Cystatin SN (CST1) Is a Poor Independent Prognostic Biomarker for Gastrointestinal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (GI-DLBCL) is the most common histological subtype of extra-nodal DLBCL, but the risk factors, prognostic biomarkers, histopathological classifications, and treatment strategies have not had significant progress. Emerging evidence shows that cystatin SN (CST1) is involved in tumor progression in several cancer types, but its role in GI-DLBCL has not been revealed. MATERIAL AND METHODS We established a cohort consisting of 84 patients with GI-DLBCL who underwent surgical resection. The expression of CST1 in the cohort was investigated by immunohistochemistry, which divided the patients into subgroups with low or high expression of CST1. Moreover, the CST1 expression in GI-DLBCL tissues or adjacent GI tissues were compared with RT-qPCR. The correlation between CST1 expression and clinicopathological factors was analyzed with the chi-square test. The prognostic significance of CST1 was estimated by univariate and multivariate analysis, and statistical significance was analyzed with the log-rank test. RESULTS CST1 was aberrantly upregulated in GI-DLBCL tissues compared with in non-tumor GI tissues. High expression of CST1 indicated poor prognosis of GI-DLBCL (P=0.012), and CST1 can be regarded as an independent prognostic biomarker of GI-DLBCL (hazard ratio=3.07). In our study, serum lactate dehydrogenase (P=0.002), performance status (P=0.003), Lugano stage (P=0.002), and International Prognostic Index (P=0.001) were also prognostic factors of GI-DLBCL. CONCLUSIONS CST1 is an independent prognostic biomarker of GI-DLBCL, indicating unfavorable prognosis. Our results suggested that CST1 detection can be a promising method to stratify high-risk patients and guide individual treatment.

[Application of discrete element method (DEM) in pharmaceutical process of solid traditional Chinese medicine preparations].

In recent years, the application of numerical simulation in the research and development(R&D) as well as the pharmaceutical processes of new drugs has expanded considerably. The discrete element method(DEM), an important approach among numerical simulation methods, offers an effective tool for the simulation of discontinuous media. Referring to the research progress of DEM and the formulation of solid traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) preparations in recent years, this paper summarizes and analyzes the application of DEM in the pharmaceutical processes of solid TCM preparations, and discusses the challenges of its application in these processes, in order to provide new methods and ideas for promoting the high-quality production of TCM preparations.

Hemodynamic effects of pulsatile frequency of right ventricular assist device (RVAD) on pulmonary perfusion: a simulation study.

Right ventricular assist devices (RVADs) have been extensively used to provide hemodynamic support for patients with end-stage right heart (RV) failure. However, conventional in-parallel RVADs can lead to an elevation of pulmonary artery (PA) pressure, consequently increasing the right ventricular (RV) afterload, which is unfavorable for the relaxation of cardiac muscles and reduction of valve complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the hemodynamic effects of the pulsatile frequency of the RVAD on pulmonary artery. Firstly, a mathematical model incorporating heart, systemic circulation, pulmonary circulation, and RVAD is developed to simulate the cardiovascular system. Subsequently, the frequency characteristics of the pulmonary circulation system are analyzed, and the calculated results demonstrate that the pulsatile frequency of the RVAD has a substantive impact on the pulmonary artery pressure. Finally, to verify the analysis results, the hemodynamic effects of the pulsatile frequency of the RVAD on pulmonary artery are compared under diffident support modes. It is found that the pulmonary artery pressure decreases by approximately 6% when the pulsatile frequency changes from 1 to 3 Hz. The increased pulsatile frequency of RA-PA support mode may facilitate the opening of the pulmonary valve, while the RV-PA support mode can more effectively reduce the load of RV. This work provides a useful method to decrease the pulmonary artery pressure during the RVAD supports and may be beneficial for improving myocardial function in patients with end-stage right heart failure, especially those with pulmonary hypertension.

