Interfacial Elemental Analysis of Slanted Edge-Contacted Monolayer MoS Transistors via Directionally Angled Etching.

Edge contacts offer a significant advantage for enhancing the performance of semiconducting transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) devices by interfacing with the metallic contacts on the lateral side, which allows the encapsulation of all of the channel material. However, despite intense research, the fabrication of feasible electrical edge contacts to TMDCs to improve device performance remains a great challenge, as interfacial chemical characterization via conventional methods is lacking. A major bottleneck in explicitly understanding the chemical and electronic properties of the edge contact at the metal-two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor interface is the small cross section when characterizing nominally one-dimensional edge contacts.

A Study of Halide Ion Exchange-Induced Phase Transition in CsPbBr Perovskite Quantum Dots for Detecting Chlorinated Volatile Compounds.

The unique optical properties of perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), particularly the tunable photoluminescence (PL) across the visible spectrum, make them a promising tool for chlorinated detection. However, the correlation between the fluorescence emission shift behavior and the interface of phase transformation in PQDs has not been thoroughly explored. In this study, we synthesized CsPbBr PQDs via the hot-injection method and demonstrated their ability to detect chlorinated volatile compounds such as HCl and NaOCl through a halide exchange process between the PQDs' solid thin film and the chlorinated vapor phase.

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.

Preventable hospitalizations through ED: does the number of hospital beds matter under the global budget in a single-payer system in Taiwan?

Background: Taiwan implemented global hospital budgeting with a floating-point value, which created a prisoner's dilemma. As a result, hospitals increased service volume, which caused the floating-point value to drop to less than one New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). The recent increase in the number of hospital beds and the call to enhance the floating-point value to one NTD raise concerns about the potential for increased financial burden without adding value to patient care if hospitals expand their bed capacity for volume-based competition.

Impact of heart rate on eGFR decline in ischemic stroke patients.

Background: Resting heart rate is a potent predictor of various renal outcomes. However, the decline rate of renal function in ischemic stroke patients is not well defined. We tested the association of heart rate with estimated eGFR decline and the composite renal outcomes in patients with recent ischemic stroke.

Comparing quantitative imaging biomarker alliance volumetric CT classifications with RECIST response categories.

Purpose: To assess agreement between CT volumetry change classifications derived from Quantitative Imaging Biomarker Alliance Profile cut-points (ie, QIBA CTvol classifications) and the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) categories.

Materials And Methods: Target lesions in lung, liver, and lymph nodes were randomly chosen from patients in 10 historical clinical trials for various cancers, ensuring a balanced representation of lesion types, diameter ranges described in the QIBA Profile, and variations in change magnitudes. Three radiologists independently segmented these lesions at baseline and follow-up scans using 2 software tools.

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.

Effects of mirror therapy on upper limb motor function of patients with stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate and review the effects of mirror therapy on upper limb function, including improvements in shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand function, as well as coordination between the upper extremities, in patients with stroke.

Data Sources: Six databases, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Medline Complete, PubMed, and Web of Science, were searched from database inception to 15 October 2024, as well as manual searching of Google Scholar, for relevant trials.

Review Methods: The methodological quality of the trials was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool with five domains.

Variation in compressive mechanical properties between subacute and chronic venous thrombosis in a novel unilateral iliac thrombosis model.

Interventional therapies to relieve chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) fail through inability to penetrate, cross, and remove the occlusion. Development of suitable tools requires fundamental understanding of chronic DVT mechanical properties and a reliable model for testing. Female farm swine underwent a novel, endovenous generation of long-segment unilateral iliac vein thrombosis.

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.

Advances in nucleic acid-based cancer vaccines.

Nucleic acid vaccines have emerged as crucial advancements in vaccine technology, particularly highlighted by the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The widespread administration of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 to billions globally marks a significant milestone. Furthermore, the approval of an mRNA vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) this year underscores the versatility of this technology.

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).

Population genetic structure of Uroteuthis edulis in the East China Sea based on the COI gene.

Background: Uroteuthis edulis is a significant economic cephalopod resource utilized by mainland China, Taiwan, and Japan. Understanding the population genetic structure of U.edulis is essential to evaluate the changes of its resource abundance.

Deep learning algorithms for predicting pathological complete response in MRI of rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a systematic review.

Purpose: This systematic review examines the utility of deep learning algorithms in predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). The primary goal is to evaluate the performance of MRI-based artificial intelligence (AI) models and explore factors affecting their diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines and is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024628017).

Exploring the utility of different bulking agents for speeding up the composting process of household kitchen waste.

Household kitchen waste (HKW) is produced in large quantity and its management is difficult due to high moisture content and complex organic matter. Aerobic composting of HKW is an easy, efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly method. This study is designed to achieve a zero-waste concept and to convert HKW.

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.

Low-dose dasatinib-induced chylothorax, pulmonary hypertension, and pericardial effusion in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia: A case report and literature review.

Rationale: Chylothorax is a rare adverse effect that is associated with dasatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor administered for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment. Most reported cases have described standard dosing. In this case report, we described a 43-year-old male patient with CML who developed chylothorax after 4 years of low-dose dasatinib therapy.

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.

Liquid crystal sensor for Cr(III)-citrate detection via interfacial coagulation.

Background: Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and its highly soluble carboxyl complexes, often discharged into the environment by industries such as electroplating, leather tanning, and textile manufacturing, present severe risks to human health and ecosystems due to their high toxicity. These compounds are notoriously difficult to detect and remove during wastewater treatment, as they can persist in aqueous environments. Consequently, there is a pressing need for the development of simple, cost-effective, and reliable methods for their detection, which can improve monitoring, facilitate timely interventions, and enhance environmental protection efforts.

Enhanced assessment of water quality for both nitrate and nitrite using engineered E. coli with para-aminobenzoic acid biosynthesis.

Background: Monitoring nitrate and nitrite levels in water is vital for protecting human health, aquatic ecosystems, and regulatory compliance. However, traditional detection methods often involve environmentally harmful chemicals. This study introduces a sustainable alternative by leveraging metabolically engineered E.