Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Mortality Impact of Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacter Cloacae Complex Infections: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) is an emerging threat associated with limited treatment options and increased mortality. This study aimed to describe the clinical and molecular characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of MBL-producing ECC infections in Taiwan.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital in central Taiwan from July 2022 to December 2023.

Genomic heterogeneity and lineage-specific beta-lactamases in recurrent bloodstream infection patients.

Recurrent infections pose significant clinical challenges due to antimicrobial resistance and within-host evolution. This study investigates the genetic and phenotypic changes among isolates using next-generation sequencing. We retrospectively analyzed 65 infection cases at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan from 2016 to 2023.

Discrepant Treponemal Test Results: Identification of Associated Risk Factors Through Machine Learning Technology in 18-Year Electronic Medical Records and National Claims Data.

Background: Syphilis is a prevalent disease diagnosed primarily through serological tests. Although one confirmatory treponemal tests (TT), including Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) or fluorescent treponema antibody absorption (FTA-Abs), is required for syphilis diagnosis, multiple TTs are commonly administered throughout the disease course. Discrepant TT results can cause confusion and delay treatment.

GKB202 suppresses endothelin-1/ERK signaling in pancreatic cancer cells: Potential implications for circulating tumor cell regulation.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a key role in cancer metastasis. However, the complex tumor microenvironment means that targeting these cells therapeutically remains a major clinical challenge. The natural compound GKB202, derived from the mycelium of Antrodia cinnamomea, has been shown to possess anti-cancer properties.

MYCBP2 Expression Correlates With Poor Prognosis in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Patients.

The incidence of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in Taiwan is high, characterized by aggressive clinical behavior and a tendency to be more invasive at diagnosis. Identifying tumorigenic genes remains an important challenge. Myc binding protein 2 (MYCBP2) regulates the cAMP, p38MAPK, TSC/mTOR, and autophagy signaling pathways in mammalian cells.

Mutational Analysis of Colistin-Resistant Isolates: From Genomic Background to Antibiotic Resistance.

This study analyzed eleven isolates of colistin-resistant , originating from Portugal and Taiwan, which are associated with various pathologies. The results revealed significant genetic diversity among the isolates, with each exhibiting a distinct genetic profile. A prevalence of sequence type ST235 was observed, characterizing it as a high-risk clone, and serotyping indicated a predominance of type O11, associated with chronic respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.

Modal Analysis with Asymptotic Strips Boundary Conditions of Skewed Helical Gratings on Dielectric Pipes as Cylindrical Metasurfaces for Multi-Beam Holographic Rod Antennas.

A core dielectric cylindrical rod wrapped in a dielectric circular pipe whose outer surface is enclosed by a helical conducting strip grating that is skewed along the axial direction is herein analyzed using the asymptotic strip boundary conditions along with classical vector potential analysis. Targeted for use as a cylindrical holographic antenna, the resultant field solutions facilitate the aperture integration of the equivalent cylindrical surface currents to obtain the radiated far fields. As each rod section of a certain skew angle exhibits a distinct modal attribute; this topology allows for the distribution of the cylindrical surface impedance via the effective refractive index to be modulated, as in gradient-index (GRIN) materials.

Tumor Antigen-Tethered Spiked Virus-Like- Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid)-Nanoparticle Vaccine Enhances Antitumor Ability Through Th9 Promotion in Mice.

Purpose: Immunotherapy emerges as a promising frontier in cancer therapy and prevention. This study investigates the capacity of tumor-antigenic nanoparticles, specifically ovalbumin-tethered spiked virus-like poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (OVA-sVLNP), to effectively elicit humoral and cellular immune responses against tumors.

Methods: OVA-sVLNP were synthesized through thiol-maleimide crosslinking using a single emulsion method.

A pilot pharmacokinetic and Metabolite identification study of Erinacine A in a Single landrace pig model.

Erinacine A has been proven to have the ability to protect nerves and have the benefit of neurohealth. However, the pharmacokinetic and metabolites study of erinacine A in pigs, whose physiology and anatomy are similar to humans, have not been reported. In this study, 5 mg/kg of erinacine A was intravenously administered to the landrace pig.

Advances in Nonreactive Polymer Compatibilizers for Commodity Polyolefin Blends.

Recycling mixed polyolefin plastics is a significant challenge due to the limitations in sorting and degraded mechanical properties of blends. Nonreactive compatibilization by adding a small amount of polymeric additive is a widespread approach to restoring the performance and value of recycled plastics. Over the past several decades, synthetic advances have enabled access to low-cost copolymers and precision architectures for deepening the understanding of compatibilization mechanisms in semicrystalline polyolefins.

Objective indexes for comparing platelet usage among peer hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study.

Background And Aims: Besides hospital size, clinical diagnosis and severity of patient cases determine the total platelet usage. Therefore, the appropriateness of platelet usage could not be compared simply with the total units of platelet usage in each hospital. This study aimed to objectively monitor and analyze platelet usage after implementing a single-unit issuing policy for each platelet transfusion in our hospital in October 2020.

