Surgical outcomes and oncologic outcomes of NSM-C (n = 184), NSM performed through SAI with a freehand approach (NSM-SAI-F; n = 92), and with an endoscopic approach (NSM-SAI-E; n = 57) were demonstrated.

Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B10 prevents esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from reactive carbonyl species-induced cell death and promotes its progression.

Introduction: Chronic alcohol consumption and tobacco usage are major risk factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption lead to oxidative stress and the generation of reactive carbonyl species (RCS) which induce DNA damage and cell apoptosis. This phenomenon contributes to cell damage and carcinogenesis in various organs including ESCC.

Exploring foreign language anxiety and resting-state EEG alpha asymmetry.

Anxiety experienced when interacting in a foreign language hinders communication through detrimental behavioral, cognitive, and somatic effects. Despite its impact, there is limited research on how neural asymmetry relates to foreign language anxiety (FLA). While researchers have investigated FLA through brain imaging, there remains an absence of studies examining its correlation with frontal alpha asymmetry.