Systemic immune inflammation index combined with Epstein-Barr virus DNA for predicting the prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective study.

Background: Cancer has consistently been the leading cause of death worldwide, with head and neck cancer (HNC) being one of the top ten causes of cancer-related death. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), in particular, is a cancer that is unique to East Asia. Numerous studies have shown that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load and the systemic immune inflammation (SII) index can serve as prognostic indicators for NPC patients.

Does the role of family meetings important at the end-of-life? A retrospective national study in Taiwan.

Background: Numerous studies have pointed out the benefits of family meetings, but it is unclear who uses family meetings and what the effects are on use of the end-of-life care.

Aim: The purposes of this study were to explore which characteristics are associated with the use of the family meeting and what effects the family meeting has on end-of-life care.

Design: A retrospective observational study using 2012-2017 data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims database, cancer registry, and death registry.

Utilizing polygenic risk score for breast cancer risk prediction in a Taiwanese population.

Background: Breast cancer has been the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Taiwan since 2003. While genetic variants play a significant role in the elevated risk of breast cancer, their implications have been less explored within Asian populations. Variant-based polygenic risk scores (PRS) have emerged as valuable tools for assessing the likelihood of developing breast cancer.

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.

Metformin lowers risk of hearing loss and mortality in type 2 diabetes.

Aims: To assess the association between metformin use and the risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a population at elevated risk for SSNHL.

Materials And Methods: This cohort study utilized data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, following T2D patients from 2008 to 202 database's baseline. Metformin use was defined as achieving ≥80% of the medication possession ratio (MPR) and ≥28 cumulative defined daily doses (cDDD) within three months.

The relationship between tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and KCNJ5 mutation in aldosterone-producing adenoma patients.

KCNJ5 somatic mutations in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) are linked to higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and worse diastolic function. We previously identified an association between plasma tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) and an aldosterone-induced increase in LVMI and diastolic dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the association between the presence of KCNJ5 somatic mutation and plasma TIMP-1 in APA patients.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Reduced-Dose Prasugrel After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Taiwanese Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes.

: The efficacy and safety of reduced-dose prasugrel (loading dose/maintenance dose: 20/3.75 mg) in preventing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been well-estab-lished. However, long-term real-world data for this population remains limited in Taiwan.

Soy Protein and Safflower-Seed Oil Attenuate Inflammation and Immune Dysfunction in Rats with Hyperuricemia.

A plant-based diet is considered a promising approach for managing hyperuricemia (HUA). This study examined the effects of soy protein and plant-based oils on HUA-induced inflammation and immune dysfunction. Male Wistar rats, induced with HUA using oxonic acid and uric acid (UA), were fed casein or soy protein with palm or safflower oil (2 × 2 factorial design) for 8 weeks.

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.

Application of Microwave-Assisted Water Extraction (MAWE) to Fully Realize Various Physiological Activities of Leaf Extract.

is widely grown in tropical areas worldwide. Studies have demonstrated that extracts of its buds, leaves, and branches obtained through hydrodistillation, steam distillation, or solvent extraction exhibit physiological activities, including anti-melanogenic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties; nevertheless, such extracts are mostly not effectively collected or adequately utilized. Accordingly, this study applied a rapid, effective, and easy-to-operate microwave-assisted water extraction (MAWE) technique for the first time to prepare leaf extract (MLE) with improved physiological activities.

Exosomal MALAT1 from Rapid Electrical Stimulation-Treated Atrial Fibroblasts Enhances Sox-6 Expression by Downregulating miR-499a-5p.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Rapid electrical stimulation (RES) of atrial fibroblasts plays a crucial role in AF pathogenesis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigates the regulatory axis involving MALAT1, miR-499a-5p, and SOX6 in human cardiac fibroblasts from adult atria (HCF-aa) under RES conditions.

Active Surveillance in Early Thyroid Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

: There remain several challenges to the acceptance and standardization of active surveillance (AS) in patients with early thyroid cancer. The purpose of this study was to update the evidence of tumor progression outcomes in AS to support resolution of clinical concerns and to examine the effect of follow-up duration, period context such as diagnostic techniques, and tumor size at baseline on outcomes. : PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were used to search for original articles in English until January 2024.

Pharmacokinetic study of polymyxin B in healthy subjects and subjects with renal insufficiency.

Polymyxin B is a viable option for treating antibiotic-resistant infections; however, current data on its pharmacokinetics, particularly in patients with renal insufficiency, remain inconclusive and necessitates further investigation. To address this gap, we conducted an open-label, single-center, single-dose, parallel-group pharmacokinetic study. Participants received an intravenous dose of 0.

Association Between Clinical Use of Lansoprazole and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: A Nationwide Pharmacoepidemiological Cohort Study.

Purpose: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders. Lansoprazole, a PPI, has been recognized for its potential effects of improving insulin resistance, reduction of oxidative stress, and improvement in atherosclerosis through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) induction. This study aims to investigate whether lansoprazole poses a distinct risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) compared to other PPIs.

Beta-Caryophyllene Augments Radiotherapy Efficacy in GBM by Modulating Cell Apoptosis and DNA Damage Repair via PPARγ and NF-κB Pathways.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive brain malignancy with limited treatment options. Radiotherapy (RT) is often used for treating unresectable GBM; however, the outcomes are often limited due to the radioresistance of GBM. Therefore, the discovery of potential radiosensitizers to enhance GBM responses to RT is crucial.

Effectiveness of tofacitinib in patients with ulcerative colitis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of real-world studies.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of tofacitinib for treating moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC).

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched from inception up to 18 July 2023.

Examining the factors influencing academic performance of medical technology students in e-learning: A questionnaire survey.

In an era of rapid digital development, e-learning has become a significant trend in the educational field. Medical technology students need to acquire extensive theoretical knowledge and practical skills. E-learning can enhance learning experiences, improving students' understanding and application abilities.

Sulfide-mediated growth of NIR luminescent Pd/Ag atomically precise nanoclusters.

An essential feature of coinage metal nanoclusters (NCs) is their photoluminescence (PL), which spans a wide range of wavelengths from visible to near-infrared regions (NIR-I/II). A key challenge for synthetic chemists is to develop materials capable of efficient spectral change with maximum efficiency. Herein, we report novel dithiolate-protected bimetallic Pd-Ag NCs of the type [PdAgS{SP(OR)}] (R = Pr, 1Pr and Bu, 1Bu) and [PdAgS{SP(OBu)}] (2Bu).

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.

Adipose stem-cell-derived microvesicles ameliorate long-term bladder ischemia-induced bladder underactivity.

Background/purpose: The mechanism for long-term hypoxia/ischemia induced bladder underactivity is uncertain. It requires an effectively therapeutic treatment. Therefore, we determined the pathophysiologic mechanisms of long-term bilateral partial iliac arterial occlusion (BPAO)-induced bladder underactivity and explored the therapeutic potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and ADSC-derived microvesicles (MVs) on BPAO-induced bladder dysfunction.

Too early to be different? A multi-institutional study with 30-year follow-up for prognostic factors of completely resected early stage thymoma.

Background/purpose: This multi-institutional study was aimed to analyze prognostic factors of completely resected early stage thymoma.

Methods: Patients with surgically treated early stage thymoma between 1988 and 2019 were enrolled. Statistical associations were evaluated using the χ test, Fisher's exact test, and Student's t-test.

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.