Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 503
Filter
1.
Osteoporos Sarcopenia ; 10(1): 3-10, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38690538

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition. The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach. Methods: A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and antiresorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches. Results: The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to antiresorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for individuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment. Conclusions: This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.

2.
Int Urol Nephrol ; 2024 Apr 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38649519

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Due to the excess demand for deceased donor kidneys, risk quantification scores were developed to help with kidney allocation. The kidney donor risk index (KDRI) is used in the US kidney allocation system. We currently use expanded criteria (UNOS) and Remuzzi scoring for allocation of deceased donor kidneys and the utility of KDRI in our cohort is unknown. We aim to evaluate the association of KDRI with relation to 5 year graft and patient survival. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 225 adults who received a deceased donor kidney transplant between 1 Nov 2005 and 30 June 2014. Patients were followed up for 5 years or until graft-loss or death. Implant biopsies of donor kidneys were done and the Remuzzi score was calculated. RESULTS: The median age was 48 (IQR 42, 52.5) years and 50.7% were male. KDRI-USA, KDRI-THAI, and KDRI-AUST were found to have no correlation with 5 year graft survival. Donor characteristics which define an expanded criteria donor kidney, not associated with 5 year graft survival are age (p = 0.58), terminal creatinine (p = 0.71) and history of hypertension (p = 0.35). Donor cerebrovascular accident (CVA) as a cause of death (p = 0.02) and Remuzzi score were associated with graft survival at 5 years, with 75.8% with Remuzzi score ≤ 3 vs 24.2% with Remuzzi score of > 3 achieving 5 year graft survival (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The association of KDRI with graft and patient survival was not demonstrated in our cohort. Histological assessment of the transplant kidney remains the best method of predicting long-term survival during donor selection.

3.
Adv Sci (Weinh) ; : e2309526, 2024 Apr 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38650119

ABSTRACT

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 is a promising strategy to mitigate the effects of global warming by converting CO2 into valuable energy-dense products. Silver bismuth iodide (SBI) is an attractive material owing to its tunable bandgap and favorable band-edge positions for efficient CO2 photoreduction. In this study, SBI materials, including AgBi2I7, AgBiI4, Ag2BiI5, and Ag3BiI6 are first synthesized, through gas-solid reaction by controlling the stoichiometric ratio of reactants. The X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) results revealed that the distance between Ag-I is proportional to the degree of Ag ions delocalization, which occupies the vacant sites. That greatly retards the charge recombination at vacant sites. In addition, the surface potential via photo-assisted Kelvin probe force measurements of various SBI catalysts shows that Ag3BiI6 exhibits the highest surface potential change due to the rich delocalized Ag ions. This results in effective charge carrier transport and prevention of charge recombination at vacant sites. Taking the above advantages, the averaged CO and CH4 production rates for Ag3BiI6 achieved 0.23 and 0.10 µmol g-1 h-1, respectively. The findings suggest that Ag3BiI6 has a high potential as a novel photocatalyst for CO2 reduction and sheds light on the possibility of solving environmental contamination and sustainable energy crises.

4.
Osteoporos Int ; 2024 Apr 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38563961

ABSTRACT

The epidemiological data on osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) in Asia is limited. This study, representing the first comprehensive epidemiological investigation on OI in Taiwan, reveals high medical resource utilization and underscores the importance of early diagnosis to enhance care quality. INTRODUCTION: This study examines osteogenesis imperfecta, a hereditary connective tissue disorder causing pediatric fractures and limb deformities, using a nationwide database from Taiwan to analyze clinical features and medical burden. METHODS: The study identified validated OI patients from the Catastrophic Illness Registry in the National Health Insurance Research Database from 2008 to 2019. Demographic data and medical resource utilization were analyzed. A multivariate Cox model assessed the influence of sex, validation age, and comorbidities. RESULTS: 319 OI patients (M/F = 153/166) were identified, with 58% validated before age 20. Prevalence and incidence were 0.8-1.3/100,000 and 0.02-0.09/100,000, respectively, with higher rates in the pediatric demographic. In the study period, 69.6% of the patients had admission history, primarily to pediatric and orthopedic wards. The median admission number was 3, with a median length of stay of 12 days and a median inpatient cost of approximately 3,163 USD during the period. Lower limb fractures were the main reason for hospitalization. 57% of OI patients received bisphosphonate treatment. The leading causes of mortality were OI-related deaths, neurovascular disease, and cardiovascular disease. The median age of validation in the non-survival group was significantly higher compared to the survival group (33 vs. 14 years), and patients validated during childhood required more inpatient fracture surgeries than those validated during adulthood. CONCLUSION: This study provides comprehensive real-world evidence on the clinical characteristics and high medical resource utilization of OI patients in a low prevalence region like Taiwan. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving care quality and enhancing health outcomes.

