Clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with COVID-19 in pediatric intensive care units during the Omicron wave in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Since April 2022, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has caused a notable increase in pediatric COVID-19 cases in Taiwan. During the acute phase of infection, some children required admissions to pediatric intensive care units (PICU). This study aimed to analyze their clinical presentations and outcomes while exploring associated factors. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively collected from patients with COVID-19 (aged <18 years) admitted to our PICU from April 2022-March 2023. Early stage is defined as the period without adequate vaccination and treatment guidelines for children from April-June 2022, and the remaining months are referred to as late stage. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients in early and late stages. RESULTS: We enrolled 78 children with COVID-19, with a median length of stay (LOS) in PICU of 3 days and a 5% mortality rate. Patients admitted during the early stage had lower vaccination rates (7% vs. 50%), higher pediatric logistic organ dysfunction scores (2 vs. 0.1), and longer LOS in the PICU (6 vs. 2 days) than those admitted during the late stage. Multivariate analysis identified admission during the early stage as a risk factor for prolonged LOS (>7 days) in the PICU (odds ratio: 3.65, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Without available vaccinations and suitable treatment guidelines, children with COVID-19 tended to have more severe illness and prolonged LOS in the PICU. These observations highlight the importance of vaccinations and familiarity of medical providers with adequate management of this newly-emerging infectious disease.

Role of advanced glycation end-products in age-associated kidney dysfunction in naturally aging mice.

AIMS: Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are implicated in the age-related decline of renal function, exacerbated by conditions, such as hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. The accumulation of AGEs in the kidneys contributes to the progressive decline in renal function observed with aging. However, the precise role and mechanisms of AGEs in the age-related decline of renal function remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the impact and potential mechanisms of AGEs on aging kidneys in naturally aging mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: 6-, 57-, and 107-week-old. First, the 6- and 107-week-old mice were euthanized. The remaining mice were divided into young (6 weeks) and old (57 weeks) groups. The 57-week-old mice were orally administered aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg/day), an AGEs inhibitor, or vehicle for 13 weeks, resulting in a final age of 70 weeks. The serum and kidney tissues were collected for biochemical measurement, histological examination, immunohistochemistry staining, and immunoblotting analysis. KEY FINDINGS: Our findings revealed a notable accumulation of AGEs in both serum and kidney tissue specimens and renal dysfunction in naturally aging mice. Aminoguanidine not only reversed AGEs accumulation but also ameliorated renal dysfunction. Additionally, aminoguanidine attenuated the upregulation of fibrosis markers (phosphorylated p38/α-SMA and C/EBP homologous protein, CHOP), senescence markers (p53 and p21), and oxidative stress marker (4-HNE) in the aging kidneys. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings underscore the critical role of AGEs in age-related renal dysfunction and highlight the therapeutic potential of aminoguanidine in mitigating fibrosis and senescence, offering prospective avenues for combating age-associated renal ailments.

Airway Anomalies in Pediatric Patients After Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease: Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study, Taiwan 2017-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Airway anomalies increase risk of morbidity and mortality in postoperative pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). We aimed to identify airway anomalies and the association with intermediate outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for CHD. DESIGN: Single-center, hospital-based retrospective study in Taiwan, 2017-2020. SETTING: A tertiary referral hospital in Taiwan. PATIENTS: All pediatric patients who underwent surgery for CHD and were admitted to the PICU and had data about airway evaluation by cardiopulmonary CT scan or bronchoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Among 820 CHD patients identified as having undergone airway evaluation in the PICU, 185 (22.6%) were diagnosed with airway anomalies, including structural lesions in 146 of 185 (78.9%), and dynamic problems were seen in 87 of 185 (47.0%). In this population, the explanatory factors associated with greater odds (odds ratio [OR]) of airway anomaly were premature birth (OR, 1.90; p = 0.002), genetic syndromes (OR, 2.60; p < 0.001), and in those with preoperative ventilator use (OR, 4.28; p < 0.001). In comparison to those without airway anomalies, the presence of airway anomalies was associated with higher hospital mortality (11.4% vs. 2.7%; p < 0.001), prolonged intubation days (8 d [1-27 d] vs. 1 d [1-5 d]; p < 0.001), longer PICU length of stay (23 d [8-81 d] vs. 7 d [4-18 d]; p < 0.001), and greater hazard of intermediate mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.60; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our single-center retrospective study, 2017-2020, between one-in-five and one-in-four of our postoperative CHD patients undergoing an airway evaluation had airway anomalies. Factors associated with greater odds of airway anomaly included, those with premature birth, or genetic syndromes, and preoperative ventilator use. Overall, in patients undergoing airway evaluation, the finding of an airway anomalies was associated with longer postoperative intubation duration and greater hazard of intermediate mortality.

