Linezolid versus daptomycin for VRE bloodstream infections in patients with malignancy: The impact of neutropenia on outcomes.

Objectives: Vancomycin-resistant enterococcal bloodstream infections (VRE-BSIs) carry high mortality in patients with malignancy. While neutropenia is a known risk factor for mortality in patients with malignancy and BSI, its impact on the effectiveness of daptomycin and linezolid in VRE-BSI is not well defined.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter cohort study of hospitalized patients aged ≥18 years with malignancy and VRE-BSI between 2010 and 2021.

Chemical alteration of UO micro-particles in model lung systems.

Uranium dioxide (UO) particles can be released from mines, nuclear fuel manufacturing, reactor accidents, and weapons use. They pose inhalation risks, yet their behavior in the human lung remains poorly understood. This study investigates the long-term chemical alteration and dissolution of µm-sized UO particles in two model lung fluids: Simulated Lung Fluid (SLF) and Artificial Lysosomal Fluid (ALF), representing extracellular and intracellular lung environments, respectively.

Development of carbon black-percolated GaInSn liquid metal networks for high-sensitive electrochemical detection of diuron in environmental samples.

Diuron (DU), a widely used herbicide, is persistent and toxic, posing serious environmental and health risks. Therefore, the development of advanced sensor materials for the sensitive detection of DU is urgently needed. Here, we present a simple, cost-effective ultrasonic-assisted method to fabricate a high-performance nanocomposite of carbon black (CB) and Ga-liquid metal (GaInSn), which is utilized to modify a carbon electrode (CB/GaInSn/SPCE) for developing an electrochemical sensor for DU detection.

Minor resection for primary hepatocellular carcinoma promotes curative recurrent treatments.

Background: The extent of primary hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may influence long-term outcomes, especially at recurrence. We investigated whether initial minor or major hepatectomy impacts retreatment options and survival following recurrence.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with primary HCC who underwent either initial major or minor hepatectomy.

Comparative analysis of real and virtual greenspaces: Perceived restorativeness and psychological health effects.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the psychological effects of real and virtual greenspaces and identify key environmental features that contribute to perceived restorativeness and mood changes in university students.

Study Design: A mixed-methods crossover experimental design was used to evaluate psychological responses to three types of greenspaces: real campus greenspaces, virtual campus greenspaces, and virtual forest greenspaces.

Methods: Thirty-five college students participated in three 20-min greenspace exposures, spaced one week apart in randomized order.

Assessment of influenza vaccine effectiveness among the elderly in Taiwan using population-based registry data for the 2023-2024 season.

Introduction: Influenza infection can cause serious complications in the elderly, including hospitalizations and death. In Taiwan, government-funded influenza vaccination is offered to the elderly ≥65 years old. We aim to evaluate vaccine effectiveness (VE) among this group during 2023-2024 influenza season using national databases.

Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Correlates With Brain Metal Burden in Wilson's Disease.

Objective: Neuroinflammation driven by extracellular copper contributes to neuronal damage in Wilson's disease (WD). This study investigated the relationship between brain metal burden and peripheral neuroinflammation markers in WD.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 89 participants, including patients with WD (n = 63), asymptomatic ATP7B heterozygous carriers (n = 12), and age/sex-matched controls (n = 14).

Longitudinal molecular epidemiology of ceftriaxone-resistant enterobacterales in intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections: A decade-long SMART surveillance study in Taiwan (2009-2019).

Background: Third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales is a recognized global concern. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of β-lactamase genes and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns among ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales causing intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections in Taiwan between 2009 and 2019.

Methods: Data from the SMART surveillance program were analyzed, including Enterobacterales isolates with ceftriaxone minimum inhibitory concentrations ≥4 μg/mL.

Screening and eradication of or gastric cancer prevention: Taipei Global Consensus II.

Objective: To convene a global consensus on () screening and eradication strategies for gastric cancer prevention, identify key knowledge gaps and outline future research directions.

Methods: 32 experts from 12 countries developed and refined consensus statements on management, using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to assess evidence and the Delphi method to achieve ≥80% agreement.

Results: Consensus was achieved on 28 statements.

Natural lignan justicidin A-induced mitophagy as a targetable niche in bladder cancer.

Accumulated dysfunctional mitochondria are involved in tumorigenesis, and it is conceivable that mitophagy, a selective form of autophagic degradation of mitochondria, plays a tumor-suppressive role. Our bioinformatics analysis identified lignan justicidin A (JA) as a potential mitophagy inducer. In HRAS-mutant human bladder cancer T24 cells, JA reduced population cell growth, changed mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced autophagy.

Exploring the synergy of CO nanobubbles and biochar as a hydroponic substrate for enhanced carbon and nutrient utilization with a comprehensive health risk assessment.

In this study, a deep-water culture (DWC) hydroponic system integrating carbon dioxide nanobubble (CNB) water and biochar (BC) was explored as a potential substrate for carbon and nutrient management. Lettuce seedlings were cultivated under varying substrates, including tap water (TW) and deionized water (DW) with and without CNB and BC at concentrations of 0.1 or 0.

Extracting Clinical Guideline Information Using Two Large Language Models: Evaluation Study.

Background: The effective implementation of personalized pharmacogenomics (PGx) requires the integration of released clinical guidelines into decision support systems to facilitate clinical applications. Large language models (LLMs) can be valuable tools for automating information extraction and updates.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of repeated cross-comparisons and an agreement-threshold strategy in 2 advanced LLMs as supportive tools for updating information.

