Clinical Trial: Precise Administration of Sucralfate Powder in Prevention of Delayed Postpolypectomy Bleeding. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/aims: Delayed postpolypectomy bleeding occurs in approximately 1% to 2% of all patients undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy, and this rate increases to 6% in patients with large (>2 cm) colon polyps. Sucralfate can protect the mucosa and promote its healing. This study was conducted to investigate whether colonoscopic spraying of sucralfate powder on polypectomy wounds can prevent delayed postoperative bleeding.

Interplay of Weight Status and Sleep Autonomic Function in Mediating and Moderating the Link Between Disease Severity and Blood Pressure in Paediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children is associated with numerous adverse outcomes, including elevated blood pressure. While the associations between OSA, obesity, and autonomic dysfunction are recognised, the precise mechanisms linking these factors and their relationship with elevated blood pressure in children remain unclear.

Methods: This retrospective case series included 76 children with OSA.

Syngeneic natural killer cell therapy activates dendritic and T cells in metastatic lungs and effectively treats low-burden metastases.

Natural killer (NK) cells can control metastasis through cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production independently of T cells in experimental metastasis mouse models. The inverse correlation between NK activity and metastasis incidence supports a critical role for NK cells in human metastatic surveillance. However, autologous NK cell therapy has shown limited benefit in treating patients with metastatic solid tumors.

Ankylosing Spondylitis and Cancer Risk.

Chronic inflammation is a major characteristic of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and is closely related to the mechanisms of cancer development. Persistent inflammatory responses can lead to DNA damage, gene mutations, and abnormal cell proliferation, all of which may increase the risk of cancer. We also explore the use of biologic therapy of AS and their potential cancer risks.

Erythropoietin treatment and osteoporotic fracture risk in hemodialysis patients: A nationwide population-based study.

Objectives: Concerns about erythropoietin (EPO) therapy for anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) contributing to potential bone loss and increased fracture risks are growing. This study investigated the impact of EPO administration on the risk of common osteoporotic fractures in ESRD patients.

Methods: This population-based retrospective cohort study compared EPO users and non-EPO users among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis, diagnosed with ESRD between 2000 and 2014 identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan.

Establishment of reference audiometric norms for the elderly population: A community-based study on mean and median hearing thresholds.

Background: This investigation quantifies the mean and median hearing thresholds and assesses the prevalence of age-related hearing loss within the senior population of Taipei.

Methods: In a substantive geriatric assessment supported by government initiative, 1696 individuals from a community hospital partook in this cross-sectional study (2016-2018). Detailed audiometric evaluations logged pure-tone thresholds across critical frequencies (0.

Impact of tunnel enlargement on patient-reported outcomes following isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Background: Tunnel enlargement (TE) might jeopardize knee function and ligament stability after revision surgery of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. To date, only few studies concern TE following posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (PCLR). This study aims to determine TE after isolated PCLR and its relationship with patient-reported outcomes.

Exploring effects of a booster workshop on progression and retention of resuscitation skills of residents when added to regular low-dose simulation.

Background: Improving the resuscitation and teamwork skills of residents is key to better outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest events. This study aims to explore the effects of regular low-dose simulation combined with a booster workshop on the progression and retention of resuscitation skills and teamwork among residents.

Methods: This comparative study took place at a teaching hospital in Northern Taiwan from August 2019 to June 2021.

A prospective randomized controlled trial comparing biphasic cartilage repair implant with microfracture in small chondral lesions of knee: findings at five-year-follow-up.

Background: Full-thickness cartilage defects have a significant impact on the function of joints in young adults, and the treatment of cartilage defects has been a challenge, as cartilage tissue is an avascular tissue. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of Biphasic Cartilage Repair Implant (BiCRI) and microfracture treatments for knee cartilage defects.

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled patients with symptomatic knee chondral lesions smaller than 3 cm.

Machine learning-driven prediction of medical expenses in triple-vessel PCI patients using feature selection.

Revascularization therapies, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), alleviate symptoms and treat myocardial ischemia. Patients with multivessel disease, particularly those undergoing 3-vessel PCI, are more susceptible to procedural complications, which can increase healthcare costs. Developing efficient strategies for resource allocation has become a paramount concern due to tightening healthcare budgets and the escalating costs of treating heart conditions.

ARTN and CCL23 predicted chemosensitivity in acute myeloid leukemia: an Olink proteomics approach.

Background: The standard "7 + 3" induction results in 30% of de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients not achieving complete remission (CR). We aimed to utilize the Olink platform to compare the bone marrow plasma proteomic profiles of newly diagnosed de novo AML patients who did and did not achieve CR following "7 + 3" induction treatment.

Methods: This prospective study included 43 untreated AML patients, stratified into CR (n = 29) and non-CR (n = 14) groups based on their response to "7 + 3" induction therapy.

Vitreomacular traction - a review.

