Gender disparities in bladder cancer: A population-based study on life expectancy and health spending in Asia.

Background: The aim of this study was to elucidate the disparities in life expectancy, loss-of-life expectancy, and lifetime medical expenditure between sexes in patients with bladder cancer.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we used three Taiwanese databases to analyze the data of patients diagnosed with bladder cancer between 2008 and 2019. Patients aged <30 years or >90 years were excluded.

Does artificial intelligence redefine nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio threshold for diagnosing high-grade urothelial carcinoma?

Background: The Paris System (TPS) introduced standardized nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio thresholds for urine cytology to improve high-grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) detection, but these criteria remain subjective. This study used AIxURO, an artificial intelligence-based model, to measure N/C ratio and nuclear area to identify abnormal cells in whole slide images (WSIs).

Methods: A total of 106 urine cytology slides from 46 lower urinary tract (LUT) and 60 upper urinary tract (UUT) cancer cases, diagnosed as atypical urothelial cell (15.

CDK5 targets p21 to regulate thyroid cancer cell proliferation and malignancy in patients.

Cyclin‑dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), known for its role in neuronal function, has emerged as a key player in cancer biology, particularly in thyroid cancer. The present study explored the interaction between CDK5 and the cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitor p21 in thyroid cancer (TC). Bioinformatic tools and immunoprecipitation assays were used to confirm that CDK5 targets p21 for ubiquitin‑mediated degradation, reducing its stability and tumor‑suppressive effects.

Comprehensive analysis of prostate cancer life expectancy, loss of life expectancy, and healthcare expenditures: Taiwan national cohort study spanning 2008 to 2019.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the 5th leading cause of death from cancer for men in Taiwan. The incidence of synchronous metastatic PCa in Taiwan is higher than U.S.

Cyclic increase in the histamine receptor H1-ADAM9-Snail/Slug axis as a potential therapeutic target for EMT-mediated progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The intricate involvement of the histaminergic system, encompassing histamine and histamine receptors, in the progression of diverse neoplasias has attracted considerable scrutiny. Histamine receptor H1 (HRH1) was reported to be overexpressed in several cancer types, but its specific functional implications in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) predominantly remain unexplored. Our findings indicate that dysregulated high levels of HRH1 were correlated with lymph node (LN) metastasis and poor prognoses in OSCC patients.

Safety and Outcomes of Intraoperative Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Clamping During Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background/aim: This study aimed to assess the safety and outcomes of intraoperative ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt clamping during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RaRP) in patients with VP shunts.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective analysis of nine patients with VP shunts who underwent RaRP between February 2016 and October 2024 was conducted. Data on preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, surgical margins, complications, and follow-up durations were collected.

RNA interference in protozoan parasites and its application.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a biological process in which RNA molecules are involved in sequence-specific suppression of gene expression, via small RNA triggers derived from double-stranded RNA that can target specific genes; it is a natural process that plays a role in both the regulation of protein synthesis and in immunity. Discovery of RNAi by Fire and Mello in 1998 had a profound impact on unraveling novel aspects of eukaryotic biology. RNA interference (RNAi) has proven to be an immensely useful tool for studying gene function and validation of potential drug targets in almost all organisms.

Giant adrenal schwannoma - A case report and literature review.

We introduce a 39-year-old man with an exceedingly large adrenal schwannoma who visited our outpatient department with epigastric pain and a palpable mass in the left upper abdomen. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a giant cystic lesion measuring >25 cm. Laparotomy was performed for tumor excision and partial nephrectomy.

High-Intensity Focus Ultrasound Ablation in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Prostate cancer (PCa) outcomes vary significantly across risk groups. In early-stage localized PCa, the functional outcomes following radical prostatectomy (RP) can be severe, prompting increased interest in focal therapy, particularly High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). This study is to summarize the current clinical trials of HIFU on PCa.

MicroRNA Signature in an In Vitro Keratinocyte Model of Diabetic Wound Healing.

Treating diabetic wounds effectively remains a significant clinical challenge. Emerging studies suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in various physiological and pathological processes and hold promise as therapeutic tools. This study investigates the miRNA expression profile in keratinocytes using a cell model of diabetic wounds.

ESM1 facilitates the EGFR/HER3-triggered epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and progression of gastric cancer via modulating interplay between Akt and angiopoietin-2 signaling.

Gastric cancer (GC) poses global challenges due to its difficult early diagnosis and drug resistance, necessitating the identification of early detection markers and understanding of oncogenic pathways for effective GC therapy. Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1 (ESM1), a secreted glycoprotein, is elevated in various cancers, but its role in GC remains controversial. In our study, ESM1 was elevated in GC tissues, and its concentration was correlated with progression and poorer patient prognosis in independent cohorts.