Biomarker data with measurement error in medical research: A literature review.

A biomarker is a measurable indicator of the severity or presence of a disease or medical condition in biomedical or epidemiological research. Biomarkers may help in early diagnosis and prevention of diseases. Several biomarkers have been identified for many diseases such as carbohydrate antigen 19-9 for pancreatic cancer. However, biomarkers may be measured with errors due to many reasons such as specimen collection or day-to-day within-subject variability of the biomarker, among others. Measurement error in the biomarker leads to bias in the regression parameter estimation for the association of the biomarker with disease in epidemiological studies. In addition, measurement error in the biomarkers may affect standard diagnostic measures to evaluate the performance of biomarkers such as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity. Measurement error may also have an effect on how to combine multiple cancer biomarkers as a composite predictor for disease diagnosis. In follow-up studies, biomarkers are often collected intermittently at examination times, which may be sparse and typically biomarkers are not observed at the event times. Joint modeling of longitudinal and time-to-event data is a valid approach to account for measurement error in the analysis of repeatedly measured biomarkers and time-to-event outcomes. In this article, we provide a literature review on existing methods to correct for estimation in regression analysis, diagnostic measures, and joint modeling of longitudinal biomarkers and survival outcomes when the biomarkers are measured with errors. This article is categorized under: Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Robust MethodsStatistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > EM AlgorithmStatistical Models > Survival Models.

The crosstalk between copper-induced oxidative stress and cuproptosis: a novel potential anticancer paradigm.

Copper is a crucial trace element that plays a role in various pathophysiological processes in the human body. Copper also acts as a transition metal involved in redox reactions, contributing to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under prolonged and increased ROS levels, oxidative stress occurs, which has been implicated in different types of regulated cell death. The recent discovery of cuproptosis, a copper-dependent regulated cell death pathway that is distinct from other known regulated cell death forms, has raised interest to researchers in the field of cancer therapy. Herein, the present work aims to outline the current understanding of cuproptosis, with an emphasis on its anticancer activities through the interplay with copper-induced oxidative stress, thereby providing new ideas for therapeutic approaches targeting modes of cell death in the future.

Do low skeletal muscle bulk and disturbed body fat mass impact tumor recurrence in stage I/II HCC undergoing surgery? An observational cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of deranged body composition on stage I/II HCC after surgery remains undetermined. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of low skeletal muscle bulk and disturbed body fat mass on the recurrence outcome of stage I/II HCC patients undergoing liver resection. The associated metabolomic alterations were also assessed. METHODS: From 2012 to 2021, stage I and II HCC patients who underwent liver resection at our institute were retrospectively reviewed. Their preoperative body composition including skeletal muscle mass and body fat volume was measured by computed tomography (CT). The recurrence outcome was recorded and analyzed. The preoperative serum was collected and subjected to metabolomic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 450 stage I and II HCC patients were included in the current study. Among them, 76% were male and around 60% had HBV infection. After stratified by normal cutoff values obtained from a healthy cohort, 6.4% of stage I/II HCC patients were found to have a low psoas muscle index (PMI), 17.8% a high subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) index, and 27.8% a high visceral adipose tissue (VAT) index. Cox regression multivariate analysis further demonstrated that low PMI and high SAT index were independent prognostic factors for time-to-recurrence (TTR) after surgery. Metabolomic analysis discovered that free fatty acid ß-oxidation was enhanced in with low PMI or high SAT index. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that reduced psoas muscle mass may impair while elevated SAT may prolong the TTR of stage I/II HCC patients undergoing liver resections. VAT, on the other hand, was not associated with recurrence outcome after surgery. Further studies are warranted to validate our findings.

