Positive Correlation Between Serum Limonene Levels and Muscle Health in a Representative Adult Population in the United States.

Monoterpenes, a class of organic compounds with the molecular formula CH, have garnered significant attention for their potential medicinal benefits. Emerging evidence suggests they may positively influence skeletal muscle function. However, the impact of monoterpene exposure on muscle strength and mass in humans remains unclear.

NGF-TrkA Axis Enhances PDGF-C-Mediated Angiogenesis in Osteosarcoma via miR-29b-3p Suppression: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy Using Larotrectinib.

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in osteosarcoma (OS) growth and metastasis. While nerve growth factor (NGF) is implicated in cancer progression, its role in OS angiogenesis remains unclear. This study explored NGF's effects on angiogenesis and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Associations of Serum Cystatin C, DNAm Cystatin C, Renal Function, and Mortality in U.S. Adults.

Serum cystatin C is a well-established marker of renal function and a valuable predictor of health risks and mortality. DNA methylation-predicted cystatin C (DNAmCystatinC), an advanced epigenetic biomarker, serves as a proxy for serum cystatin C levels. However, the relationships between serum cystatin C, DNAmCystatinC, renal function, and mortality outcomes have not been previously examined.

The Potential of SHAP and Machine Learning for Personalized Explanations of Influencing Factors in Myopic Treatment for Children.

The rising prevalence of myopia is a significant global health concern. Atropine eye drops are commonly used to slow myopia progression in children, but their long-term use raises concern about intraocular pressure (IOP). This study uses SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to improve the interpretability of machine learning (ML) model predicting end IOP, offering clinicians explainable insights for personalized patient management.

Hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy with 70 Gy in 28 fractions for prostate cancer confined to the pelvis: a single institute experience in Taiwan.

Background: The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing in Asian countries. Although moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy is not inferior to conventional fractionated radiation according to the updated guidelines, data regarding its efficacy and safety in Taiwan are currently lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of prostate cancer patients treated with hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy at a single institution in Taiwan.

Age-dependent effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on stroke risk in geriatric patients with diabetes and atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, particularly in geriatric populations. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, but their effects on stroke risk may vary by age. This study aimed to explore the age-dependent effects of SGLT2i on stroke risk in patients with AF and DM.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Rapid Antigen Tests for Trichomoniasis: A Meta-analysis.

Objective: Trichomoniasis is a globally prevalent sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold standard for diagnosing trichomoniasis, but it is expensive. Antigen tests are immunochromatographic immunoassays that detect T.

Real-world efficacy and safety of universal 8-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic hepatitis C with early chronic kidney disease or pre-end-stage renal disease: Insights from a nationwide hepatisis C virus registry in Taiwan.

An 8-week regimen of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is recommended for treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). In alignment with the Taiwanese government's objective to eliminate hepatitis C by 2025, this study aimed to provide real-world evidence on the use of this regimen in treatment-naïve patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by using data from the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver HCV Registry (TACR). CKD was defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.

Safety and Feasibility of Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy With Immediate Direct-to-Implant Reconstruction - Insights From the One of the Largest Centers in Asia.

Background: The use of robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy (R-NSM) with immediate direct-to-implant (DTI) reconstruction in treatment of breast cancer has been a controversial topic. The adoption of robotic surgery in breast cancer treatment has gained traction globally due to its minimally invasive nature, potential for improved cosmetic outcomes and better intraoperative visualization. This study provides insights on safety and feasibility robotic mastectomy at one of the largest centers in Asia.

Moderate-severe aortic arch calcification and high serum alkaline phosphatase co-modify the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality among chronic hemodialysis patients.

Background: Patients with end-stage kidney disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) have an unparalleled risk of vascular calcification (VC) and high alkaline phosphatase (Alk-P) levels. However, whether VC contributed to the cardiovascular risk modified by serum Alk-P levels was not addressed in the population.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on chronic HD patients, between October 1 and December 31, 2018, with aortic arch calcification (AoAC) scores and serum Alk-P levels.

Efficiency and Safety of Repeated Vertebroplasty for Adjacent Segment Fractures.

To review the outcomes of patients who underwent repeated vertebroplasty (VP) surgery for adjacent segment fractures (ASF), defined as new osteoporotic vertebral fractures occurring at levels immediately above or below a previously treated vertebra. From 1 January 2018, to 31 December 2020, forty-one patients who developed ASF following initial VP and underwent repeated VP were enrolled in our study. Radiographic measurements included single and two-segment kyphotic angles (SKA and TKA), and anterior and mid-vertebral body height (AVH and MVH).

