Sensitization of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to HDACi is regulated through hsa-miR-342-5p/CFL1.

Background: Increased prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge. HCC chemoresistance is a clinical obstacle for its management. Aberrant miRNA expression is a hallmark for both cancer progression and drug resistance.

Effectiveness and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in low-weight patients with atrial fibrillation.

It remains unclear whether non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are more effective and safer than warfarin in low-weight patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Here, we retrospectively compared the effectiveness and safety of NOACs with those of warfarin in low-weight patients with AF. We extracted the July 2011-September 2022 data of patients with AF treated with a NOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or edoxaban) or warfarin at a tertiary hospital.

De Novo Biopsy-Proven Glomerular Disease Following COVID-19 Vaccination.

There is still no consensus about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-associated glomerular disease (CVAGD). Given the large number of vaccinations administered and the variations in glomerulopathy observed across different countries and regional environments, CVAGD remains an important area of concern. We aimed to elucidate the findings of CVAGD within a Taiwanese cohort using biopsy data.

Mediation of radiation-induced bystander effect and epigenetic modification: The role of exosomes in cancer radioresistance.

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles produced by almost all mammalian cells. They play an important role in cell-to-cell communication by transferring biologically active molecules from the cell of origin to the recipient cells. Ionizing radiation influences exosome production and molecular cargo loading.

Atrial cardiomyopathy revisited-evolution of a concept: a clinical consensus statement of the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the ESC, the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), the Asian Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS), and the Latin American Heart Rhythm Society (LAHRS).

Aims: The concept of "atrial cardiomyopathy" (AtCM) had been percolating through the literature since its first mention in 1972. Since then, publications using the term were sporadic until the decision was made to convene an expert working group with representation from four multinational arrhythmia organizations to prepare a consensus document on atrial cardiomyopathy in 2016 (EHRA/HRS/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus on atrial cardiomyopathies: definition, characterization, and clinical implication). Subsequently, publications on AtCM have increased progressively.

Differences in End-of-Life Care Between Patients Who Died of Cancer Diseases and Those Who Died of Noncancer Diseases.

Patients with advanced noncancer diseases or advanced cancer diseases may experience similar symptom burdens during the end of their lives. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in receiving hospice care service and in receiving aggressive end-of-life care between patients who died of cancer diseases and those who died of noncancer diseases. This cross-sectional population-based study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

Intracellular domain of epithelial cell adhesion molecule induces Wnt receptor transcription to promote colorectal cancer progression.

Background: Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has been widely studied as a tumor antigen due to its expression in varieties of solid tumors. Moreover, the glycoprotein contributes to critical cancer-associated cellular functionalities via its extracellular (EpEX) and intracellular (EpICD) domains. In colorectal cancer (CRC), EpCAM has been implicated in the Wnt signaling pathway, as EpICD and β-Catenin are coordinately translocated to the nucleus.

Effect of long-term betahistine treatment on the clinical outcomes of patients with cochlear Meniere's disease.

Background: Many studies have discussed the betahistine treatment for Meniere's disease (MD). However, regarding cochlear MD, there is no consensus on the long-term betahistine treatment.

Aims/objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the betahistine treatment duration in patients with cochlear MD and their clinical outcomes.

Heat stress-induced platelet dysfunction is associated with loss of fibrinogen and is improved by fibrinogen supplementation.

Introduction: Heatstroke is a critical heat-related condition characterized by coagulopathy and multiple organ dysfunction. One of the most severe complications of heatstroke is disseminated intravascular coagulation. This condition manifests as excessive clot formation and bleeding that are primarily due to platelet depletion and dysfunction.

Dissecting the vascular-cognitive nexus: energetic vs. conventional hemodynamic parameters.

Blood pressure or flow measurements have been associated with vascular health and cognitive function. We proposed that energetic hemodynamic parameters may provide a more nuanced understanding and stronger correlation with cognitive function, in comparisons with conventional aortic and carotid pressure and flow parameters. The study comprised 1858 participants, in whom we assessed cognitive function via MoCA method, and measured central aortic and carotid pressure and flow waveforms.

The changes and the potential clinical applications of cytokines in Taiwan's major venomous snakebites patients.

Background: Taiwan habu (Protobothrops mucrosquamatus), green bamboo viper (Viridovipera stejnegeri), and Taiwan cobra (Naja atra) are the most venomous snakebites in Taiwan. Patients commonly present with limb swelling but misdiagnosis rates are high, and currently available diagnostic tools are limited. This study explores the immune responses in snakebite patients to aid in differential diagnosis.

Pilot Study on Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of Vaginal Microbiota in Clinically Infertile Patients Treated with Probiotics.

: In this investigation, we aimed to understand the influence of oral probiotic supplementation on the vaginal microbiota of women preparing for assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. Given the importance of a healthy microbiome for reproductive success, this study sought to explore how probiotics might alter the bacterial composition in the vaginal environment. : We recruited a cohort of 30 women, averaging 37 years of age (ranging from 31 to 43 years), who were scheduled to undergo ART.

Intravascular Laser Blood Irradiation (ILIB) Enhances Antioxidant Activity and Energy Metabolism in Aging Ovaries.

Background: Ovarian aging is characterized by the accumulation of free radicals, leading to tissue damage and affecting reproductive health. Intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB, using a low-energy He-Ne laser) is known for its efficacy in treating vascular-related diseases by reducing free radicals and inflammation. However, its impact on ovarian aging remains unexplored.

Prognostic utility of the geriatric nutritional risk index for head and neck cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to assess the potential prognostic utility of geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) for head and neck cancer (HNC). We selected studies and extracted data after searching the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and PubMed databases. The associations between GNRI and survival outcomes were explored by calculating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) through a random-effects meta-analysis.

Examining the Effects of Nutrient Supplementation on Metabolic Pathways via Mitochondrial Ferredoxin in Aging Ovaries.

As women age, oocytes are susceptible to a myriad of dysfunctions, including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair mechanisms, epigenetic alterations, and metabolic disturbances, culminating in reduced fertility rates among older individuals. Ferredoxin (FDX) represents a highly conserved iron-sulfur (Fe-S) protein essential for electron transport across multiple metabolic pathways. Mammalian mitochondria house two distinct ferredoxins, FDX1 and FDX2, which share structural similarities and yet perform unique functions.

An Occult Cardiac Tamponade: Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Aortic Root Rupture in Infective Endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a rare yet critically severe condition, representing a considerable diagnostic challenge, especially among patients with pre-existing structural heart anomalies. This report details the clinical journal of a 49-year-old male with a known bicuspid aortic valve who initially exhibited nonspecific symptoms, leading to rapid clinical deterioration and the emergence of uncommon complications. The patient experienced an aortic root rupture and pericardial tamponade, necessitating urgent surgical intervention.