Re-evaluating large for gestational age: differential effects on perinatal outcomes in term and premature births.

Objective: Pregnancies with large-for-gestational-age (LGA) fetuses are associated with increased risks of various adverse perinatal outcomes. While existing research primarily focuses on term neonates, less is known about preterm neonates. This study aims to explore the risks of adverse maternal and neonatal perinatal outcomes associated with LGA in term neonates and neonates with different degrees of prematurity, compared to appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates.

On some integral inequalities of Grüss type involving the generalized fractional Saigo -integral operator.

Using the generalized Saigo fractional integral operator, the authors of this study prove several novel fractional integral inequalities of the Grüss type. By fixing the values of functions, specific situations derived from previously established findings are shown. The ultimate purpose of this work is to investigate the Grüss-type integral inequalities with the Saigo -integral operator, a more generalized integral operator.

Using home-based augmented reality storybook training modules for facilitating emotional functioning and socialization of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability with increasing prevalence worldwide. Its main challenges include poor social interaction and self-regulation skills. Effective interventions are required to improve children with ASD's social interaction skills and emotional regulation.

Predicting Survival Outcomes for Patients with Ovarian Cancer Using National Cancer Registry Data from Taiwan: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Ovarian cancer is one of the top seven causes of cancer deaths. Incidence of ovarian cancer varies by ethnicity, where Asian women demonstrate lower incidence rates than non-Hispanic Blacks and Whites. Survival prediction models for ovarian cancer have been developed for Caucasians and Black populations using national databases; however, whether these models work for Asians is unclear.

Synergistic effects of and zinc oxide in polyvinyl alcohol films for enhanced UV and blue light shielding, antimicrobial properties, and hydrophobicity: improving application performance in sustainable packaging and protective eyewear.

This study investigates the development and characterization of a novel composite material consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) integrated with (UG) and zinc oxide (ZnO) as fillers. The synergistic effects of UG and ZnO were investigated, focusing on their ability to enhance the film's properties. UV-vis spectrophotometry demonstrated that the composite film effectively blocked all UV (UV-A and UV-B) and blue light wavelengths.

Artificial intelligence-enhanced electrocardiography improves the detection of coronary artery disease.

An AI-assisted algorithm has been developed to improve the detection of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) in high-risk individuals who have normal electrocardiograms (ECGs). This retrospective study analyzed ECGs from patients aged ≥ 18 years who were undergoing coronary angiography to obtain a clinical diagnosis at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. Utilizing 12-lead ECG datasets, the algorithm integrated features like time intervals, amplitudes, and slope between peaks, a total of 561 features, with the XGBoost model yielding the best performance.

Combination of reverse shock index and simplified motor score as a strong discriminator of trauma outcomes.

Background: The reverse shock index multiplied by simplified motor score (rSI-sMS) is a novel and rapid measure for assessing injury severity in patients with trauma in prehospital settings; however, its discriminant ability requires further validation.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from trauma database of Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital to compare the accuracy of the rSI-sMS with that of the shock index, modified shock index, reverse shock index multiplied by the Glasgow Coma Scale (rSI-GCS), and the reverse shock index multiplied by GCS motor subscale (rSI-GCSM) for discriminating in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, prolonged ICU stays ≥14 days, and prolonged hospital stays ≥30 days in patients with trauma.

Results: A total of 11,760 patients from the trauma database were included.

Interfacial Engineering Facilitates Real-Time Detection of Dual Hazardous Gases at ppb Levels via Single-Step Hydrothermal Nanoarchitectonics of Self-Assembled PbSnS/SnO Heterostructures.

Next-generation real-time gas sensors are crucial for detecting multiple gases simultaneously with high sensitivity and selectivity. In this study, ternary metal sulfide (PbSnS)-incorporated metal oxide (SnO) heterostructures were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method. Characterizations such as X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of PbSnS/SnO heterostructures.

Epidemiological Features, Clinical Symptoms, and Environmental Risk Factors for Notifiable Japanese Encephalitis in Taiwan From 2008 to 2020: Retrospective Study.

Background: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and may cause fever, nausea, headache, or meningitis. It is currently unclear whether the epidemiological characteristics of the JEV have been affected by the extreme climatic conditions that have been observed in recent years.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the epidemiological characteristics, trends, and potential risk factors of JE in Taiwan from 2008 to 2020.

Investigating BLS instructors' ability to evaluate CPR performance: focus on compression depth, rate, and recoil.

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) presents significant challenges with low survival rates, emphasizing the need for effective bystander CPR training. In Basic Life Support (BLS) training, the role of instructors is pivotal as they assess and correct learners' cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques to ensure proficiency in life-saving skills. This study evaluates the concordance between CPR quality assessments by Basic Life Support (BLS) instructors and those determined through Quantitative CPR (QCPR) devices, utilizing data from BLS courses conducted at National Cheng Kung University Hospital from October 2017 to April 2018.

A pre-rule for the sequential probability ratio test in a between-item grid multidimensional computerized classification test.

The measurement efficiency of a grid multidimensional computerized classification test (grid MCCT), which makes a classification decision per dimension, can be improved by taking the correlations between the dimensions into account in the termination criterion. The higher the correlations, the better the improvement in measurement efficiency. However, a termination criterion utilizing inter-dimensional information (i.

Leveraging Model-Based Simulations to Optimize Extended Dosing of Leuprolide 6-Month Intramuscular Depot Formulation.

Background And Objective: A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist such as leuprolide is widely used to achieve sustained suppression of testosterone levels, which play a critical role in the treatment of prostate cancer. Recent advances in drug delivery systems have led to the development of long-acting depot formulations, such as the 6-month intramuscular (IM) leuprolide formulation, which aim to simplify dosing and improve convenience for both patients and healthcare providers. Exploring extended dosing intervals for such formulations represents a promising approach to further optimize treatment regimens, potentially balancing efficacy with patient-centered care.