Comprehensive Assessment of Drug Kinetics, Neurotoxicity, and Safety of Sirolimus-Eluting Intracranial Stents in Canine Basilar Artery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sirolimus-eluting stents (SESs) have shown promise in treating intracranial atherosclerosis but concerns about potential neurotoxicity due to prolonged drug release exist. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the safety of SES, with a focus on neurotoxicity. METHODS: Stents (1.50 × 7 or 12 mm) were implanted into the basilar arteries of 154 Labrador Retrievers (weighing >25 kg and aged older than 1 year) divided into 4 groups: baer-metal stent, polymer-coated stent, standard-dose SES (sirolimus dose: 71 µg), and high-dose SES group (sirolimus dose: 284 µg). Pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry on blood and tissue samples, and analysis of brain tissue was performed with 5 different special stains and immunohistochemistry protocols to assess axonal degeneration, vacuolization, astrocyte proliferation, microglial activation, or widespread neurodegeneration. RESULTS: In the standard-dose SES group, the stent released 10.56% of the drug on day 1 and 95.41% on day 28 postimplantation. In the high-dose SES group, corresponding figures were 40.20% on day 1 and 98.08% on day 28. Systemic drug concentration consistently remained below 1.5 ng/mL throughout the study. Arterial tissue concentration reached its peak at day 28 days in the standard-dose group and at 7 days in the high-dose group. Importantly, the brain and related tissue concentrations remained below 0.4 µg/g in both standard-dose and high-dose SES groups, peaking on day 21 in the standard-dose group and day 1 in the high-dose group. The detailed 180-day safety assessment revealed no adverse effects on the brain, even at high sirolimus doses in the SES group. CONCLUSION: This study provides robust evidence supporting the long-term pharmacokinetic safety of SESs in the context of intracranial interventions for high-grade intracranial atherosclerosis. The results adequately alleviate concerns related to neurotoxicity and substantiate the feasibility of using these stents as a therapeutic choice in neurosurgery.

Pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases: effects of mitochondrial CF6 on endothelial cell function.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) stands as a predominant global cause of morbidity and mortality, necessitating effective and cost-efficient therapies for cardiovascular risk reduction. Mitochondrial coupling factor 6 (CF6), identified as a novel proatherogenic peptide, emerges as a significant risk factor in endothelial dysfunction development, correlating with CVD severity. CF6 expression can be heightened by CVD risk factors like mechanical force, hypoxia, or high glucose stimuli through the NF-κB pathway. Many studies have explored the CF6-CVD relationship, revealing elevated plasma CF6 levels in essential hypertension, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), stroke, and preeclampsia patients. CF6 acts as a vasoactive and proatherogenic peptide in CVD, inducing intracellular acidosis in vascular endothelial cells, inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin generation, increasing blood pressure, and producing proatherogenic molecules, significantly contributing to CVD development. CF6 induces an imbalance in endothelium-dependent factors, including NO, prostacyclin, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), promoting vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, thrombosis, and insulin resistance, possibly via C-src Ca2+ and PRMT-1/DDAH-2-ADMA-NO pathways. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of CF6 in the context of CVD, providing mechanistic insights into its role in processes impacting CVD, with a focus on CF6 functions, intracellular signaling, and regulatory mechanisms in vascular endothelial cells.

Sarcopenic obesity and falls in older adults: A validation study of ESPEN/EASO criteria and modifications in Western China communities.

OBJECTIVES: The ESPEN and the EASO recently developed consensus criteria for sarcopenic obesity (SO), employing the skeletal muscle mass to weight (SMM/W) ratio. Emerging evidence suggests that adjusting skeletal muscle mass for body mass index (SMM/BMI) could enhance the predictive accuracy for health outcomes. We aimed to validate the ESPEN/EASO criteria and explore the potential benefits of the SMM/BMI adjustment in predicting falls among older adults in Western China. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional study and included community-dwelling older adults. The diagnosis of SO was determined using the standard ESPEN/EASO consensus criteria (SOESPEN) and a modified version adjusting SMM/BMI (SOESPEN-M). The associations of SOESPEN, SOESPEN-M, and their components with falls were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 1353 participants, the prevalence of SO was 13.2 % (SOESPEN) and 11.4 % (SOESPEN-M), which increased with age and higher BMI levels. Within participants with a normal BMI, 4.2 % and 6.2 % were found to have SOESPEN and SOESPEN-M, respectively. SMM/W and SMM/BMI negatively correlated with fall risk (p=0.042 and p=0.021, respectively). Upon adjusting for confounders, only SOESPEN was significantly associated with falls (odds ratios [OR] 1.61, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.08 to 2.40), whereas the association for SOESPEN-M did not achieve significance (OR 1.55, 95 % CI 0.99 to 2.43). CONCLUSIONS: This research validated the ESPEN/EASO criteria (SOESPEN) and their modified version (SOESPEN-M) among community-dwelling older adults in Western China. The SMM/BMI adjustment appears to offer a lower estimate of SO prevalence, with only SOESPEN showing a significant association with falls.