PTPN22-CD45 dual phosphatase retrograde feedback enhances TCR signaling and autoimmunity.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) is encoded by a gene strongly associated with lupus and other autoimmune diseases. PTPN22 regulates T cell receptor (TCR) signaling through dephosphorylation of the kinases lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) and zeta-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70). The regulation of PTPN22 remains poorly understood.

First Molecular Phylogeny Estimate of the Weevil Tribe Mecopini (Curculionidae: Conoderinae) Unveils its Polyphyletic Nature at the Tribal and Generic Level.

Mecopini has received limited attention since the last century, highlighting an important knowledge gap in its systematics and taxonomy. The morphological characteristics of several genera within this tribe contradict the widely accepted tribal diagnosis, suggesting the current classification is unsustainable. In this study, we examined mecopine specimens from Taiwan and the Philippines, reconstructed the first molecular phylogeny estimate for this obscure tribe, and examined type series of all described Pascoe, () Heller and () Heller, representing two subgenera within the genus Pascoe, to propose taxonomic acts on these genera.

Vascular NOTCH3 Deposition Load: Association With Genotype and CADASIL Disease Severity.

Background And Objectives: Vascular NOTCH3 extracellular domain (NOTCH3ECD) deposition is the pathologic hallmark of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). We aimed to explore the relationships among the NOTCH3ECD deposition load, the variant genotype, and cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) severity.

Methods: Fifty-four individuals carrying pathogenic variants were enrolled and underwent skin biopsy for the quantification of dermal vascular NOTCH3ECD deposition load using immunohistochemical staining.

Double-bundle ACL and ALL reconstruction results in less femoral posterolateral bundle tunnel widening than outside-in double-bundle ACL reconstruction.

PurposeTo compare the clinical and radiological results of two double-bundle (DB) anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) techniques. DB ACLR and anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) with internal brace (IB), and outside-in (OI) DB ACLR.HypothesisWe hypothesized that DB ACLR and ALLR with IB wound yield less femoral tunnel, especially femoral posterolateral bundle tunnel complications, than OI DB ACLR without ALLR because of better rotational control.

Unveiling Origins of Mixed Quantum-Well Width Distributions in 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskites via Machine Learning-Enabled Multiscale Simulations.

2D lead-halide perovskites have garnered considerable attention owing to their superior environmental stability and tunable optoelectronic properties, which can be precisely controlled through varying quantum well (QW) width (denoted by the integer n). However, the commonly observed phenomenon of mixed QW width distributions poses a major obstacle to achieving optimal device performance, necessitating an in-depth understanding of how QW width distributions depend on chemical composition and thermodynamic stability. In this work, a robust machine learning (ML)-based energy model is developed, rigorously benchmarked against first-principles calculations, enabling extensive molecular-level simulations of 2D perovskites with butylammonium (BA) and phenethylammonium (PEA) spacer cations.

New-onset Autoimmune Diseases in Patients with Prurigo Nodularis: A Global-federated Retrospective Cohort Study.

Prurigo nodularis (PN) has been associated with autoimmune diseases, though longitudinal data are limited. This study investigates the risk of autoimmune disease development in PN patients using a global electronic health record database. This retrospective cohort study analysed data from the Global Collaborative Network within the TriNetX research network.

Extracellular vesicles: biogenesis mechanism and impacts on tumor immune microenvironment.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous populations of membrane-bound particles released from almost all cell types in an organism and play pivotal roles in cell-cell communication. EVs carry nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites and other bioactive substances, which are taken by the recipient cells to alter cell physiology and functions. The cargo landscapes of EVs are influenced by the cell contexts and the biogenesis mechanisms of EVs, in which certain molecules govern both biogenesis and cargo sorting.

A novel application of the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) among end-stage heart failure patients awaiting heart transplantation.

Background: Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) measure immune responses to pathogen-specific antigens such as tuberculosis. However, the assay hinges on a functional immune system. Whether IGRAs can be used to identify heart transplant candidates with impaired immunity and worse prognosis is not known.

A self-healing micellar hydrogel system for controlled release of caffeic acid phenethyl ester and durable inhibition of prostate tumor.

Hydrogel-encapsulation allows slow and stable delivery of drugs with short half-lives, avoiding the undesired side effects of high-dose or frequent administration of drugs. We previously reported that gavage or injection of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) at 10-15 mg/kg, 2-3 times per week effectively repressed the tumor growth of human prostate xenografts in nude mice. However, daily oral or injectable delivery of CAPE in prostate cancer (PCa) patients may be impractical due to forgetfulness, physical limitations, or treatment fatigue.

Strengthening New Vaccine Introduction in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Establishing Hospital-Based Sentinel Surveillance for Vaccine Safety Monitoring.

Enhancing surveillance for adverse events following immunization remains a key global immunization priority. Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are implementing new vaccines without the comprehensive safety monitoring typically conducted in high-income countries. Since 2017, the Global Immunization Safety Team at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in collaboration with partners, has supported establishing sentinel surveillance systems during vaccine introductions for safety monitoring in LMICs.

Association between temporalis and masseter muscle thickness and dysphagia in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between masticatory muscle thickness and dysphagia in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients.

Materials & Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with spontaneous ICH confirmed by brain computed tomography (CT) between June 2019 and June 2024 in a university-affiliated hospital. Temporal muscle thickness (TMT) and masseter muscle thickness (MMT) were measured on the initial brain CT.