The Role of Gut Microbiota in Shaping Immune Responses in Tephritidae Fruit Fly and Prospective Implications for Management.

The interaction of microbial communities with host immunity has become one of the most explored research areas with significant implications for pest control strategies. It has been found that the gut microbiota plays substantial roles in immune response regulation and host-gut microbiome symbiosis, as well as in pathogen resistance and overall fitness in Tephritidae fruit flies that are major pests of agricultural importance. In this review, we discuss the modulation of immune responses of Tephritidae fruit flies by the gut microbiota with particular emphasis on the general interactions between microbiota and the immune system.

Legalization of surrogacy? Opinions from more than 7700 residents in Taiwan.

This study explores Taiwanese' perspectives on the potential legalization of surrogacy, an issue with diverse legal stances globally. Conducted between 17 December 2023 and 1 January 2024, this mixed-methods cross-sectional study employed Knowledge and Attitudes of Legalizing Surrogacy (KALS) questionnaire. This instrument assessed opinions and ethical considerations on various aspects including ethics and children's rights, surrogate health, offspring welfare, and social justice.

Oxidation state of bioavailable dissolved organic matter influences bacterioplankton respiration and growth efficiency.

Oxygen consumption by oceanic microbes can predict respiration (CO production) but requires an assumed respiratory quotient (RQ; ΔO/ΔCO). Measured apparent RQs (ARQs) can be impacted by various processes, including nitrification and changes in dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition, leading to discrepancies between ARQ and actual RQ. In DOM remineralization experiments conducted in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean, ARQs averaged 1.

A robust output-feedback control scheme based on composite nonlinear feedback in singular uncertain delayed models.

Relying on composite nonlinear feedback, an output-feedback controller is robustly addressed in the singular models with uncertainties, disturbances and time-delays. For this purpose, an observer-based compensator is utilized to realize the purpose. In the presence of disturbance and uncertainty, it is demonstrated that the tracking error and the states of the overall system are ultimately bounded.

Identification of the molecular characterization and tumor microenvironment of thoracic inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors.

Background: Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs), rare soft tissue neoplasms, are characterized by a blend of myofibroblastic proliferation and inflammatory features. While generally characterized by slow growth, IMTs can exhibit locally aggressive behavior, and in rare instances, metastasize to distant sites. This study elucidated the clinical characteristics, molecular profile, and tumor microenvironment of thoracic IMTs.

Optimal dose and type of exercise to improve motor symptoms in adults with Parkinson's disease: A network meta-analysis.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the dose-response relationship between different exercise types and the alleviation of motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease patients.

Design: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted to compare the effects of 12 exercise types on motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease patients using randomized controlled trials.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science until September 10, 2024.

The Impact of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease on the Presence of Cerebral Microbleeds: A Case-Control Matched Study.

Rationale And Objectives: Individuals with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) can present with diverse renal and extra-renal manifestations. Large vessel anomalies, such as cerebral aneurysms, are potentially fatal extra-renal manifestations. However, limited research has been conducted on cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

AI integration into wavelength-based SPR biosensing: Advancements in spectroscopic analysis and detection.

Background: In recent years, employing deep learning methods in the biosensing area has significantly reduced data analysis time and enhanced data interpretation and prediction accuracy. In some SPR fields, research teams have further enhanced detection capabilities using deep learning techniques. However, the application of deep learning to spectroscopic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors has not been reported.

Unveiling Hidden Dangers: Quantitative Analysis of Ischemic Risks in High-Risk Patients with ASCVD and Dyslipidemia.

Cardiovascular disease is one of the foremost causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) identified as a significant risk factor for subsequent ischemic events. Elevated LDL-C contributes to vascular injury and fibrosis by upregulating the expression of connective tissue growth factor and collagen IV, which leads to endothelial cell dysfunction that initiates the process of atherosclerotic diseases. Currently, there is an absence of clear, risk-defined criteria to identify patients who are in greater needs for intensive LDL-C reduction, particularly with PCSK9 inhibitors.

Preexisting multimorbidity predicts greater mortality risks related to long-term PM exposure.

Long-term health risk assessments related to ambient fine particulate matter (PM) exposure have been more limited to general population but not towards individuals suffering from multimorbidity. While both multimorbidity and PM are independently linked to elevated mortality risk, their combined effects and interactions remain practically unexplored. A cross-cohort analysis was undertaken on data from 3 prospective cohorts, initially enrolling 869038 adults aged ≥18 years followed up during 2005-2022.

Advancing Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Integrating Molecular Biomarkers and Emerging Technologies.

Cancer biomarkers can be derived from tumor cells or neighboring cells within the tumor microenvironment. Over the past few decades, various molecular markers, including DNA (mutations, copy number variations), RNA (mRNA, microRNA, circular RNA), proteins, and metabolites, have been identified with the aid of rapidly evolving technologies. Some of these markers have demonstrated potential clinical utility, while others have provided new insights into the deregulation of normal molecular and cellular processes that lead to tumorigenesis.

Healthcare Utilization One Year Before Sudden Cardiac Death in Taiwan.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the patterns of healthcare system utilization before sudden cardiac death (SCD) in Taiwan, and compare the patterns between patients treated at medical centers and non-center hospitals.

Methods: This descriptive multicenter retrospective cohort study recruited adult, nontraumatic SCD patients who were admitted to the National Taiwan University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals between January 2017 and December 2022. Healthcare utilization patterns, such as outpatient visits, emergency department (ED) visits, short-term ED returns, and hospitalizations, were analyzed during the weeks prior to SCD.