Oral antidiabetic therapy versus early insulinization on glycemic control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients: a retrospective matched cohort study.

Our study aims to compare the efficacy of oral antidiabetic therapy to early insulinization on glycemic control among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients in real-world clinical practice. A retrospective cohort study conducted at a medical center in Taiwan analyzed 1256 eligible patients from January 2007 to December 2017. Propensity score matching resulted in well-balanced groups of 94 patients each in the oral antidiabetic drug (OAD) and early insulinization cohorts. Glycemic outcomes were assessed in both groups. Patients exclusively using OAD showed consistently lower glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels at 3, 12, 24, and 36 months compared to insulin users. At later periods, 77.7% of OAD users achieved glycemic control versus 64.9% of insulin users, with a marginally significant difference. Subgroup analyses suggested a trend favoring well-controlled diabetes in the OAD group, though not statistically significant. Our study finds oral antidiabetic therapy is not inferior to early insulinization for glycemic control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, irrespective of initial HbA1c levels. This supports oral therapy as a rational treatment option, even in cases with elevated HbA1c at diagnosis.

The impact of intraoperative hypotension on postoperative acute kidney injury, mortality and length of stay following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) presents distinct hemodynamic characteristics, yet the relationship between intraoperative hypotension and short-term adverse outcomes remains clear. Our study aims to investigate association between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), mortality and length of stay in OPCABG patients. METHODS: Retrospective data of 494 patients underwent OPCABG from January 2016 to July 2023 were collected. We analyzed the relationship between intraoperative various hypotension absolute values (MAP > 75, 65 < MAP ≤ 75, 55 < MAP ≤ 65, MAP ≤ 55 mmHg) and postoperative AKI, mortality and length of stay. Logistic regression assessed the impacts of exposure variable on AKI and postoperative mortality. Linear regression was used to analyze risk factors on the length of intensive care unit stay (ICU) and hospital stay. RESULTS: The incidence of AKI was 31.8%, with in-hospital and 30-day mortality at 2.8% and 3.5%, respectively. Maintaining a MAP greater than or equal 65 mmHg [odds ratio (OR) 0.408; p = 0.008] and 75 mmHg (OR 0.479; p = 0.024) was significantly associated with a decrease risk of AKI compared to MAP less than 55 mmHg for at least 10 min. Prolonged hospital stays were linked to low MAP, while in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality were not linked to IOH but exhibited correlation with a history of myocardial infarction. AKI showed correlation with length of ICU stay. CONCLUSIONS: MAP > 65 mmHg emerges as a significant independent protective factor for AKI in OPCABG and IOH is related to length of hospital stay. Proactive intervention targeting intraoperative hypotension may provide a potential opportunity to reduce postoperative renal injury and hospital stay. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2400082518. Registered 31 March 2024. https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=225349 .

Multi-omic characterization of allele-specific regulatory variation in hybrid pigs.

Hybrid mapping is a powerful approach to efficiently identify and characterize genes regulated through mechanisms in cis. In this study, using reciprocal crosses of the phenotypically divergent Duroc and Lulai pig breeds, we perform a comprehensive multi-omic characterization of regulatory variation across the brain, liver, muscle, and placenta through four developmental stages. We produce one of the largest multi-omic datasets in pigs to date, including 16 whole genome sequenced individuals, as well as 48 whole genome bisulfite sequencing, 168 ATAC-Seq and 168 RNA-Seq samples. We develop a read count-based method to reliably assess allele-specific methylation, chromatin accessibility, and RNA expression. We show that tissue specificity was much stronger than developmental stage specificity in all of DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, and gene expression. We identify 573 genes showing allele specific expression, including those influenced by parent-of-origin as well as allele genotype effects. We integrate methylation, chromatin accessibility, and gene expression data to show that allele specific expression can be explained in great part by allele specific methylation and/or chromatin accessibility. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of regulatory variation across multiple tissues and developmental stages in pigs.

