Analysis of Total Antioxidant Capacity and Ascorbic Acid Levels in the Aqueous Humor of Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate aqueous humor total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and ascorbic acid (AA) levels of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and their correlation with serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels.

Methods: This case-control study enrolled 177 eyes from 177 patients that underwent cataract surgery between April 2019 and November 2022 in Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Group 1 comprised 103 eyes from patients without diabetes; group 2 comprised 40 eyes from patients with diabetes but without DR; and group 3 comprised 34 eyes from patients with DR.

CMOS-fabricated dielectrophoretic chip with embedded 3D TiN nano-electrode arrays for sperm capture and sperm damage reduction.

Introduction: This study developed an embedded 3D TiN nano-electrode arrays with a strong electric field and high biocompatibility for the effective capture of motile sperms. The chip integrates CMOS fabrication technology with a three-dimensional structural design, exhibiting both electrode-based dielectrophoresis and insulator-based dielectrophoresis characteristics. It provides a stable operating environment under strong electric fields with minimal Joule heating interference.

Current status and future perspectives of vertical flow assays.

Vertical flow assays (VFAs) have emerged as efficient diagnostic tools for point-of-care testing, offering rapid detection, high sensitivity, and multiplexing capabilities. By addressing key limitations of lateral flow assays, such as low specificity and cross-reactivity, VFAs enable simultaneous detection of multiple targets with improved accuracy and lower detection limits. Their applications span clinical diagnostics, pathogen detection, food safety, and agriculture.

Dynamic cytokine monitoring enhances CAP severity scores in elderly patients: a prospective pilot study.

Current severity scoring systems (PSI and CURB-65) have limitations in risk stratification for elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Given the complex immune responses in elderly populations, dynamic biomarker monitoring may provide additional prognostic value. This study evaluates whether integrating early cytokine dynamics with traditional severity scores improves mortality prediction in elderly CAP patients.

Innovative CMOS-fabricated dielectrophoretic chip: application of 3D TiN nano-electrode arrays with adjustable electrode spacing in sperm capture.

Dielectrophoresis has been considered an effective method for particle sorting, and scientists have used it to manipulate sperms. However, due to the limitations of the chip fabrication, the conventional dielectrophoresis chip would face several issues such as low throughput, Joule heating, and insufficient dielectrophoretic force in terms of practical applications. To overcome these limitations, we have developed 3D TiN nano-electrode arrays through employing CMOS technology.

Exploring the Interplay Between Cervicovaginal Microbiome, HPV Infection, and Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Taiwanese Women.

This study examined the relationship between the vaginal microbiome, HPV infection, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in 173 women. Subjects were grouped by HPV status and cervical lesion severity, ranging from HPV-negative to CIN Grade 2 or higher. Using VALENCIA classification, the study identified different community state types (CSTs) of vaginal microbiota, with CST IV subtypes (Staphylococcus dominated) showing high diversity and increased pathogenic bacteria.

Evaluation of Optimized Lumbar Oblique X-Ray Angles with Positioning Assistance for Enhanced Imaging Quality: A Pilot Study in an Asian Cohort.

Pars fractures are a common cause of lower back pain, especially among young individuals. Although computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning are commonly used in developed regions, traditional radiography remains the main diagnostic method in many developing countries. This study assessed whether the standard radiographic angles suggested in textbooks are optimal for an Asian population since Asian groups have lower lumbar lordosis.

BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine elicits robust virus-specific antibodies but poor cross-protective CD8 memory T cell responses in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Background: COVID-19 mRNA vaccines have demonstrated 95 % efficacy in the general population. However, their immunogenicity in adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), who exhibit weaken immune responses, remains insufficiently explored.

Methods: Longitudinal analysis of innate immune responses following PRR-agonists and BNT162b2 vaccine stimulations, along with S-specific antibody responses, memory T cell recall responses, and RNA-sequencing were assessed in eight T1D adolescents and 16 healthy controls at six different timepoints.

Urinary interferon-γ-induced protein-10/creatinine ratio as a predictor of severe paediatric infections: A prospective pilot study.

Aim: This prospective pilot study evaluated urinary interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10)/creatinine and tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)/creatinine ratios as non-invasive biomarkers for distinguishing bacterial from viral infections and assessing disease severity in febrile children.

Methods: The study involved 85 febrile children and 29 healthy controls, measuring urinary IP-10/creatinine and TRAIL/creatinine ratios to determine their diagnostic utility.

Results: Both ratios were significantly elevated in infected patients compared to controls.

Pilot study on the impact of HIFU treatment on miRNA profiles in vaginal secretions of uterine fibroids and adenomyosis patients.

Background: High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis has been long developed. The aim of this study is to investigate miRNA profile changes in vaginal secretions after HIFU treatment and their clinical relevance.

Methods: We prospectively collected vaginal secretions samples from 8 patients (1 with adenomyosis and 7 with fibroids) before and after HIFU treatment.

Dielectrophoretic capture of and boar sperms using ULSI-fabricated three-dimensional protruding TiN nano-electrode arrays.

Object: In recent years, dielectrophoresis has become widely recognized as a highly suitable method for creating good tools for particle separation, with significant successes achieved in a variety of areas.

Method: Expanding upon this, we adopted a semiconductor CMOS process, instead of a MEMS process, which allowed for the following: 1) wire insulation to mitigate Joule heat and prevent thermal fluctuation interference with the dielectrophoretic force; 2) isolation of harmful materials from biological samples, making the chip biocompatible; and, 3) the ability to employ nano-electrodes capable of generating a stronger electric field than conventional electrodes, thus allowing chip capture at lower voltages. Additionally, our chip is scalable, enabling multiplied throughput based on sample processing requirements.