Recommendations and guidance for herpes zoster vaccination for adults in Taiwan.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a painful, vesicular, cutaneous eruption from reactivation of varicella zoster virus (VZV), which can lead to potentially debilitating complications. The lifetime risk of HZ is estimated to be 20%-30% in the general population, with an increased risk in the elderly and immunocompromised populations. The most effective strategy to prevent HZ and its complications is by vaccination. Two types of HZ vaccines, zoster vaccine live and recombinant zoster vaccine, have been approved for use. This guidance offers recommendations and suggestions for HZ vaccination in adults, aiming to reduce the disease burden of HZ and its complications. It is intended as a guide to first-line healthcare providers, but does not supersede clinical judgement when assessing risk and providing recommendations to individuals. The Working Group on Adult Immunization Practice was appointed by the Infectious Diseases Society of Taiwan (IDST) and recommendations were drafted after a full literature review, using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recommendations were reviewed and revised by expert review panels during a series of consensus meetings and endorsed by the IDST, Taiwan Association of Family Medicine, the Taiwanese Dermatological Association, the Taiwan Oncology Society, the Taiwan Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, the Transplantation Society of Taiwan, the Taiwan AIDS Society, and the Taiwan College of Rheumatology. This guidance describes the epidemiology of HZ and provides recommendations for HZ vaccination in adults with varying levels of risk, differing history of previous VZV infection and past varicella or zoster vaccinations.

Mutations in the pmrB gene constitute the major mechanism underlying chromosomally encoded colistin resistance in clinical Escherichia coli.

OBJECTIVES: The mechanisms underlying chromosomally encoded colistin resistance in Escherichia coli remain insufficiently investigated. In this study, we investigated the contribution of various pmrB mutations from E. coli clinical isolates to colistin resistance. METHODS: The resistance mechanisms in eight mcr-negative colistin-resistant E. coli isolates obtained from a nationwide surveillance program in Taiwan using recombinant DNA techniques and complementary experiments were investigated. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of colistin in the recombinant strains were compared with those in the parental strains. The expression levels of pmrA and pmrK (which are part of the pmrCAB and pmrHFIJKLM operons associated with colistin resistance) were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In the complementation experiments, various mutated pmrB alleles from the eight mcr-negative colistin-resistant E. coli strains were introduced into an ATCC25922 mutant with a PmrB deletion, which resulted in colistin resistance. The MIC levels of colistin in the most complemented strains were comparable to those of the parental colistin-resistant strains. Increased expression levels of pmrA and pmrK were consistently detected in most complemented strains. The impact for colistin resistance was confirmed for various novel amino acid substitutions, P94L, G19E, L194P, L98R and R27L in PmrB from the parental clinical strains. The detected amino acid substitutions are distributed in the different functional domains of PmrB. CONCLUSIONS: Colistin resistance mediated by amino acid substitutions in PmrB is a major chromosomally encoded mechanism in E. coli of clinical origin.

Enhancement of hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone regeneration in a rat osteochondral defect model through focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

Aims: To explore the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of osteochondral defect (OCD), and its effects on the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, -3, -4, -5, and -7 in terms of cartilage and bone regeneration. Methods: The OCD lesion was created on the trochlear groove of left articular cartilage of femur per rat (40 rats in total). The experimental groups were Sham, OCD, and ESWT (0.25 mJ/mm2, 800 impulses, 4 Hz). The animals were euthanized at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-treatment, and histopathological analysis, micro-CT scanning, and immunohistochemical staining were performed for the specimens. Results: In the histopathological analysis, the macro-morphological grading scale showed a significant increase, while the histological score and cartilage repair scale of ESWT exhibited a significant decrease compared to OCD at the 8- and 12-week timepoints. At the 12-week follow-up, ESWT exhibited a significant improvement in the volume of damaged bone compared to OCD. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a significant decrease in type I collagen and a significant increase in type II collagen within the newly formed hyaline cartilage following ESWT, compared to OCD. Finally, SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), aggrecan, and TGF-ß, BMP-2, -3, -4, -5, and -7 were significantly higher in ESWT than in OCD at 12 weeks. Conclusion: ESWT promoted the effect of TGF-ß/BMPs, thereby modulating the production of extracellular matrix proteins and transcription factor involved in the regeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone in an OCD rat model.