5.
JBMR Plus ; 8(5): ziae039, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38644977

ABSTRACT

The Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) is a widely utilized country-specific calculator for identifying individuals with high fracture risk; its score is calculated from 12 variables, but its formulation is not publicly disclosed. We aimed to decompose and simplify the FRAX® by utilizing a nationwide community survey database as a reference module for creating a local assessment tool for osteoporotic fracture community screening in any country. Participants (n = 16384; predominantly women (75%); mean age = 64.8 years) were enrolled from the Taiwan OsteoPorosis Survey, a nationwide cross-sectional community survey collected from 2008 to 2011. We identified 11 clinical risk factors from the health questionnaires. BMD was assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a mobile DXA vehicle, and 10-year fracture risk scores, including major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and hip fracture (HF) risk scores, were calculated using the FRAX®. The mean femoral neck BMD was 0.7 ± 0.1 g/cm2, the T-score was -1.9 ± 1.2, the MOF was 8.9 ± 7.1%, and the HF was 3.2 ± 4.7%. Following FRAX® decomposition with multiple linear regression, the adjusted R2 values were 0.9206 for MOF and 0.9376 for HF when BMD was included and 0.9538 for MOF and 0.9554 for HF when BMD was excluded. The FRAX® demonstrated better prediction for women and younger individuals than for men and elderly individuals after sex and age stratification analysis. Excluding femoral neck BMD, age, sex, and previous fractures emerged as 3 primary clinical risk factors for simplified FRAX® according to the decision tree analysis in this study population. The adjusted R2 values for the simplified country-specific FRAX® incorporating 3 premier clinical risk factors were 0.8210 for MOF and 0.8528 for HF. After decomposition, the newly simplified module provides a straightforward formulation for estimating 10-year fracture risk, even without femoral neck BMD, making it suitable for community or clinical osteoporotic fracture risk screening.

6.
PLOS Digit Health ; 3(4): e0000341, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38630683

ABSTRACT

Large language models (LLMs) underlie remarkable recent advanced in natural language processing, and they are beginning to be applied in clinical contexts. We aimed to evaluate the clinical potential of state-of-the-art LLMs in ophthalmology using a more robust benchmark than raw examination scores. We trialled GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 on 347 ophthalmology questions before GPT-3.5, GPT-4, PaLM 2, LLaMA, expert ophthalmologists, and doctors in training were trialled on a mock examination of 87 questions. Performance was analysed with respect to question subject and type (first order recall and higher order reasoning). Masked ophthalmologists graded the accuracy, relevance, and overall preference of GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 responses to the same questions. The performance of GPT-4 (69%) was superior to GPT-3.5 (48%), LLaMA (32%), and PaLM 2 (56%). GPT-4 compared favourably with expert ophthalmologists (median 76%, range 64-90%), ophthalmology trainees (median 59%, range 57-63%), and unspecialised junior doctors (median 43%, range 41-44%). Low agreement between LLMs and doctors reflected idiosyncratic differences in knowledge and reasoning with overall consistency across subjects and types (p>0.05). All ophthalmologists preferred GPT-4 responses over GPT-3.5 and rated the accuracy and relevance of GPT-4 as higher (p<0.05). LLMs are approaching expert-level knowledge and reasoning skills in ophthalmology. In view of the comparable or superior performance to trainee-grade ophthalmologists and unspecialised junior doctors, state-of-the-art LLMs such as GPT-4 may provide useful medical advice and assistance where access to expert ophthalmologists is limited. Clinical benchmarks provide useful assays of LLM capabilities in healthcare before clinical trials can be designed and conducted.

