Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline and increased seizure susceptibility due to brain damage and neural disruptions. This study examines the relationship between cognitive deterioration and seizure pathology in hAPP-J20 transgenic Alzheimer's mice, a model known for amyloid plaque deposition and heightened seizure activity.

Method: We observed hAPP-J20 mice aged 8 to 28 weeks using long-term wireless telemetry to assess hippocampal local field potential, sampled at 2 kHz.

Nontyphoidal Salmonellosis Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Stroke: Insights from Multinational Real-World Data.

Background: Stroke is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, contributing substantially to the global burden of disease. In low- and middle-income countries, stroke tends to occur at younger ages, with infection being one of the notable contributing factors. Previous studies have explored the impact of nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) on vascular and blood-related diseases, with animal experiments confirming related mechanisms.

Determinants of outcomes in patients with hepatitis B virus-decompensated cirrhosis.

The role of pre-treatment HBV DNA levels on the prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis is unclear. This study investigated the effects of pre-treatment HBV DNA and other determinants on short-term and long-term survival of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with decompensated cirrhosis. A total of 278 cirrhotic decompensated CHB patients treated with entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate were retrospectively enrolled.

Clinical implications of human Parvovirus B19 infection on autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases.

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a human pathogen from the Parvoviridae family that primarily targets and replicates in erythroid progenitor cells (EPCs). While its symptoms are typically self-limiting in healthy individuals, B19V can cause or exacerbate autoimmune diseases in vulnerable patients. This review integrates the involvement of B19V in the development and worsening of several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), hematological disorders (thalassemia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia), vasculitis, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), dermatological disease (systemic sclerosis, psoriasis), autoimmune thyroid disease, myocarditis, and myasthenia gravis, and autoinflammatory disease of adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).

The association between the polymorphism of RAR related orphan receptor beta and the clinical manifestations of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) affects a substantial proportion of the Asian population and is influenced by various genetic risk factors. The (), a regulator of the circadian rhythm, has been implicated in certain neoplasms. Accordingly, this study investigated the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms and clinical manifestations of OSCC.

Identification and validation of Novel Estrogen Biosynthesis Biomarkers in Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma.

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) is characterized by a high recurrence rate and potential for malignant transformation. Although metabolic reprogramming plays a role in benign neoplasms, the specific metabolic pathways and biomarkers involved in SNIP pathogenesis remain unclear. RNA sequencing on paired SNIP and normal tissues identified altered genes with enzyme annotations and metabolic pathways by intersecting our cohort data (GSE270193, N=2) with the GSE193016 (N=4) dataset using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.

Clinical Outcomes of a Modified Technique Combining Submucosal Turbinectomy and Extended Neural Targeting in Chronic Rhinitis Management.

Background/aim: This study evaluated the outcomes of combining submucosal turbinectomy with extensive disruption of the pterygopalatine ganglionic efferent nerve fibers through a minimucosal incision in patients with intractable rhinitis, irrespective of their dependency on the posterior nasal nerve.

Patients And Methods: We describe an endoscopic extended neurectomy procedure performed via a minimucosal pocket. The primary outcome measures included the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, and runny nose and nasal obstruction subdomains of the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT-22), which were assessed pre-procedure and at 3 and 6 months post-procedure.

Effects of early palliative care intervention on medical resource use among end-of-life patients.

Background: In Taiwan, as the population ages, palliative care services (PCS) have expanded significantly to include comprehensive benefit plans for critically ill individuals, supported by reimbursements from the National Health Insurance (NHI) program. However, incorporating palliative care into the medical management of these patients presents several challenges. We aim to evaluate the effects of palliative care interventions on medical resources in end-of-life scenarios to promote earlier palliative care access and provide high-quality healthcare services for patients.

Association of uveitis with pediatric autoimmune diseases based on a TriNetX study.

To investigate for the risk of uveitis among such patients. A retrospective cohort study utilized the TriNetX database and recruited pediatric autoimmune patients diagnosed between January 1st 2004 and December 31st 2022. The non-autoimmune cohort were randomly selected control patients matched by sex, age, and index year.

Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Venous Thromboembolic Events Between Patients With Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis on Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors, Interleukin-17 Inhibitors, Interleukin-12/23 Inhibitors and Interleukin-23 Inhibitors: An Emulated Target Trial Analysis.

Background: The risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in patients with psoriatic disease receiving biologics is not fully understood.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether novel biologic therapies (IL-17, IL-12/23, and IL-23 inhibitors) for biologic-naïve patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are associated with differences in the risks of MACE and VTE compared with those with TNF inhibitors.

Methods: An emulated target trial was designed by a nationwide cohort using data from the TriNetX Research Network.

Link between pharyngeal acid reflux episodes and the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitor therapy.

Background: Diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is challenging due to overlapping symptoms. While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed, reliable predictors of their responsiveness are unclear. Reflux monitoring technologies like dual potential of hydrogen (pH) sensors and multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) could improve diagnosis.

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.

New Insights into the Role of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in the Prevention of Dementia.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease associated with numerous complications, including cardiovascular diseases, nephropathy, and neuropathy. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, a class of novel antidiabetic agents, have demonstrated promising therapeutic effects beyond glycemic control, with potential benefits extending to the cardiovascular and renal systems. Recently, research has increasingly focused on exploring the potential role of SGLT-2 inhibitors in preventing dementia.

Myeloperoxidase and Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Within Leukaemia Stem Cells Increased Chemosensitivity in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.

Leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) are major contributors to chemoresistance in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Identifying potential biomarkers within LSCs that can predict chemosensitivity in AML is key. This prospective study involved 20 consecutive de novo AML patients who underwent '7 + 3' induction therapy.

Shadow puppetry therapy enhances dementia-related cognitive function and interpersonal relationship.

Background: With the growing demand for dementia care, non-pharmacological interventions, such as creative arts therapies, have been proven effective in stabilizing cognitive function. Shadow Puppetry Therapy (SPT), which integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements, offers a promising care option for individuals with dementia.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of SPT on cognitive function, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships among older adults with mild dementia.

Repeated participation in hospital smoking cessation services and its effectiveness in smoking cessation: a seven-year observational study in Taiwan.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate repeated participation in hospital smoking cessation services and its related factors and to explore the correlation between the frequency of participation and its effectiveness in smoking cessation. This study uniquely follows participants over a seven-year period after the removal of financial barriers, with a maximum charge of TWD 200 (USD 6.4) for cessation medications in Taiwan.

Microbial Dysbiosis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Pilot Study on Biomarker Potential.

Importance: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely linked to microorganisms, especially intra-tumoral microbiota. However, the role of commensal microbiota in NPC remains underexplored, with implications for understanding disease mechanisms.

Objective: This study aims to analyze and compare the bacterial microbiota in the nasopharynx and middle meatus (MM) of individuals with NPC and those without NPC.

Validation and repeatability assessment of the Chinese version of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), 5-item dry eye (DEQ-5), and contact lens dry eye questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) questionnaires.

Purpose: This prospective study aimed to validate the translated Chinese versions of the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), 5-Item Dry Eye (DEQ-5), and Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire-8 (CLDEQ-8) questionnaires and test their repeatability.

Methods: From August 2022 to July 2023, online (qualtrics.com) English and Chinese versions of OSDI, DEQ-5, and CLDEQ-8 questionnaires were distributed to residents of Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore ≥ 18 years old who could understand both written Chinese and English.