Multicenter registry of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Paired comparison with Kawasaki disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics to differentiate multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and Kawasaki disease (KD) in Taiwan, an island with a delayed cluster of MIS-C and a high incidence of KD. Additionally, we studied risk factors for developing severe complications in patients with MIS-C. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, cohort, and observational study that linked data on patients with MIS-C between May and December 2022 and patients with KD between 2019 and 2021 from 12 medical centers. Hemodynamic compromise, defined as the need for inotropic support or fluid challenge, was recorded in patients with MIS-C. We also evaluated maximal coronary Z-scores before treatment and one month after disease onset. RESULTS: A total of 83 patients with MIS-C and 466 patients with KD were recruited. A 1:1 age and gender-matched comparison of 68 MIS-C and KD pairs showed that MIS-C patients had a lower percentage of positive BCG red halos, lower leukocyte/platelet counts, more gastrointestinal symptoms, and a higher risk of hemodynamic compromise. In Taiwan, 38.6% of MIS-C patients experienced hemodynamic compromise, with presence of conjunctivitis and elevated levels of procalcitonin (>1.62 ng/mL) identified as independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two independent risk factors associated with hemodynamic compromise in MIS-C patients. The comparison between matched MIS-C and KD patients highlighted significant differences in clinical presentations, like BCG red halos, which may aid in the differential diagnosis of the two disease entities, especially in regions with a high incidence rate of KD.

The Feasibility and Efficacy of Remote App-Guided Home Exercises for Frozen Shoulder: A Pilot Study.

Home exercise programs are beneficial in managing frozen shoulder (FS), yet adherence remains challenging. This pilot study introduces the remote app, Defrozen, designed for home exercises and assesses its feasibility and clinical outcomes in FS patients undergoing intra-articular and sub-acromial corticosteroid treatment. Over a four-week period, patients used the Defrozen-app, engaging in guided exercises. The feasibility of the intervention was assessed through several measurement scales, including adherence, the Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and User Satisfaction and Engagement (USE). Clinical outcomes included pain scale, Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) Score, and passive range of motion. The TAM2 results indicated high perceived usefulness (4.5/5), ease of use (4.8/5), and intention to use (4.4/5); the SUS score was high at 81.7/100, complemented by USE scores reflecting ease of learning (4.9/5) and satisfaction (4.3/5). Clinical outcomes showed significant pain reduction, improved shoulder function, reduced shoulder-related disability, and increased shoulder range of motion. These findings suggest the Defrozen-app as a promising solution for FS, significantly improving adherence and showing potential to enhance clinical outcomes. However, these clinical outcome results are preliminary and necessitate further validation through a large-scale randomized controlled trial to definitively confirm efficacy and assess long-term benefits.

Prognostic factors of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of nonunion in long bones: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Nonunion of long bone fractures is a significant complication following surgical fixation, with an incidence ranging from 5% to 10%. Surgical intervention is the standard treatment for nonunions, but it may come with potential complications. Nonoperative approaches, such as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), have been advocated as alternatives. METHODS: The retrospective study, conducted between January 2004 and January 2018, 91 patients who underwent ESWT for tibia or femur nonunions were included. Nonunion was defined based on radiographic criteria and clinical symptoms. The nonunion morphology was categorized as hypertrophic, oligotrophic, or atrophic. ESWT was administered using the OssaTron device in a single treatment session. Bony union was defined as the presence of bridging callus over fracture site with more than three-fourths of the circumference in both planes within the 12-month postoperative period. RESULTS: The study included 91 patients, with an overall union rate of 62.6%. Higher healing rate was observed in trophic nonunion(69.9%) than atrophic nonunion(33.3%). Multivariate analysis identified the number of surgeries, maximum fracture gap, and atrophic nonunion as independent factors influencing the risk of fracture nonunion after ESWT. ROC curves were generated for these factors, providing more than one surgical interventions, and fracture gap greater than 3.94 mm as negative predictors of ESWT for long bone nonunions. CONCLUSION: The study's primary findings suggest that ESWT is effective in achieving bony union for nonunions in long bones(62.6%). Despite the overall positive results, the study highlights that atrophic nonunions, larger fracture gaps more than 3.94 mm, and multiple surgeries are associated with poorer outcomes.

Impact of CD44 genetic variants on clinicopathological characteristics of uterine cervical cancer patients.

CD44 genetic variants have been found to be related to various cancers. However, to date, no study has demonstrated the involvement of CD44 polymorphisms in uterine cervical cancer in Taiwanese women. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study, consecutively recruiting 113 patients with invasive cancer, 92 patients with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasias, and 302 control women to assess the relationships among CD44 polymorphisms, cervical carcinogenesis, and patient survival. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the genotypic distributions of six polymorphisms: rs1425802, rs187115, rs713330, rs11821102, rs10836347, and rs13347. The results revealed that women with the mutant homozygous genotype CC exhibited a higher risk of invasive cancer compared to those with the wild homozygous genotype TT [p=0.035; hazard ratio (HR)=10.29, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.18-89.40] and TT/TC [p=0.032; HR=10.66, 95% CI=1.23-92.11] in the CD44 polymorphism rs713330. No significant association was found between CD44 genetic variants and clinicopathological parameters. Among the clinicopathological parameters, only positive pelvic lymph node metastasis (p=0.002; HR=8.57, 95% CI=2.14-34.38) and the AG/GG genotype compared to AA (p=0.014; HR=3.30, 95% CI=1.28-8.49) in CD44 polymorphism rs187115 predicted a higher risk of poor five-year survival, according to multivariate analysis. In conclusion, an important and novel finding revealed that Taiwanese women with the AG/GG genotype in CD44 polymorphism rs187115 exhibited a higher risk of poor five-year survival.