7.
J Fungi (Basel) ; 10(4)2024 Apr 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38667971

ABSTRACT

Species of the genus Thelephora (Thelephorales, Thelephoraceae) are ectomycorrhizal symbionts of coniferous and broad-leaved plants, and some of them are well-known edible mushrooms, making it an exceptionally important group ecologically and economically. However, the diversity of the species from China has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses, along with morphological observations of this genus. Four new species from China are proposed, viz., T. dactyliophora, T. lacunosa, T. petaloides, and T. pinnatifida. In addition, T. sikkimensis originally described from India is reported for the first time from China. Thelephora dactyliophora, T. pinnatifida, and T. sikkimensis are distributed in subtropical forests and mainly associated with plants of the families Fagaceae and Pinaceae. Thelephora lacunosa and T. petaloides are distributed in tropical to subtropical forests. Thelephora lacunosa is mainly associated with plants of the families Fagaceae and Pinaceae, while T. petaloides is mainly associated with plants of the family Fagaceae. Line drawings of microstructures, color pictures of fresh basidiomes, and detailed descriptions of these five species are provided.

8.
Opt Lett ; 49(6): 1401-1404, 2024 Mar 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38489410

ABSTRACT

It is generally believed that at-Γ bound states in the continuum (BICs) are enclosed by a linearly polarized vortex in momentum space when the structures have mirror (σz) symmetry, in-plane inversion (I) symmetry, and time reversal symmetry (T). Here, we reveal an anomalous situation in which at-Γ BICs can be enclosed by linearly and elliptically polarized far-field even when the σz, I, and T symmetries are all maintained in non-Bravais lattices, which is radically different from previous cognition. Asymmetric, diatomic structures are designed to elaborate this intriguing phenomenon. By controlling the geometric parameters or refractive indexes of the two meta-atoms, the far-field polarization around the at-Γ BICs gradually deviates from linear polarization and approaches circular polarization. Our findings reveal that non-Bravais lattices can provide a novel platform to manipulate the far-field polarization, showing important applications in quantum entanglement, structured light, and radiation modulation.

9.
Singapore Med J ; 2024 Mar 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38478728

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The anion gap (AG) is commonly used to screen for acid-base disorders. It was proposed that the cut-off for high anion gap metabolic acidosis (HAGMA) may be lower with current laboratory techniques, although modern laboratory equipment are still calibrated to familiar reference ranges established with earlier techniques. The appropriate cut-off for HAGMA is unclear. This study aimed to assess the performance of AG as a screening test for HAGMA and to determine the optimal diagnostic threshold of AG for HAGMA. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a large, anonymised dataset extracted by computerised protocol from 2017 to 2019. All inpatients with blood samples taken for organic acids (lactate, ketone or salicylate) paired with a metabolic panel were included. The target condition was HAGMA secondary to elevated blood lactate, ketone and/or salicylate. Sensitivity for HAGMA was explored at various AG cut-off levels. RESULTS: Of 16,475 patients, 2,621 had organic acidosis. Median age was 65 years, and median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 70 mL/min/1.73 m2. With organic acidosis, the median AG was 23 (interquartile range [IQR] 20-29) mEq/L, while without organic acidosis, the median AG was 16 (IQR 14-19) mEq/L. The area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic of AG for HAGMA was 0.873. Desired sensitivity for HAGMA was set at ≥95%, and this was found with an AG threshold of ≥15 mEq/L (sensitivity 98.1%, specificity 34.0%). CONCLUSION: The recommended AG threshold value is ≥15 mEq/L with a high sensitivity for HAGMA. The AG should always be interpreted with the clinical context, and it should be repeated as the clinical picture evolves.