Prediction of antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae using genomic and metagenomic next-generation sequencing data.

OBJECTIVES: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant pathogen with increasing resistance and high mortality rates. Conventional antibiotic susceptibility testing methods are time-consuming. Next-generation sequencing has shown promise for predicting antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aims to develop prediction models using whole-genome sequencing data and assess their feasibility with metagenomic next-generation sequencing data from clinical samples. METHODS: On the basis of 4170 K. pneumoniae genomes, the main genetic characteristics associated with AMR were identified using a LASSO regression model. Consequently, the prediction model was established, validated and optimized using clinical isolate read simulation sequences. To evaluate the efficacy of the model, clinical specimens were collected. RESULTS: Four predictive models for amikacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and piperacillin/tazobactam, initially had positive predictive values (PPVs) of 90%, 85%, 84% and 94%, respectively, when they were originally constructed. When applied to clinical specimens, their PPVs increased to 96%, 96%, 95% and 100%, respectively. Meanwhile, there were negative predictive values (NPVs) of 100% for ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, and 'not applicable' (NA) for amikacin and piperacillin/tazobactam. Our method achieved antibacterial phenotype classification accuracy rates of 96.08% for amikacin, 96.15% for ciprofloxacin, 95.31% for levofloxacin and 100% for piperacillin/tazobactam. The sequence-based prediction antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) reported results in an average time of 19.5 h, compared with the 67.9 h needed for culture-based AST, resulting in a significant reduction of 48.4 h. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results demonstrated that the performance of prediction model for a clinically significant antimicrobial-species pair was comparable to that of phenotypic methods, thereby encouraging the expansion of sequence-based susceptibility prediction and its clinical validation and application.

Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV-1 co-infections in Ethiopia: Implications for disease burden and intervention strategies.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) exhibits high prevalence rates within Ethiopia. The genetic diversity of HBV, marked by mixed genotype infections, may hold significant implications for the trajectory of disease and responses to treatment. Ethiopia grapples with a substantial public health challenge posed by co-infections involving HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1), particularly among vulnerable populations. METHODS: A comprehensive investigation into HBV, HCV, and HIV-1 co-infection was conducted. A total of 7,789 blood samples were meticulously analyzed, among which 815 exhibited HBV positivity. Among the HBV-positive samples, 630 were subjected to genotyping procedures, resulting in the identification of a prevalent trend of mixed infections characterized by HBV genotypes A/E/F (67.30%). Serological assessments were performed on 492 specimens to ascertain the presence of HCV and HIV-1 co-infections, revealing respective co-infection rates of 13.02% for HBV/HIV, 3.31% for HBV/HCV, and 2.07% for triple infection. RESULTS: The investigation revealed the intricate prevalence of co-infections in Ethiopia, notably underlining the continued transmission of viruses. The prominent occurrence of mixed HBV genotypes A/E/F suggests dynamic viral interactions and ongoing transmission pathways. These findings accentuate the necessity for targeted interventions and enhanced patient care, as co-infections carry significant clinical complexities. CONCLUSIONS: This study furnishes crucial insights into the molecular epidemiology of HBV, HCV, and HIV-1 co-infections in Ethiopia. The acquired knowledge can contribute to the advancement of strategies for clinical management and the formulation of public health interventions aimed at ameliorating the burden of viral infections within the nation.

The difference in core-surface temperature indicates the prognosis of heart failure patients.

Aim: To evaluate the difference between core temperature and surface temperature (ΔT) as an index for the prognosis of heart failure (HF). Patients & methods: Core temperature and surface temperature were measured in 253 patients with HF. The association of ΔT with prognostic indicators of HF was analyzed. Results: Patients with ΔT ≥2°C were more likely to have lower left ventricular ejection fraction and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher levels of troponin T, brain natriuretic peptide and procalcitonin, and high blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio. The risk of death increased by 32% for a 1°C increase in ΔT and was 4.36-times higher in the ΔT ≥2°C group than in the ΔT <2°C group. Conclusion: ΔT may be used to predict the prognosis of patients with HF.

[Box: see text].

Controlled Structural Relaxation of Aramid Nanofibers for Superstretchable Polymer Fibers with High Toughness and Heat Resistance.