Evaluating TRAIL and IP-10 alterations in vaccinated pregnant women after COVID-19 diagnosis and their correlation with neutralizing antibodies.

Background: This study evaluates tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and interferon-γ-induced protein-10 (IP-10) in pregnant women with COVID-19 and their newborns, exploring the effects of antiviral treatments and vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody (Nab) inhibition on these key viral infection biomarkers.

Methods: We studied 61 pregnant women with past COVID-19 and either three (n=56) or four (n=5) doses of vaccination, and 46 without COVID-19 but vaccinated. We analyzed them and their newborns' blood for TRAIL, IP-10, and Nab levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), correlating these with other clinical factors.

Paper-Based procalcitonin and Interleukin-6 test strip with Spectrum-Based optical reader for enterovirus severity differentiation in children.

Infectious diseases significantly impact global health, necessitating prompt diagnosis to mitigate life-threatening sepsis risk. Identifying patients at risk of severe neurological complications from enterovirus infections is challenging due to nonspecific initial presentations. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has emerged as a transformative tool, with low-cost lateral-flow colorimetric assays showing promise in deployable POCT devices.

Case report: Cytokine and miRNA profiling in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an imperative pediatric inflammatory condition closely linked to COVID-19, which garners substantial attention since the onset of the pandemic. Like Kawasaki illness, this condition is characterized by an overactive immune response, leading to symptoms including pyrexia, cardiac and renal complications. To elucidate the pathogenesis of MIS-C and identify potential biomarkers, we conducted an extensive examination of specific cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-6R, IL-10, and TNF-α) and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles at various intervals (ranging from 3 to 20 days) in the peripheral blood sample of a severely affected MIS-C patient.

Intermittent lysis on a single paper-based device to extract exosomal nucleic acid biomarkers from biological samples for downstream analysis.

As the role of exosomes in physiological and pathological processes has been properly perceived, harvesting them and their internal components is critical for subsequent applications. This study is a debut of intermittent lysis, which has been integrated into a simple and easy-to-operate procedure on a single paper-based device to extract exosomal nucleic acid biomarkers for downstream analysis. Exosomes from biological samples were captured by anti-CD63-modified papers before being intermittently lysed by high-temperature, short-time treatment with double-distilled water to release their internal components.

Evaluation of a novel vaginal cells self-sampling device for human papillomavirus testing in cervical cancer screening: A clinical trial assessing reliability and acceptability.

Cervical cancer is a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where resources for prevention and treatment are limited. Routine screening, such as the Papanicolaou test (Pap smears) and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, plays a crucial role in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. However, the participation rate in cervical cancer screening programs remains below optimal levels due to various factors.

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study of Plasma MicroRNAs Associated with Inflammatory Cytokines after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination.

Background: The impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the immunological profiles of pregnant women remains a crucial area of study. This research aims to explore the specific immunological changes triggered by these vaccines in this demographic.

Methods: In a focused investigation, we examined the effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination on microRNA expression in pregnant women.

Fluorescence-based reagent and spectrum-based optical reader for lactoferrin detection in tears: differentiating Sjögren's syndrome from non-Sjögren's dry eye syndrome.

Identification of an early biomarker and effective testing device to differentiate dry eye disease secondary to autoimmune disease (Sjögren's syndrome dry eye disease) from non-Sjögren's dry eye disease are prerequisites for appropriate treatment. We aimed to demonstrate the capacity of a new photo-detection device to evaluate tear lactoferrin levels as a tool for differentiating systemic conditions associated with dry eye disease. Patients with non-Sjögren's and Sjögren's syndrome dry eye disease (n = 54 and n = 52, respectively) and controls (n = 11) were enrolled.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 detection in wound tissue fluids for the assisted diagnosis of wound infection.

Background: Infections are commonly seen in wounds. The overall infection rate is 1.8% to 4.

TRAIL and IP-10 dynamics in pregnant women post COVID-19 vaccination: associations with neutralizing antibody potency.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate changes in TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and gamma interferon-induced protein 10 (IP-10) after COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women and to explore their association with neutralizing antibody (Nab) inhibition.

Methods: The study evaluated 93 pregnant women who had previously received two (n=21), three (n=55) or four (n=17) doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Also we evaluated maternal blood samples that were collected during childbirth.

Pilot Study on Evaluating the Impact of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap), Influenza, and COVID-19 Vaccinations on Antibody Responses in Pregnant Women.

This study assessed IgG levels to influenza/pertussis and neutralizing antibody (Nab) responses of COVID-19 vaccines in blood of pregnant women following immunization with pertussis (Tdap), influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines. We prospectively collected 71 participants categorized by the following vaccine combinations: 3TI, 4TI, 3T, and 4T groups (three and four doses of COVID-19 vaccines plus Tdap/influenza or Tdap vaccines alone). Our findings have indicated that the 3TI group exhibited elevated IgG levels for influenza B compared to the 3T group (12.

Isolation of three different sizes of exosomes in an Asian population with different retinal diseases before and after treatment: preliminary results.

Exosomes are membranous structures measuring between 40-120 nm that are secreted by various cells of the human body into the body fluid system. Exosomes contain proteins, mRNA, miRNA, and signaling molecules, and physiologically they assist in the intercellular transport of proteins and RNA molecules. In this study, we used an immunoaffinity filter paper platform combined with scanning electron microscopy and microfluidic systems to detect the size of exosomes within the aqueous humor.