10.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 5145, 2024 03 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38429297

ABSTRACT

Fundamental principles underlying computation in multi-scale brain networks illustrate how multiple brain areas and their coordinated activity give rise to complex cognitive functions. Whereas brain activity has been studied at the micro- to meso-scale to reveal the connections between the dynamical patterns and the behaviors, investigations of neural population dynamics are mainly limited to single-scale analysis. Our goal is to develop a cross-scale dynamical model for the collective activity of neuronal populations. Here we introduce a bio-inspired deep learning approach, termed NeuroBondGraph Network (NBGNet), to capture cross-scale dynamics that can infer and map the neural data from multiple scales. Our model not only exhibits more than an 11-fold improvement in reconstruction accuracy, but also predicts synchronous neural activity and preserves correlated low-dimensional latent dynamics. We also show that the NBGNet robustly predicts held-out data across a long time scale (2 weeks) without retraining. We further validate the effective connectivity defined from our model by demonstrating that neural connectivity during motor behaviour agrees with the established neuroanatomical hierarchy of motor control in the literature. The NBGNet approach opens the door to revealing a comprehensive understanding of brain computation, where network mechanisms of multi-scale activity are critical.


Subject(s)
Brain , Neural Networks, Computer , Brain/physiology , Neurons/physiology , Cognition , Motivation
11.
Zhongguo Gu Shang ; 37(2): 153-8, 2024 Feb 25.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38425066

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore the potential value of three-dimensional fast spin echo(3D-SPACE) combined with multilayer spiral CT (MSCT) in the diagnosis of knee cruciate ligament injury, to provide a new direction for the optimization of subsequent clinical diagnosis. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with knee cruciate ligament injury were treated from April 2020 to April 2021, aged from 21 to 68 with an average of(41.52±4.13) years old. For all patients, separate MSCT scanner scans, 3D-SPACE sequence scans alone and 3D-SPACE sequence combined with MSCT scans were used. The injury and classification of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligament of the knee were compared, the length of the anterior-medial bundle and posterolateral bundle and its angle of the knee with the horizontal plane were observed, the diagnostic value of 3 diagnostic methods in knee cruciate ligament injury were determined. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 3D-SPACE sequence scan alone and the MSCT test alone on the total diagnostic rate and grading total diagnostic rate(P>0.05). The total diagnostic rate and grading total diagnostic rate of 3D-SPACE scan combined with MSCT were significantly higher than those of 3D-SPACE scan or MSCT alone(P<0.05). The 3D-SPACE sequence scan alone and the MSCT detection alone had no significant difference in the measurement values related to the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knee joint(P>0.05). 3D-SPACE sequence scanning combined with MSCT detection on the knee joint anterior and posterior cruciate ligament related measurements were significantly higher than the 3D-SPACE sequence scan or MSCT detection alone(P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve estimated by 3D-SPACE sequence scanning combined with MSCT was 0.960, which was significantly higher than that of 3D-SPACE sequence scanning and MSCT alone evaluating the area under the ROC curve line of 0.756 and 0.795. The combined 3D-SPACE sequence scanning and 3D-SPACE sequence scanning MSCT analysis and prediction models were statistically different(Z=2.236, P<0.05), and MSCT alone and 3D-SPACE sequence scanning combined with MSCT analysis and prediction models were statistically different(Z=2.653, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The application of 3D-SPACE sequence combined with MSCT scanning for knee cruciate ligament injury can improve the diagnosis rate of patients with knee cruciate ligament injury.It can be used as a diagnostic tool for patients with knee cruciate ligament injury and is worthy of clinical application.


Subject(s)
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries , Knee Injuries , Posterior Cruciate Ligament , Soft Tissue Injuries , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Arthroscopy , Knee Injuries/diagnostic imaging , Knee Joint/diagnostic imaging , Posterior Cruciate Ligament/injuries , Tomography, Spiral Computed , Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/diagnostic imaging
12.
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi ; 49(2): 420-430, 2024 Jan.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38403318

ABSTRACT

The chemical constituents of Schizonepetae Spica were qualitatively analyzed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. An Agilent poroshell 120 SB-C_(18) column(3.0 mm×100 mm, 2.7 µm) was used for gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid water(A)-acetonitrile(B) solution as mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.4 mL·min~(-1) and column temperature of 45 ℃. The data were collected by scanning in positive and negative ion modes, and the compounds were identified by comparison of reference materials and PeakView software. Ninety-seven compounds were identified from Schizonepetae Spica, including 28 flavonoids, 23 phenolic acids, 23 fatty acids, 15 terpenoids, and 8 other compounds. The UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS method established in this study can identify the chemical components of Schizonepetae Spica rapidly, accurately, and comprehensively, and provide a basis for the basic study of pharmacodynamic substances of Schizonepetae Spica.