Concurrent occurrence of adenocarcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the prostate gland: A case report.

Background: Adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of prostate cancer. Prostatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) typically originates from the prostatic urethra. The concurrent occurrence of adenocarcinoma and UC of the prostate gland is uncommon.

A case report on the atypical metastatic pathway of prostate cancer to the kidney and stomach.

Prostate cancer rarely metastasizes to the stomach and kidneys. We report a 73-year-old male with such spread, highlighting significant clinical challenges. Initially diagnosed via biopsy and imaging, he received hormone therapy and cytoreductive radical prostatectomy.

Effect of nocturia in patients with different severity of obstructive sleep apnea on polysomnography: A retrospective observational study.

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the etiologies of nocturia. We analyzed polysomnography (PSG) results to determine correlated factors related to nocturia in OSA patients with different severity.

Methods: Patients with suspected OSA were examined using PSG.

Evaluating Urine Cytology Slide Digitization Efficiency: A Comparative Study Using an Artificial Intelligence-Based Heuristic Scanning Simulation and Multiple Z-Plane Scanning.

Introduction: Digitizing cytology slides presents challenges because of their three-dimensional features and uneven cell distribution. While multi-Z-plane scan is a prevalent solution, its adoption in clinical digital cytopathology is hindered by prolonged scanning times, increased image file sizes, and the requirement for cytopathologists to review multiple Z-plane images.

Methods: This study presents heuristic scan as a novel solution, using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based approach specifically designed for cytology slide scanning as an alternative to the multi-Z-plane scan.

Lactoferrin as a therapeutic agent for attenuating hepatic stellate cell activation in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease caused by prolonged liver injuries. Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix replaces the damaged hepatocytes, leading to fibrous scar formation and fibrosis induction. Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein with a conserved, monomeric signal polypeptide chain, exhibiting diverse physiological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antitumoral activities.

Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy by the Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) System and the da Vinci System: A Comparison between the Two Platforms.

Objective: In a previous study, we proved that an experienced urologist is more likely to adapt to the Hugo RAS system. Based on this, we further examine various parameters in this study. Parameters included in this study consisted of console time, functional outcomes, and oncological outcomes.

Kefir peptides mitigate bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and gut microbiota.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and life-threatening lung disease with high mortality rates. The limited availability of effective drugs for IPF treatment, coupled with concerns regarding adverse effects and restricted responsiveness, underscores the need for alternative approaches. Kefir peptides (KPs) have demonstrated antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties, along with the capability to modulate gut microbiota.

Cyclic increase in the ADAMTS1-L1CAM-EGFR axis promotes the EMT and cervical lymph node metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The matrix metalloprotease A disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs 1 (ADAMTS1) was reported to be involved in tumor progression in several cancer types, but its contributions appear discrepant. At present, the role of ADAMTS1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; OSCC) remains unclear. Herein, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database showed that ADAMTS1 transcripts were downregulated in head and neck SCC (HNSCC) tissues compared to normal tissues, but ADAMTS1 levels were correlated with poorer prognoses of HNSCC patients.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using hugo RAS system: The pioneer experience in Taiwan and Northeast Asia.

Background: Among the novel robotic platforms, the Hugo RAS system is the second most studied platform, next to the da Vinci system, and we aim to address our experiences in radical prostatectomy (RP) with the Hugo RAS system.

Methods: We recorded our first 12 cases of prostate cancer undergoing RP with the Hugo RAS system. The median console time was 145 min and median hospital stay was 7 days.

Theranostic Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Things Understood and Not Understood.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the benefits of theranostic robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (T-RARP) for clinically highly suspicious prostate cancer (PCa) without proven biopsies.

Material And Methods: Between February 2016 and December 2020, we included men with clinically highly suspicious PCa in this study. They were assessed to have possible localized PCa without any initial treatments, and were categorized into previous benign biopsies or without biopsies.

Robotic partial nephrectomy for renal tumor: The pentafecta outcomes of a single surgeon experience.

Purpose: This study investigated the oncological and functional surgical outcomes for patients with renal tumor who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (PN) by a single surgeon in Taiwan from 2006 to 2019.

Methods: This retrospective study assessed patients who underwent robot-assisted PN for renal tumor. Patient data were analyzed for age, sex, body mass index, operative time and total ischemic time, surgical margin (positive/negative), and surgical complications.