Search Results (283)

In this study, growth mechanisms are proposed to understand how banded dendritic crystal aggregates in poly(1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA) transform into straight dendrites upon dilution with a large quantity of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (25–90 wt.%). In growth packing, crystal plates are deformed in numerous ways, such as bending, scrolling, and twisting in self-assembly, into final aggregated morphologies of periodic bands or straight dendrites. Diluting PBA with a significant amount of PEO uncovers intricate periodic banded assemblies, facilitating better structural analysis. Both circularly banded and straight dendritic PBA aggregates have similar basic lamellar patterns. In straight dendritic PBA spherulites, crystal plates can twist from edge-on to flat-on, similar to those in ring-banded spherulites. Therefore, twists—whether continuous or discontinuous—are not limited to the conventional models proposed for classical periodic-banded spherulites. Thus, it would not be universally accurate to claim that the periodic circular bands observed in polymers or small-molecule compounds are caused by continuous lamellar helix twists. Straight dendrites, which do not exhibit optical bands, may also involve alternate crystal twists or scrolls during growth. Iridescence tests are used to compare the differences in crystal assemblies of straight dendrites vs. circularly banded PBA crystals. Full article

Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has a poor prognosis; this drives the exploration of alternative systemic therapies to identify more effective treatment options. Recent research has revealed that crebanine, an alkaloid derivative of the Stephania genus, induces apoptotic effects in various cancers; however, a thorough investigation of the role of crebanine in RCC has not been conducted thus far. For this study, we evaluated tumor cell viability, clonogenicity, cell-cycle distributions, morphological changes, and cell mortality with the aim of exploring the antitumor effects of crebanine in RCC. Furthermore, we compared gene and protein expressions using RNA sequencing analysis and Western blotting. The findings indicated that crebanine significantly inhibited RCC colonies and caused G1-phase cell-cycle arrest with sub-G1-phase accumulation, thus leading to suppressed cell proliferation and cell death. In addition, Hoechst 33342 staining was used to observe apoptotic cells, which revealed chromatin condensation and a reduction in the nuclear volume associated with apoptosis. Further, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes are involved in the initiation of DNA replication, centrosome duplication, chromosome congression, and mitotic processes in the cell cycle along with signaling pathways, such as I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling, Hippo signaling, and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Consistent with GO and KEGG analyses, increased levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-7, and cleaved PARP, and decreased levels of cIAP1, BCL2, survivin, and claspin were observed. Finally, the expressions of G1/S phase transition cyclin D1, cyclin E/CDK2, and cyclin A2/CDK2 complexes were downregulated. Overall, these findings supported the potential of crebanine as an adjuvant therapy in RCC. Full article

Background: Bladder cancer ranks ninth among the most commonly diagnosed cancers, with urothelial carcinoma (UC) accounting for more than 90% of all cases. Given the high recurrence rate and progression risk of bladder cancer, investigating alternative adjunct therapies is imperative. One potential candidate is isoliensinine, which has shown antitumor potential in various cancers; however, the effectiveness of isoliensinine on UC is largely unknown. Methods: In the present study, the effects of isoliensinine on UC cells were examined in a variety of in vitro experiments, including MTT assays, colony formation assays, flow cytometry assays, RNA sequencing analysis, and Western blotting. Results: The isoliensinine-treated T24 and UMUC3 UC cell lines showed cell growth inhibition and proliferation in the MTT and colony formation assays and an apoptotic effect in the flow cytometry assays. RNA sequencing analysis, performed to explain the underlying mechanisms, revealed a significant regulation of cell functions, including apoptosis, the cell cycle, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, and ferroptosis. Subsequent Western blotting results verified all these findings. Conclusions: Overall, our data indicate that isoliensinine inhibits UC cell growth and proliferation by inducing apoptosis through alterations in the TNF and HIF1 pathways and ferroptosis. Overall, isoliensinine shows potential for use in new or combined adjunct therapies for the treatment of bladder cancer. Full article