Applicability of the decomposed theory of planned behavior for the evaluation of community-dwelling older adults' acceptance in continuous usage of robot-assisted board games for cognitive training.

Background: Improving cognitive function in healthy older adults is a global concern. Cognitive training delays mental deterioration. The utilization of robots and board games for aiding older adults in cognitive training represents a prominent technological trend and is a subject of meriting investigation.

Betulin inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines in human gingival fibroblasts and ligature-induced periodontitis.

Chronic inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth is known as periodontal disease. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) are among the greatest prevalent cells in gingival tissue and play a crucial role in oral infections. Data from the GSE dataset revealed that the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were up-regulated in periodontitis patients compared to healthy individuals.

Predictive modeling and interpretative analysis of risks of instability in patients with Myasthenia Gravis requiring intensive care unit admission.

Objective: Myasthenia gravis (MG), a low-prevalence autoimmune disorder characterized by clinical heterogeneity and unpredictable disease fluctuations, presents significant risks of acute exacerbations requiring intensive care. These crises contribute substantially to patient morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to develop and validate machine-learning models for predicting intensive care unit (ICU) admission risk among patients with MG-related disease instability.

Short-term effects of exergaming on patients with chronic low back pain: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

Background: Exergaming is increasingly popular, but its impact on chronic low back pain (CLBP) remain unclear.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of exergaming versus traditional exercise for managing CLBP using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.

Methods: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial included 70 participants with CLBP, who were assigned to either the exergaming or traditional exercise group.

Navigating the obesity paradox in bladder cancer prognosis-insights from the Taiwan National Health Insurance System Database.

Purpose: This study investigates the complex relationship between body mass index (BMI) and bladder cancer outcomes, utilizing Taiwan's national database. Bladder cancer remains a significant health concern, especially in Taiwan, prompting a comprehensive retrospective analysis to explore the impact of obesity on survival outcomes.

Materials And Methods: A meticulous exclusion process, based on Taiwan National Health Insurance System Database, refined the initial dataset of 15,086 bladder cancer patients to 10,352.

Objective approach to diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by using pixel subtraction and machine learning classification of outpatient consultation videos.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting between 5% and 7% of school-age children. ADHD is typically characterized by persistent patterns of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity, and it is diagnosed on the basis of the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, through subjective observations and information provided by parents and teachers. Diagnosing ADHD in children is challenging, despite several assessment tools, such as the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham questionnaire, being widely available.

Safety and Efficacy of BioMime Sirolimus-Eluting Stent System in All-Comers Real-World Population With Coronary Artery Stenosis: MILES Global Registry.

Background: This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of BioMime sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) system, with an ultra-low strut thickness (65 µm), in real-world all-comers population with coronary artery stenosis (CAD).

Methods: This was a post-marketing, multicenter, single-arm, observational clinical registry among patients undergoing intervention for CAD. Patients were clinically followed up at 1, 9, 12, and 24 months after the index percutaneous coronary intervention.

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.

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.

Chandelier retroillumination-assisted cataract surgery in two cases of congenital aniridia with severe aniridia-associated keratopathy: case series.

Congenital aniridia is a rare genetic eye disorder often associated with PAX6 gene mutations, leading to complex ocular manifestations, including aniridia-associated keratopathy (AAK) and cataracts. The surgical management of cataracts in these patients is particularly challenging due to severe corneal opacities, which obscure key surgical steps such as capsulorhexis and phacoemulsification. This report presents two cases of congenital aniridia with severe AAK, in which chandelier retroillumination-assisted cataract surgery was employed.

Effects of advanced practice nurses on health-care costs, quality of care, and patient well-being: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The growing recognition of advanced practice nurses' role has been challenged by the need for decreased health-care costs while ensuring quality of care and patient well-being. However, limited evidence exists from previous reviews evaluating the effectiveness of advanced practice nurses.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of advanced practice nurses on health-care costs, quality of care, and patient well-being.

Morbid obesity is associated with outcomes in patients undergoing vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: a nationwide inpatient sample analysis.

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) significantly affect older adults, leading to considerable morbidity and healthcare costs. Despite the known health risks of morbid obesity, its impact on surgical outcomes of OVCF remains underexplored. This study examines the influence of morbid obesity on the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing vertebral augmentation procedures, specifically vertebroplasty (VP) or kyphoplasty (KP).