Subject(s)
Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry , Flavonoids/analysis , Terpenes
13.
Nurs Health Sci ; 26(1): e13104, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38413495

ABSTRACT

Visceral adipose tissue accumulation is strongly linked with numerous chronic diseases; however, the accessibility for visceral adipose tissue measurement is limited. This study employed a cross-sectional design to determine the optimal strongest predictor of high visceral adipose tissue in each sex and identified the optimal cutoff value thereof. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 94 men and 326 women aged ≥40 years in southern Taiwan. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to explore the optimal predictor of high visceral adipose tissue (defined as ≥135 cm2 for men and ≥100 cm2 for women) in each sex. The waist-to-hip ratio was the strongest predictor for men, with a cutoff value of 0.96 yielding the maximum sensitivity (94.29%) and specificity (93.22%). By contrast, body mass index was the strongest predictor for women, with a cutoff value of 25.45 kg/m2 yielding the maximum sensitivity (87.18%) and specificity (87.55%). The results may serve as a reference for health policy-makers in screening for high visceral adipose tissue to identify individuals at high risk of developing chronic diseases for health promotion.


Subject(s)
Adipose Tissue , Intra-Abdominal Fat , Male , Humans , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Taiwan , Body Mass Index , ROC Curve , Chronic Disease , Risk Factors , Waist Circumference
14.
Patient Educ Couns ; 122: 108136, 2024 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38308975

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent, despite being a primary preventable cause of disease and mortality. This study examined the effect of a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based psychoeducational intervention for smoking cessation (SC) on knowledge, SC-related parameters, and progression through the TTM stages of change among rural smokers. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study recruited 200 smokers from an outpatient clinic. The comparison group was recruited before the experimental group to address possible self-selection bias. Structured questionnaires were administered pre- and post-intervention (three months) and at follow-up (six months). RESULTS: A generalised estimation equation model indicated that the TTM-based intervention significantly increased participants' SC-knowledge and improved progression through TTM stages by the six-month follow-up. No significant group differences were found in self-efficacy and nicotine dependence scores or daily cigarette consumption. CONCLUSIONS: A TTM-based intervention enhances SC-knowledge and fosters progress through change stages. However, it does not directly impact nicotine dependence or cigarette consumption. Outpatient settings may employ TTM-based programmes for SC education and motivation. Detecting anticipated effects may require a longer intervention duration exceeding six months. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Such TTM-based programmes may facilitate SC-knowledge and motivation in outpatient settings. Further research to comprehend patients' context and experiences during the stages of change is required.


Subject(s)
Smoking Cessation , Tobacco Use Disorder , Humans , Transtheoretical Model , Longitudinal Studies , Smokers
15.
Int J Urol ; 31(4): 410-418, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38169055

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic impact of variant histology (VH) on oncological outcomes in patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) who had undergone radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1239 patients with clinically localized UTUC who underwent RNU at a single institution between January 2005 and June 2020 were included. The VH was reviewed by a uro-pathologist at our institution. The Cox regression model was used to perform multivariate analysis, including VH and other established prognostic factors for post-RNU oncological outcomes (intravesical recurrence [IVR], non-urothelial recurrence, and cancer-specific death). RESULTS: Of the 1239 patients with UTUC, 384 patients (31%) were found to have VH. Advanced tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, high tumor grade, lymphovascular invasion, open surgery, and renal pelvis had a significantly larger proportion of UTUC with VH compared to pure UTUC (all p < 0.05). VH was an independent prognostic factor associated with less IVR identified by multivariate analysis, more non-urothelial recurrence, and more cancer-specific mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with VH account for 31% with UTUC treated with RNU in this cohort. VH was an independent prognostic factor associated with more non-urothelial recurrence and cancer-specific mortality but less IVR.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Transitional Cell , Ureteral Neoplasms , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms , Humans , Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/surgery , Nephroureterectomy , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/surgery , Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Ureteral Neoplasms/surgery , Ureteral Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
17.
J Phys Chem Lett ; 15(4): 975-982, 2024 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38252465