Background: Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are increasingly being explored for medical applications. However, their reliability in providing medication advice for patients with complex clinical situations, particularly those with multiple comorbidities, remains uncertain and under-investigated. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the performance, consistency, and safety of ChatGPT in generating medication recommendations for complex cardiovascular disease (CVD) scenarios. Methods: In this simulation-based study (21 January–1 February 2024), ChatGPT 3.5 and 4.0 were prompted 10 times for each of 25 scenarios, representing five common CVDs paired with five major comorbidities. A panel of five cardiologists independently classified each unique drug recommendation as “high priority” or “low priority”. Key metrics included physician approval rates, the proportion of high-priority recommendations, response consistency (Jaccard similarity index), and error pattern analysis. Statistical comparisons were made using Z-tests, chi-square tests, and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests. Results: The overall physician approval rate for GPT-4 (86.90%) was modestly but significantly higher than that for GPT-3.5 (85.06%; p = 0.0476) based on aggregated data. However, a more rigorous paired-scenario analysis of high-priority recommendations revealed no statistically significant difference between the models (p = 0.407), indicating the advantage is not systematic. A chi-square test confirmed significant differences in error patterns (p < 0.001); notably, GPT-4 more frequently recommended contraindicated drugs in high-risk scenarios. Inter-model consistency was low (mean Jaccard index = 0.42), showing the models often provide different advice. Conclusions: While demonstrating high overall physician approval rates, current LLMs exhibit inconsistent performance and pose significant safety risks when providing medication advice for complex CVD cases. Their reliability does not yet meet the standards for autonomous clinical application. Future work must focus on leveraging real-world data for validation and developing domain-specific, fine-tuned models to enhance safety and accuracy. Until then, vigilant professional oversight is indispensable. Full article

Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with rising global prevalence. Increasing maternal antibiotic use during pregnancy has raised concerns about its potential link to childhood allergic diseases, including AD. However, existing meta-analyses have yielded inconsistent results. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the association between prenatal antibiotic exposure, including intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP), and the risk of AD developing in offspring. Methods: A systematic search protocol (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024577804) was conducted up to 29 August 2024, across the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Cohort and case–control studies reporting associations between maternal antibiotic exposure during pregnancy or intrapartum and the risk of AD in offspring were included. Data were analyzed using RevMan Web and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results: Twenty studies involving 3,256,929 mother–child pairs were reviewed. The meta-analysis data demonstrated that prenatal antibiotic exposure was associated with AD in the main analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.12, 95% CI 1.03–1.21), but not in a separate analysis with a pooled hazard ratio (HR) (HR: 1.12, 95% CI 0.96–1.31). Trim-and-fill correction for significant publication bias (Egger’s test p = 0.003) in the main analysis resulted in a non-significant effect size (OR: 1.09, 95% CI 0.99–1.20). Subgroup analysis and meta-regression suggested that publication years and sample sizes contributed significant heterogeneity (p < 0.05). Regarding IAP and the risk of AD, no association was found (OR: 1.62, 95% CI 0.87–3.00). Conclusions: Current evidence in the existing literature does not support a positive relationship between antibiotic exposure, either during pregnancy or in the intrapartum period, and the risk of development of AD in offspring. However, substantial heterogeneity and the very low certainty of evidence limit the strength of our findings. Further studies that address confounders more thoroughly are needed to confirm these results. Full article

Obesity is a major metabolic disorder driven by excessive adipogenesis and lipid accumulation. This study investigated the anti-obesity effects and molecular mechanisms of Antrodia cinnamomea alcohol extract (ACE) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity mouse model. In vitro, Antrodia cinnamomea alcohol extract significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells by downregulating PPARγ and C/EBPα, while activating the AMPK pathway and suppressing MAPK signaling. In vivo, Antrodia cinnamomea alcohol extract administration reduced body weight, adipose tissue mass, and liver lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed mice, ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) symptoms. Transcriptomic analysis of adipose tissue revealed that Antrodia cinnamomea alcohol extract modulated key gene expression profiles related to fatty acid metabolism and adipogenesis, suppressing lipid synthesis while enhancing β-oxidation. Furthermore, Antrodia cinnamomea alcohol extract rebalanced gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacterial populations such as Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium, while reducing pro-inflammatory Escherichia-Shigella species. These findings demonstrate that Antrodia cinnamomea alcohol extract exerts multifaceted anti-obesity effects by regulating lipid metabolism, adipogenesis pathways, and gut microbiota composition, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for obesity management. Full article

Background: Radiolabeled compounds can serve as diagnostic or therapeutic agents depending on the characteristics of the isotopes used. IMPY (6-iodo-2-(4′-dimethylamino)-phenyl-imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine) is a lipophilic derivative of thioflavin-T, designed to function as a tracer when labeled with radioactive iodine. While it has been primarily studied for imaging applications, its potential therapeutic effects when labeled with iodine-125 (¹²⁵I) remain to be explored. Methods: In this study, IMPY was synthesized and labeled with ¹²⁵I for therapeutic purposes. Three different labeling methods were employed: isotope exchange reaction, redox reaction, and the Iodogen technique. The radiochemical yield of each method was determined to identify the most effective approach. Additionally, the effects of ¹²⁵I-IMPY on neuroblastoma cells were evaluated by assessing its toxicity and cellular uptake. Results: The radiochemical yields for the isotope exchange reaction, redox reaction, and Iodogen technique were found to be 0.96%, 10.74%, and 96.52%, respectively. The Iodogen technique exhibited the highest yield, exceeding 90% even after 48 h, making it the most efficient method. Furthermore, the impact of ¹²⁵I-IMPY on neuroblastoma cells was analyzed, revealing significant cellular uptake and potential therapeutic effects. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the Iodogen technique is the most effective method for labeling IMPY with ¹²⁵I. The high labeling efficiency and observed cellular effects suggest that ¹²⁵I-IMPY could be considered not only as a tracer but also as a potential therapeutic agent for neuroblastoma. Further studies are needed to explore its full therapeutic potential and mechanism of action. Full article