Polymer fibers that combine high toughness and heat resistance are hard to achieve, which, however, hold tremendous promise in demanding applications such as aerospace and military. This prohibitive design task exists due to the opposing property dependencies on chain dynamics because traditional heat-resistant materials with rigid molecular structures typically lack the mechanism of energy dissipation. Aramid nanofibers have received great attention as high-performance nanoscale building units due to their intriguing mechanical and thermal properties, but their distinct structural features are yet to be fully captured. We show that aramid nanofibers form nanoscale crimps during the removal of water, which primarily resides at the defect planes of pleated sheets, where the folding can occur. The precise control of such a structural relaxation can be realized by exerting axial loadings on hydrogel fibers, which allows the emergence of aramid fibers with varying angles of crimps. These crimped fibers integrate high toughness with heat resistance, thanks to the extensible nature of nanoscale crimps with rigid molecular structures of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), promising as a template for stable stretchable electronics. The tensile strength/modulus (392-944 MPa/11-29 GPa), stretchability (25-163%), and toughness (154-445 MJ/cm3) are achieved according to the degree of crimping. Intriguingly, a toughness of around 430 MJ/m3 can be maintained after calcination below the relaxation temperature (259 °C) for 50 h. Even after calcination at 300 °C for 10 h, a toughness of 310 MJ/m3 is kept, outperforming existing polymer materials. Our multiscale design strategy based on water-bearing aramid nanofibers provides a potent pathway for tackling the challenge for achieving conflicting property combinations.

A review of CDKL: An underestimated protein kinase family.

Cyclin-dependent kinase-like (CDKL) family proteins are serine/threonine protein kinases and is a specific branch of CMGC (including CDK, MAPK, GSK). Its name is due to the sequence similarity with CDK and it consists of 5 members. Their function in protein phosphorylation underpins their important role in cellular activities, including cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy and microtubule dynamics. CDKL proteins have been demonstrated to regulate the length of primary cilium, which is a dynamic and diverse signaling hub and closely associated with multiple diseases. Furthermore, CDKL proteins have been shown to be involved in the development and progression of several diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and kidney disease. In this review, we summarize the structural characteristics and discovered functions of CDKL proteins and their role in diseases, which might be helpful for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for disease.

Preparation techniques, structural features, and bioactivities of Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides: A review.

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (tu-chung), as a famous nature medical and edible plant, has the effect of tonifying liver and kidney, strengthening the function of the muscles and bones, and miscarriage prevention. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that the polysaccharides from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EUPs) are a kind of vital and representative biologically active macromolecules and have various health-promoting biological activities in vivo and in vitro, such as antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory activity, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities, anti-inflammatory activities, anti-tumor activity, and among others. The review aims to comprehensively and systematically collate the recent research progress on extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics, biological activities, mechanism of action, structural modification, and toxicity of EUPs to support their therapeutic potential and health-care functions. New valuable insights for future research with EUPs were also proposed in the areas of structural characterization and pharmacological activities to promoting the development of therapeutic agents and functional foods.

Effects of ultrasound-guided serratus plane block combined with general anesthesia on postoperative early quality of recovery and analgesia in patients undergoing transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Compared to traditional thoracotomy, transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) surgery offers reduced trauma and faster recovery, fostering the adoption of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in cardiac surgery. Despite these advancements, postoperative pain management has received insufficient attention. The potential effects of multi-mode analgesia, including ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block (SAPB), on postoperative pain and early quality of recovery have not been widely studied, lacking comprehensive prospective evidence. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of SAPB combined with general anesthesia on early recovery quality and analgesic efficacy in transapical TAVI patients. METHODS: This prospective, randomized controlled study will enroll 70 patients undergoing transapical TAVI, randomly allocated to either the SAPB group or the control group. The primary outcome, assessed using Quality of Recovery-40 (QOR-40) scale, focuses on the quality of recovery at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include the visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores at rest and during coughing at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery, frequency of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) utilization at 24 h and 48 h, opioid consumption at 24 h and 48 h, time and frequency of rescue analgesia and severe pain at 24 h and 48 h, incidence of nausea and vomiting at 48 h after surgery, and dosage of antiemetic drugs. DISCUSSION: The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effects of ultrasound-guided SAPB combined with general anesthesia on postoperative early quality of recovery and analgesia in transapical TAVI patients. The results obtained may provide valuable insight for the implementation of multi-mode analgesia and enhanced ERAS in this specific patient population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: China Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR2300068584. Registered on 24 February 2023.