Vitreomacular traction (VMT) is characterised by abnormal adhesion of the posterior cortical vitreous with the macula causing distortion of the foveal contour and associated with symptoms of reduction in visual acuity and/or metamorphopsia. This review article explores the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic and treatment options for VMT. Advances in imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) have revolutionized the understanding of the vitreoretinal interface abnormalities and helps in monitoring the disease progression.

Noncryopexy versus cryopexy treatment during scleral buckling: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To evaluate the differences in surgical outcomes between scleral buckling (SB) with noncryopexy and cryopexy methods.

Methods: We systematically searched the Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from their inception until January 1, 2024. A random-effects model was applied, and outcomes are presented as risk ratios (RRs) or standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries.

Science is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. Public trust in scientists can help decision makers act on the basis of the best available evidence, especially during crises. However, in recent years the epistemic authority of science has been challenged, causing concerns about low public trust in scientists.

Long-term outcomes and lymph node metastasis following endoscopic resection with additional surgery or primary surgery for T1 colorectal cancer.

Optimal management of T1 colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. This study compared the long-term outcomes of endoscopic resection with additional surgical resection (ER + ASR) versus primary surgical resection (PS) in patients with T1 CRC and identified risk factors for lymph node metastasis (LNM). This retrospective cohort study included 373 patients with T1 CRC who underwent ER + ASR or PS between January 2010 and December 2020 at a tertiary center in Taiwan.

Perceptions of science, science communication, and climate change attitudes in 68 countries - the TISP dataset.

Science is integral to society because it can inform individual, government, corporate, and civil society decision-making on issues such as public health, new technologies or climate change. Yet, public distrust and populist sentiment challenge the relationship between science and society. To help researchers analyse the science-society nexus across different geographical and cultural contexts, we undertook a cross-sectional population survey resulting in a dataset of 71,922 participants in 68 countries.

Epidemiological feature of imported malaria in Taiwan during the 2014-to-2020 period.

Although the World Health Organization (WHO) certified Taiwan as being malaria-free in 1965, there are reports of a few imported cases each year by travelers who visit malaria-endemic areas. This study examined the epidemiology of imported malaria cases in Taiwan from 2014 to 2020, utilizing national surveillance data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Malaria cases were confirmed through the application of standard laboratory methods.

Longitudinal associations of flare and damage accrual in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of organ damage (damage) and flare and to examine longitudinal associations between flares and subsequent damage accrual, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Patients enrolled in the Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration cohort with ≥3 years of prospectively captured data were studied. Flares were assessed at routine visits, while damage ((Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology) Damage Index) was assessed annually.

Negative Prognostic Factors and Clinical Improvement Prediction Modeling for ESWT in Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques.

Background: The efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for treating shoulder calcific tendinitis can be influenced by various prognostic factors. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with the failure of ESWT for symptom relief and to evaluate the predictive capability of the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm of artificial intelligence techniques in this context.

Methods: This retrospective study enrolled patients with persistent shoulder pain attributed to calcific tendinitis who underwent ESWT after failed conservative treatment between January 1998 and December 2022.

Characterizing the diabetes-induced pathological changes of the mouse lung by single-cell RNA sequencing.

Pulmonary disorders are exacerbated by high blood sugar, leading to a disordered immune defense and increased susceptibility to infection. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is characterized by insulin resistance and inadequate insulin production. Mechanisms leading to pulmonary alternation due to T2D are not clear.

Dexlansoprazole acts as a disruptor of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and ITE.

Dexlansoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is commonly used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and erosive esophagitis. The activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) functions as a transcription factor by binding to the aryl hydrocarbon response element (AHRE) of its target genes, with cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 being the most well-known target. In this study, we demonstrated that dexlansoprazole stimulates AhR activity, leading to increased CYP1A1 expression.

Identification and Validation of SPP1 as a Potential Biomarker for COPD Through Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis.

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a challenging respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation and progressive lung function decline. The identification of robust biomarkers is crucial for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and guiding therapeutic strategies.

Methods: In this study, we employed a comprehensive bioinformatics approach utilizing multiple Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to identify potential COPD biomarkers.

Geographical and Socioeconomic Disparities in Substance and Opioid Use Disorders Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Hospitalizations in the United States From the National Inpatient Sample.

We compared substance use disorder (SUD) prevalence among adult inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) hospitalizations with non-IBD controls from the 2016-2018 National Inpatient Sample, assessing correlations with demographics, socioeconomic status, geographic regions, depression, and anxiety. The primary aim focused on SUD, defined as substance abuse or dependence (: F10-F19) excluding unspecified use or remission, among hospitalizations documenting IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis; : K50-51) as one admitting diagnosis (IBD-D). The prevalence of SUD among hospitalizations with and without IBD was compared.

Activation of the COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE-2 cascade through the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced eosinophilic meningoencephalitis.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) is synthesised by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1). PGE-2 exhibits pro-inflammatory properties in inflammatory conditions. However, there remains limited understanding of the COX-2/mPGES-1/PGE-2 pathway in Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced meningoencephalitis.