Recessive variants of SLC26A4 are a common cause of hereditary hearing impairment and are responsible for non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueducts and Pendred syndrome. Patients with bi-allelic SLC26A4 variants often suffer from fluctuating hearing loss and recurrent vertigo, ultimately leading to severe to profound hearing impairment. However, there are currently no satisfactory prevention or treatment options for this condition. The CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technique is a well-known tool for correcting point mutations or manipulating genes and shows potential therapeutic applications for hereditary disorders. In this study, we used the homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) strategy to correct the SLC26A4 c.919-2A>G variant, the most common SLC26A4 variant in the Han Chinese population. Next-generation sequencing was performed to evaluate the editing efficiency of the HITI strategy. The results showed that only 0.15% of the reads successfully exhibited HITI integration, indicating that the c.919-2 region may not be a suitable region for HITI selection. This suggests that other site selection or insertion strategies may be needed to improve the efficiency of correcting the SLC26A4 c.919-2A>G variant. This experience may serve as a valuable reference for other researchers considering CRISPR target design in this region. Full article

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in Taiwan. In the process of stroke treatment, rehabilitation for gait recovery is one of the most critical aspects of treatment. The Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (G.A.I.T.) is currently used in clinical practice to assess the gait recovery level; however, G.A.I.T. heavily depends on physician training and clinical judgment. With the advancement of technology, today’s small, lightweight inertial measurement unit (IMU) wearable sensors are rapidly revolutionizing gait assessment and may be incorporated into routine clinical practice. In this paper, we developed a gait data acquisition and analysis system based on IMU wearable devices, proposed a simple yet accurate calibration process to reduce the IMU drifting errors, designed a machine learning algorithm to obtain real-time coordinates from IMU data, computed gait parameters, and derived a formula for G.A.I.T. scores with significant correlation with the physician’s observational scores. Full article

This paper details the enhancement of the optoelectronic properties of Cu-(In, Ga)-Se₂ (CIGSe) solar cells through a two-segment process in the ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectral range. These include fine-tuning the DC sputtering power of the absorber layer (ranging from 20 to 40 W at segment I) and thoroughly checking the trace micro-chemistry composition of the absorber layer (CdS, ZnO/CdS, ZnMgO/CdS, and ZnMgO at segment II). After segment I of treatment, the optimal 30 W CIGSe absorber layer (i.e., with a 0.95 CGI ratio) can be obtained, it can be seen that the Cu-rich film exhibits the ability to significantly promote grain growth and can effectively reduce its trap state density. After the segment II process aimed at replacing toxic CdS, the optimal metal alloy (Zn_0.9Mg_0.1O) composition (buffer layer) achieved the highest conversion efficiency (η) of 8.70%, also emphasizing its role in environmental protection. Especially within the tunable bandgap range (2.48–3.62 eV), the developed overall internal and external quantum efficiency (IQE/EQE) is significantly improved by 13.15% at shorter wavelengths. A photovoltaic (PV) module designed with nine optimal CIGSe cells demonstrated commendable stability. Variation remained within ±5% throughout the 60-day experiment. The PV modules in this study represent a breakthrough benchmark toward a significant advance in the scientific understanding of renewable energy. Furthermore, this research clearly promotes the practical application of PV modules, harmonizes with sustainable goals, and actively contributes to the creation of eco-friendly communities. Full article

