Protective effects of tiger milk mushroom extract (xLr®) against UVB irradiation in DAF-16 anti-oxidant regulation.

Background And Aim: A critical causative factor of oxidative stress and inflammation leading to several skin complications is ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation. (LR), or tiger milk mushroom, is native to Southeast Asia. Cold water extract of an LR cultivar, TM02® (xLr®) is a promising anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory source.

When sng meets acupuncture -- a paradigm-shift biomarker for translational research.

The sensation of sng (pronounced/səŋ/, the Romanization form of or soreness in Taiwanese Southern Min) associated with a composite of unique sensations, is a novel phenotype for acupoint stimulation. It is perceived by test participants but also by experienced practitioners as a sensation of "taking the bait" (by fish when fishing), a characteristic heavy and tight sensation from the needle. Here, we propose that sng is a powerful biomarker for associated with successful manual acupuncture.

Clinical effects of acupuncture treatment for prevention of insomnia-induced stroke: A large-scale cohort study.

Background: Recent research has established an association between insomnia and an elevated risk of stroke. Given the severe global impact of stroke on public health, exploring nonpharmacological interventions, such as acupuncture, that can mitigate stroke risk among individuals with insomnia is crucial.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (NHIRD) to examine the relationship between acupuncture and the risk of stroke among individuals who received a diagnosis of insomnia between 2000 and 2017.

Trends of dental service utilization and expenditure in Taiwan from 2000 to 2020.

Background: /purposeSince 1995, Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) has offered a comprehensive dental coverage to over 99 % of the population. This study mainly analyzed the dental service utilization and expenditure trends by the gender, age, and service type and evaluated the resource allocation across different demographics from 2000 to 2020.

Materials And Methods: Nationwide NHI administrative data were used to assess the dental visit rates, average visits per user, and per capita expenditure by the gender, age, and 11 service categories for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020.

The virtual assessment in dental education: A narrative review.

The shift towards virtual assessment in dental education represents a significant advancement over traditional evaluation methods, offering new opportunities for assessing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This review examines the use of virtual assessment tools within the context of dental education. A narrative literature review was conducted, analyzing studies published between 2000 and 2024, sourced from PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase.

Trueness comparison of intraoral scans for diverse arch lengths in pediatric dental models.

Background/purpose: Spacing between teeth is a common trait across different stages of dentition. With the tide of the digital impression, the scanning trueness of the intraoral scanner (IOS) is a hot subject. This study aimed to determine the correlation between the level of the spaced dentition and trueness of the intraoral scanning.

Achieving new excellence in an augmented reality dental education system.

Background/purpose: SimEx-Plus (EPED. Inc) was already a mature augmented reality (AR) dental training simulator that allowed students to have a high quality dental education practice. Now the EPCAD software has been further developed into a comprehensive computer-aided design software.

Accuracy of intraoral scanners in maxillary multiple restorations: An study.

Background/purpose: The accuracy of intraoral scanners (IOSs) plays a crucial role in the success of final restorations in digital workflows. Previous studies have shown that numerous factors affect the accuracy of IOSs. Most studies have evaluated the accuracy of IOS under one restoration condition.

A nationwide study of the influence of training institutions in the postgraduate year training program for dentists on the future dental practice choices in Taiwan.

Background/purpose: The postgraduate year training program for dentists (PGYD) provides the comprehensive clinical training to bridge the gap between the academic education and the hands-on clinical practice. This study mainly explored the influence of training institutions on the future dental practice choices (in clinics or hospitals) after the completion of the PGYD program in Taiwan.

Materials And Methods: A nationwide, register-based cohort analysis was conducted on all 3,966 PGYD trainees from July 2010 to April 2023.

Developing competency-based medical education for dental education in Taiwan: A pilot study of tooth extraction entrustable professional activities.

Background/purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the initial implementation of competency-based medical education (CBME) through entrustable professional activities (EPAs) in Taiwan dental education, focusing on tooth extraction EPAs across undergraduate year (UGY), postgraduate year (PGY), and oral and maxillofacial surgery-residency (OS-R) levels.

Materials And Methods: Using the Delphi method, an advisory team developed and validated three levels of trial EPAs, which were implemented through the Emyway platform. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate teachers' and students' experiences and satisfaction with Emyway and the EPAs.

Nonneutralizing antibodies in Nordic persons with moderate hemophilia A and B (the MoHem study).

Background: The impact of nonneutralizing antibodies (NNAs) in moderate hemophilia is elusive.

Objectives: To explore the presence of NNAs in Nordic persons with moderate hemophilia A (MHA) and B (MHB) in relation to treatment modality, clinical outcome, history of inhibitor, and the corresponding factor VIII (FVIII)/factor IX (FIX) gene mutation.

Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study covering persons with MHA and MHB in Sweden, Finland, and Norway.

The predictive value of admission blood glucose to serum albumin ratio for futile recanalization after successful interventional recanalization in acute cerebral infarction with large vessel occlusion.

Aims: We aim to explore the predictive value of admission blood glucose to serum albumin ratio (AAR) for futile recanalization after successful interventional recanalization of acute cerebral infarction.

Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of patients suffered from acute cerebral infarction due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and received successful interventional recanalization from January 2019 to November 2023. Statistical analysis of clinical data was conducted using SPSS 26.

Outcomes following resective and disconnective strategies in the treatment of epileptic spasms: a systematic review of the literature and individual patient data meta-analysis.

Epileptic spasms (ES) are a unique seizure type typically presenting in the form of infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) with characteristic hypsarrhythmia on scalp EEG and a preponderance with developmental delay or regression. While pharmacotherapy is the mainstay of treatment, surgical options, including disconnective or resective procedures, are increasingly recognized as viable therapeutic options for recurrent or persistent ES. However, limited data on safety, effectiveness, and prognostic factors hinder informed decision-making regarding surgery indications, timing, and intervention type.

α-Amylase inhibitory potential of dihydropyrano coumarins: In silico and DFT analysis.

Unlabelled: Coumarin derivatives are one of the naturally occurring bioactive molecule. Dihydropyrano coumarins are one of the medicinally important derivatives of coumarin which have been reported to exhibit various bioactivity. However, there are no reports on their antihyperglycemic activities.

Yinchen lipid-lowering tea attenuates lipid deposition in a fatty liver model by regulating mitochondrial dysfunction through activation of AdipoR1/AMPK/SIRT1 signaling.

This study investigated the ameliorative effects of Yinchen lipid-lowering tea (YCLLT) on Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the specific mechanism involved was also studied. We modeled hepatocellular steatosis with HepG2 cells and intervened with different concentrations of YCLLT-containing serum. Lipid deposition was assessed by oil red O staining and AdipoR1 expression was analyzed by Western blot.

Strategic Management of Valve Infolding in Evolut TAVR Procedures: Enhancing Outcomes and Ensuring Patient Safety.

Transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR) presents a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical valve replacement, albeit not without its own set of complications. A rare complication is the infolding of the self-expanding valve, which can precipitate cardiac arrest. The estimated incidence rate of this complication stands at 1.

Continuous Mechanical Suction Use During Chronic Total Occlusion Revascularization.

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is high risk compared to non-CTO PCI. Iatrogenic coronary artery hematoma formation is a common occurrence during CTO PCI, impairing true lumen visualization. We describe the use of a continuous mechanical suction (CMS) device in 2 applications in which it was used for successful subintimal hematoma decompression and distal vessel re-entry.

Percutaneous Mechanical Aspiration for Infective Endocarditis: Proceedings From an Inaugural Multidisciplinary Summit and Comprehensive Review.

The clinical presentation and epidemiology of infective endocarditis (IE) have evolved over time. While the cornerstones of IE treatment remain antimicrobial therapy and surgery, percutaneous mechanical aspiration (PMA) has emerged as an option for carefully selected patients as a complementary modality, based on retrospective data, case series, and expert experience. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the proceedings from an inaugural summit dedicated to the discussion of PMA in the global management of IE, consisting of experts across multiple disciplines from diverse geographic regions and care environments.

Breaking New Ground: A Seropositive Neuromyelitis Optica (NMOSD) in Ethiopian Patients: A Case Series.

This case series highlights the diverse presentations of seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, including the absence of optic neuritis despite anti-aquaporin 4 antibody positivity. It emphasizes the importance of high index of suspicion, early neurologist referral for improved outcomes, the consequences of delayed referral, and the challenges and treatment potential in low-income countries with limited resources.

Atrial Septal Defect and Percutaneous Closure: Healing the Heart From Within.

Early diagnosis and percutaneous closure of symptomatic adult atrial septal defects can enhance cardiac function and relieve symptoms. Thorough pre-procedural evaluation and diligent follow-up care are essential for achieving the best outcomes and ensuring long-term success.

Macrophage Activation Syndrome/Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in Adult-Onset Still's Disease: An Uncommon Initial Presentation in a Young Nepalese Female: A Case Report.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), is a fatal systemic hyperinflammatory syndrome. HLH may be due to immunosuppression, infections, cancer, or autoimmune diseases with fever and cytopenia. HLH which occurs in adult-onset Stills disease (AOSD) is called secondary HLH, also known as macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).