NTRK3 exhibits a pro-oncogenic function in upper tract urothelial carcinomas.

Neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (NTRK3) has pleiotropic functions: it acts not only as an oncogene in breast and gastric cancers but also as a dependence receptor in tumor suppressor genes in colon cancer and neuroblastomas. However, the role of NTRK3 in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is not well documented. This study investigated the association between NTRK3 expression and outcomes in UTUC patients and validated the results in tests on UTUC cell lines.

Discovery of a New Compound, Erinacerin W, from the Mycelia of , with Immunomodulatory and Neuroprotective Effects.

One new compound with an isoindolinone skeleton, along with erinacines A, C, and S, was isolated from the mycelia of , an edible fungus with a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Based on analysis of MS and NMR spectral data, the structure of the compound was identified as (2E,6E)-8-(2-(1-carboxy-3-methylbutyl)-4,6-dihydroxy-1-oxoisoindolin-5-yl)-2,6-dimethylocta-2,6-dienoic acid. In light of this discovery, we have given this compound the name erinacerin W.

Rituximab as an effective add-on maintenance therapy for disease activities in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objectives: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can result in high morbidity if not treated. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of rituximab treatment in a paediatric SLE cohort in Taiwan.

Methods: The medical records of paediatric patients diagnosed with SLE at the National Taiwan University Hospital between January 1992 and August 2022 who received rituximab as maintenance therapy between January 2015 and August 2022 were retrospectively reviewed.

Trend of HPV Molecular Epidemiology in the Post-Vaccine Era: A 10-Year Study.

Cervical cancer, a major health concern among women worldwide, is closely linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study explores the evolving landscape of HPV molecular epidemiology in Taiwan over a decade (2010-2020), where prophylactic HPV vaccination has been implemented since 2007. Analyzing data from 40,561 vaginal swab samples, with 42.

Aortic root remodeling after surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection using different anastomosis techniques.

Background: After surgical repair of acute type A aortic dissection (aTAAD), remodeling of the residual aortic segments is the key outcome parameter associated with late reoperation or aorta-related adverse events. In this study, we analyzed the surgical outcomes of aTAAD using either a telescopic or continuous anastomosis technique, focusing on their impact on aortic root remodeling during the longitudinal follow-up.

Methods: Between 2012 and 2018, 112 surgical repairs of aTAAD with ascending aorta replacement and without aortic arch or aortic root replacement were performed.

Phellinus linteus mycelia extract in COVID-19 prevention and identification of its key metabolic compounds profiling using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS spectrometry.

For centuries, food, herbal medicines, and natural products have been valuable resources for discovering novel antiviral drugs, uncovering new structure-activity relationships, and developing effective strategies to prevent/treat viral infections. One such resource is Phellinus linteus, a mushroom used in folk medicine in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China. In this rich historical context, the key metabolites of Phellinus linteus mycelia ethanolic extract (GKPL) impacting the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at multiple stages have yet to be explored.

Hispidin-enriched Sanghuangporus sanghuang mycelia SS-MN4 ameliorate disuse atrophy while improving muscle endurance.

Background: Disuse atrophy is a frequent cause of muscle atrophy, which can occur in individuals of any age who have been inactive for a prolonged period or immobilization. Additionally, acute diseases such as COVID-19 can cause frequent sequelae and exacerbate muscle wasting, leading to additional fatigue symptoms. It is necessary to investigate potent functional nutrients for muscle reinforcement in both disuse atrophy and fatigue to ensure better physical performance.

Antrodin C Isolated from Antrodia Cinnamomea Induced Apoptosis through ROS/AKT/ERK/P38 Signaling Pathway and Epigenetic Histone Acetylation of TNFα in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Background: Antrodin C, a maleimide derivative compound isolated from the ethanol extract of the mycelium of , is an endemic fungus of Taiwan and a potential chemoprotective agent. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the mode of action of antrodin C on cancer cells, especially in human colorectal cancer (CRC), remain unclear.

Methods: The cell death and ROS of the antrodin-C-treated HCT-116 cells were measured by annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, DCFDA, and Fluo-3 fluorescence staining assays.

Spontaneous chaos and extreme events in a solid-state laser with the transverse-mode-degenerate cavity configuration.

In this Letter, we theoretically analyze cavity beam propagation in a gain medium and cavity using the rate equation and generalized Huygens integral, respectively. Spontaneous chaos and extreme events (EEs) occurred around the transverse-mode-degenerate cavity configuration because of transverse-mode competition. A closed occurrence region relating to varying pump power and cavity length was observed.

Vitamin D and Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Vitamin D is a hormone involved in many physiological processes. Its active form, 1,25(OH)D, modulates serum calcium-phosphate homeostasis and skeletal homeostasis. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the renoprotective effects of vitamin D.