An adapted white-coat and warm-heart intervention on nurses' knowledge, general stigmatizing attitudes, and work avoidance behaviors towards HIV: a quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of an adapted white-coat and warm-heart intervention (AWWI) among nurses. BACKGROUND: HIV discrimination among the medical staff hinders the progress in HIV prevention. METHODS: Seven hundred seventy-nine nurses were randomized into intervention and control groups. The intervention group was provided AWWI training. The control group did not receive AWWI training. HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of participants were assessed. RESULTS: Participants in the intervention group had better HIV-related knowledge and less stigmatizing attitudes and work avoidance behavior levels than participants in the control group after the 1-, 3-, and 6-month interventions (P<0.05). The main effects of group and time factors were highly significant in the intervention group. There were significant interaction effects in group and time factors. CONCLUSIONS: AWWI effectively improved the level of HIV-related knowledge and reduced general stigmatizing attitudes and work avoidance behaviors among nurses based on self-reported data in a tertiary hospital of China during a 6-month period.

Moxibustion combined with guasha therapy for recurrent neutropenia following multiple cycles of chemotherapy of ovarian cancer: A case report.

Neutropenia, a common side effect of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, was observed in a 47-year-old female patient undergoing a six-cycle chemotherapy regimen. She experienced recurrent neutropenia and leukopenia but refused granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) due to severe bone pain and high costs. Moxibustion combined with guasha therapy (MGT) was administered each time neutropenia occurred. The treatment involved guasha therapy on the bladder meridian (BL) and the governor vessel (GV), followed by moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4), and Shenzhu (GV 12) points over 2-3 days. This approach led to the recovery of neutrophil and leukocyte counts, enabling the patient to complete six chemotherapy cycles without G-CSF. These findings suggest that MGT may enhance neutrophil and leukocyte counts in patients with chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, presenting a potential alternative for those intolerant to G-CSF. However, further high-quality research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

A trawl collected dataset of Johnius (Actinopterygii, Sciaenidae) species in central-western Taiwanese waters.

Background: Sciaenidae is one of the most important coastal fisheries in Taiwan, both in production and economic value. It is also significant as the main targetted diet of Chinese white dolphins, Sousachinensis, especially for the genus Johnius, such as J.taiwanensis, J.belangerii and J.distinctus, which is primarily found in central-western Taiwan coastal waters. Despite an abundance of Johnius species occurrences reported in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the Taiwan Biodiversity Information Facility (TaiBIF) data portals (Mozambique, Australia, Taiwan, Korea, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Pakistan, Vietnam and China), there are no specific datasets that properly document the regional distribution of this genus, especially in Taiwanese waters. Thus, this paper describes a dataset of genus Johnius occurrences in waters on the central-western coast of Taiwan. The data collection for the present study was conducted from 2009 until 2020 and comprised 62 sampling events and 133 occurrence records. All fish specimens were collected by trawling in Miaoli, Changhwa and Yunlin Counties, Taiwan and brought back to the lab for identification, individual number count and body weight measurement. These processing data have been integrated and established in the Taiwan Fish Database and published in GBIF. This dataset contains six Johnius species and 2,566 specimens, making it comprehensive Johnius fish fauna and spatial distributional data on the coastal habitat in central-western Taiwanese waters. New information: This dataset contains 133 occurrence records of Johnius species (Sciaenidae) with 2,566 specimens, making it the most extensive public dataset of Johnius distribution records in Taiwan. The publication of this dataset through the TaiBIF and GBIF dataset platforms demonstrated that the number of Johnius spatial and temporal records in Taiwan waters is influenced by the topographical structure of the Changyun Rise (CYR) in combination with the cold current of the China Coastal currents and bound with the warm currents of the Kuroshio and the South China Sea on the central-western coast of Taiwan. The data serve as the foundation for understanding the biogeography and Johnius species ecology in Taiwan's coastal waters, which present a 2°C water temperature difference split at the CYR.

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.