Post-irradiation dysbiosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma having received radiotherapy - A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the changes in the sinonasal mucosa microbiome in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) before and after radiotherapy (RT), and to explore the pathogenesis of post-irradiation chronic rhinosinusitis (PI-CRS) and its association with dysbiosis. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Unicenter, Tertiary referral hospital. METHODS: Included patients newly diagnosed with NPC. Samples of ostiomeatal complex mucosa were collected before and after RT. Microbiome analysis was conducted using 16S rRNA sequencing, and statistical analysis was performed. Subgroup analyses based on RT modality (proton therapy or photon therapy) RESULTS: Total of 18 patients were enrolled in the study, with 62.1% receiving intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). Corynebacterium was the most dominant genus identified in both the pre- and post-RT groups, with a visible increase in Staphylococcus and a decrease in Fusobacterium genus in post-RT group. Alpha-diversity did not significantly differ between groups, although the beta-diversity analysis revealed a dispersed microbiota in the post-RT group. The functional prediction indicated a higher relative abundance of taxonomies associated with biofilm formation in the post-RT group. The subgroup analysis revealed the above changes to be more significant in patients who received photon therapy (Intensity modulated radiation therapy, IMRT). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to analyze the microbiome of patients with NPC after IMPT. We identified similarities between the post-RT microenvironment and that reported in patients with CRS, with a more apparent change noted in patients treated with IMRT. Further investigation is required to further elucidate the pathogenesis of PI-CRS and its relationship to post-RT dysbiosis, particularly IMPT.

Glaucoma Detection through a Novel Hyperspectral Imaging Band Selection and Vision Transformer Integration.

Conventional diagnostic methods for glaucoma primarily rely on non-dynamic fundus images and often analyze features such as the optic cup-to-disc ratio and abnormalities in specific retinal locations like the macula and fovea. However, hyperspectral imaging techniques focus on detecting alterations in oxygen saturation within retinal vessels, offering a potentially more comprehensive approach to diagnosis. This study explores the diagnostic potential of hyperspectral imaging for glaucoma by introducing a novel hyperspectral imaging conversion technique. Digital fundus images are transformed into hyperspectral representations, allowing for a detailed analysis of spectral variations. Spectral regions exhibiting differences are identified through spectral analysis, and images are reconstructed from these specific regions. The Vision Transformer (ViT) algorithm is then employed for classification and comparison across selected spectral bands. Fundus images are used to identify differences in lesions, utilizing a dataset of 1291 images. This study evaluates the classification performance of models using various spectral bands, revealing that the 610-780 nm band outperforms others with an accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC-ROC all approximately at 0.9007, indicating its superior effectiveness for the task. The RGB model also shows strong performance, while other bands exhibit lower recall and overall metrics. This research highlights the disparities between machine learning algorithms and traditional clinical approaches in fundus image analysis. The findings suggest that hyperspectral imaging, coupled with advanced computational techniques such as the ViT algorithm, could significantly enhance glaucoma diagnosis. This understanding offers insights into the potential transformation of glaucoma diagnostics through the integration of hyperspectral imaging and innovative computational methodologies.

Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio combined with decreased lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio is associated with increased peripheral airway resistance in patients with hepatic steatosis.