ABSTRACT

Strong interaction between circularly polarized light and chiral plasmonic nanostructures can enable controllable asymmetric photophysical processes, such as selective chiral switching of a plasmonic nanorod-dimer. Here, we uncover the underlying physics that governs this chiral switching by theoretically investigating the interplay between asymmetric photothermal and optomechanical effects. We find that the photothermally induced local temperature rises could play a key role in activating the dynamic chiral configurations of a plasmonic dimer due to the temperature-sensitive molecular linkages located at the gap region. Importantly, different temperature rises caused by the opposite handedness of light could facilitate selective chiral switching of the plasmonic dimer driven by asymmetric optical torques. Our analyses on the wavelength-dependent selectively chiral switching behaviors are in good agreement with the experimental observations. This work contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the physical mechanism involved in the experimentally designed photoresponsive plasmonic nanosystems for practical applications.

18.
World J Mens Health ; 2024 Jan 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38164036

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Numerous studies have produced conflicting findings regarding the efficacy of statins in prostate cancer treatment. Our objective was to examine the correlation between statin usage and clinical outcomes in Taiwanese men with de novo metastatic prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients diagnosed with de novo metastatic prostate cancer from the Chang Gung Research Database spanning the years 2007 to 2020. To minimize confounding bias, we employed the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method. Clinical outcomes were assessed using IPTW-adjusted Kaplan-Meier curves. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between mortality and clinical factors. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 1,716 statin users and 276 non-users. Patients who used statins exhibited a longer median overall survival (85.4 months compared to 58.2 months; p=0.001) and cancer-specific survival (112.6 months compared to 75.7 months; p<0.001) compared to non-users. The median time to the development of castration-resistant status was similar between statin users and non-users (p=0.069). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, after IPTW adjustment, demonstrated that statin use was associated with improved overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the use of statins following a de novo metastatic prostate cancer diagnosis enhances survival outcomes. However, statins did not appear to delay the onset of castration-resistant status. Further large-scale and long-term studies are warranted to investigate the biological effects of statins in men with prostate cancer.

19.
Ecotoxicol Environ Saf ; 269: 115811, 2024 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38086265

ABSTRACT

Our previous study reveals that maternal exposure to 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) during pregnancy causes insufficient ovarian follicle reserve and decreased fertility in offspring. The present study aims to further explore the reasons for the significant decline of fecundity in mice caused by VCD, and to clarify the changes of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in F1 mice. The ovarian metabolomics, gut microbiota and microbial metabolites were analyzed. The results of ovarian metabolomics analysis showed that maternal VCD exposure during pregnancy significantly reduced the concentration of carnitine in the ovaries of F1 mice, while supplementation with carnitine (isovalerylcarnitine and valerylcarnitine) significantly increased the number of ovulation. The results of 16 S rDNA-seq and microbial metabolites analysis showed that maternal VCD exposure during pregnancy caused disordered gut microbiota, increased abundance of Parabacteroides and Flexispira bacteria that are involved in secondary bile acid synthesis. The concentrations of NorDCA, LCA-3S, DCA and other secondary bile acids increased significantly. Our results indicate that maternal exposure to VCD during pregnancy leads to disorder in gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in F1 mice, accompanying with decreased ovarian function, providing further evidence that maternal exposure to VCD during pregnancy has intergenerational deleterious effects on offspring.


Subject(s)
Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Vinyl Compounds , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Mice , Animals , Maternal Exposure/adverse effects , Cyclohexenes/toxicity , Bile Acids and Salts , Carnitine
SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL
...