Although the link between hepatic steatosis and lung function has been confirmed, the focus has largely been on central airways. The association between hepatic steatosis and increased peripheral airway resistance has not yet been explored. Hepatic steatosis and increased peripheral resistance are connected with immunity dysregulation. High neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and low lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) have been recognized as indicators of immunity dysregulation. In this study, the association between hepatic steatosis and increased peripheral airway resistance was evaluated, and the effect of immunity dysregulation (high NLR/low LMR) on the increased peripheral airway resistance among patients with hepatic steatosis was explored. In this retrospective study, chest or abdomen CT scans and spirometry/impulse oscillometry (IOS) from 2018 to 2019 were used to identify hepatic steatosis and increased central/peripheral airway resistance in patients. Among 1391 enrolled patients, 169 (12.1%) had hepatic steatosis. After 1:1 age and abnormal ALT matching was conducted, clinical data were compared between patients with and without hepatic steatosis. A higher proportion of patients with hepatic steatosis had increased peripheral airway resistance than those without hepatic steatosis (52.7% vs 40.2%, P = .025). Old age, high body mass index, history of diabetes, and high NLR/low LMR were significantly correlated with increased peripheral airway resistance. The presence of hepatic steatosis is associated with increased peripheral airway. High NLR/low LMR is an independent associated factor of increased peripheral airway resistance in patients with hepatic steatosis. It is advisable for patients with hepatic steatosis to regularly monitor their complete blood count/differential count and undergo pulmonary function tests including IOS.

Exploration and Optimization of the Polymer-Modified NiOx Hole Transport Layer for Fabricating Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells.

The recombination of charge carriers at the interface between carrier transport layers such as nickel oxide (NiOx) and the perovskite absorber has long been a challenge in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To address this issue, we introduced a polymer additive poly(vinyl butyral) into NiOx and subjected it to high-temperature annealing to form a void-containing structure. The formation of voids is confirmed to increase light transmittance and surface area of NiOx, which is beneficial for light absorption and carrier separation within PSCs. Experimental results demonstrate that the incorporation of the polymer additive helped to enhance the hole conductivity and carrier extraction of NiOx with a higher Ni3+/Ni2+ ratio. This also optimized the energy levels of NiOx to match with the perovskite to raise the open-circuit voltage to 1.01 V. By incorporating an additional NiOx layer beneath the polymer-modified NiOx, the device efficiency was further increased as verified from the dark current measurement of devices.

The applications of high-flow nasal cannulas in pediatric intensive care units in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: /purpose: The use of high-flow nasal cannulas (HFNC) in patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) has gradually increased worldwide; however, details on clinical efficacy remain limited in Taiwan. Therefore, we explored the clinical characteristics and outcomes of pediatric patients using HFNC in the PICU. METHODS: Medical records were retrospectively collected from pediatric patients (aged <18 years) who received HFNC support from December 2021 to January 2023 in the PICU of a medical center. Outcome parameters included treatment failure (defined as increased respiratory support to advanced non-invasive ventilators or intubations), duration of support from HFNC, and changes in clinical parameters after initiating HFNC. RESULTS: A total of 261 episodes of HFNC use were included, with a failure rate of 24.5% and a median support length of 4 days. Multivariable analysis showed that infant age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.1, p = 0.02) and accompanying complex chronic disease (aOR: 4.4, p = 0.014) were risk factors for treatment failure and a diagnosis of asthma or bronchiolitis had a lower hazard of treatment failure (aOR: 0.29, p = 0.025) than other diagnoses did. Improvements in clinical parameters, including pulse rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, and CO2 levels, were observed 24 h after the initiation of HFNC. CONCLUSION: The application of HFNC in the PICU in Taiwan is effective but should be performed with care in infants with accompanying complex chronic diseases. In addition to low treatment failure, HFNC utilizations stabilized the clinical parameters of children with asthma/bronchiolitis within one day.

Optical, Electrical, Structural, and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Undoped and Tungsten-Doped Vanadium Dioxide Thin Films.

The undoped and tungsten (W)-doped vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films were prepared by electron beam evaporation associated with ion-beam-assisted deposition (IAD). The influence of different W-doped contents (3-5%) on the electrical, optical, structural, and thermo-mechanical properties of VO2 thin films was investigated experimentally. Spectral transmittance results showed that with the increase in W-doped contents, the transmittance in the visible light range (400-750 nm) decreases from 60.2% to 53.9%, and the transmittance in the infrared wavelength range (2.5 µm to 5.5 µm) drops from 55.8% to 15.4%. As the W-doped content increases, the residual stress in the VO2 thin film decreases from -0.276 GPa to -0.238 GPa, but the surface roughness increases. For temperature-dependent spectroscopic measurements, heating the VO2 thin films from 30 °C to 100 °C showed the most significant change in transmittance for the 5% W-doped VO2 thin film. When the heating temperature exceeds 55 °C, the optical transmittance drops significantly, and the visible light transmittance drops by about 11%. Finally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to evaluate the microstructure characteristics of VO2 thin films.