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation for treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). We aim to compare the treatment outcomes of a newly developed dual-site cathodal tDCS method over the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) and two previously reported montages (cerebellum-OFC and pre-SMA) in patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Methods: Eighteen OCD patients were randomly assigned to receive twice-daily 2 mA/20 min sessions for 10 consecutive weekdays, with the active cathode placed on the cerebellum-OFC, bilateral pre-SMA, or OFC-pre-SMA tDCS. The primary outcome was the change in the Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). The resting electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded to obtain the default mode network (DMN) via low-resolution electromagnetic tomography. Each patient received one-week and one-month follow-ups after two weeks of stimulation. Results: At the end of the stimulation, the Y-BOCS scores in the cerebellum-OFC, pre-SMA, and OFC-pre-SMA tDCS groups (n = 6 in each group) were decreased by 14.15 ± 13.31, 7.4 ± 9.59, and 20.75 ± 8.70%, respectively, but no significant differences were found among the groups. In the OFC-pre-SMA tDCS group, OC symptoms significantly decreased by a mean of −20.75% immediately after the 20th tDCS session, and the improvement remained at 1 week and 1 month after tDCS. EEG source functional connectivity analyses revealed increased functional connectivity within the frontal network after OFC-pre-SMA tDCS, whereas decreased functional connectivity within the DMN was observed after cerebellum-OFC tDCS. Conclusions: Dual-site cathodal tDCS over the OFC and pre-SMA might be considered a potential montage to treat patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Future studies using randomized sham-controlled designs are needed. Full article

Concerns about the safety of traditional preservatives in personal care products are driving interest toward self-preserving alternatives. This study explores the potential of B. stenostachya leaf extracts, a natural and biodegradable material, for use in cosmetics. B. stenostachya, a fast-growing bamboo species native to Taiwan, is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids with antimicrobial properties. Leaves were obtained from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Tainan, Taiwan, and extracted using ultrasonic and Soxhlet methods with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol. The highest yield was achieved with 50% ethanol at 100 °C. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line, with no toxicity observed at dilutions between 1/3200 and 1/400, indicating the extract’s safety for cosmetic use. Antimicrobial activity was tested in accordance with ISO 11930:2019 standards. The extract effectively inhibited Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens, meeting preservative efficacy Standards A and B for long-term microbial control. Bamboo is a sustainable resource with lower environmental impacts, and its products show promising biodegradability and reduced environmental footprints. This research indicates that the B. stenostachya leaf extract offers a sustainable alternative to chemical preservatives, promoting both environmental sustainability and public health, with the potential for expanded use in natural personal care formulations. Full article

Malignant tumors remain one of the most significant global health challenges and contribute to high mortality rates across various cancer types. The complex nature of these tumors requires multifaceted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review explores current advancements in diagnostic methods, including molecular imaging, biomarkers, and liquid biopsies. It also delves into the evolution of therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and novel targeted therapies such as immunotherapy and gene therapy. Although significant progress has been made in the understanding of cancer biology, the future of oncology lies in the integration of precision medicine, improved diagnostic tools, and personalized therapeutic approaches that address tumor heterogeneity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of cancer diagnostics and treatments while highlighting emerging trends and challenges that lie ahead. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a media literacy education intervention on adolescents’ responses to digital marketing of weight-control products, focusing on media literacy, persuasion resistance efficacy, and purchase intention. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study involved 326 11th-grade students from a municipal high school in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, with 189 students in the intervention group and 137 in the comparison group. Conducted in 2023, the intervention group participated in baseline and follow-up assessments and attended four 50 min media literacy sessions, while the comparison group completed only baseline and follow-up assessments with standard instruction. The results indicated that the media literacy intervention had positive effects on adolescents’ conceptual, attitudinal, and critical media literacy, as well as their persuasion resistance efficacy in relation to digital marketing of weight-control products. However, no significant effect was observed on purchase intention. In conclusion, media literacy interventions can effectively enhance adolescents’ media literacy and their ability to resist persuasion. Full article

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has diverse pathological subtypes, most of which have a poor prognosis. Patients with advanced RCC require systemic therapies for disease control. Although targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown therapeutic efficacy, patients eventually succumb to disease progression. Therefore, additional therapies targeting different pathways are needed to provide more therapeutic options for sequential treatment. Our study explored the biological mechanisms and therapeutic outcomes for NPS-1034, a dual MET/AXL inhibitor, in RCC, both in vivo and in vitro. Our results showed that NPS-1034 can significantly inhibit tumor proliferation and induce cancer cell apoptosis. Besides MET and AXL, known targets of NPS-1034, we identified TNFRSF1A as another target gene inhibited by NPS-1034 via antibody arrays. This was further supported by next-generation sequencing, showing that the TNF signaling pathway is one of the most significant NPS-1034-regulated pathways. Furthermore, one of the identified target genes, GADD45A, responsible for NPS-1034 anticancer properties, was significantly associated with patient survival in RCC. GADD45A expression was significantly upregulated via NPS-1034 and downregulated via TNFRSF1A overexpression. Finally, its therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated in vivo, showing that NPS-1034 significantly alleviated the tumor burden and inhibited cell proliferation in a lung metastatic animal model. In conclusion, we explored the therapeutic mechanism of NPS-1034 and found that it targets not only MET and AXL but also TNFRSF1A. In a lung metastatic animal model, we confirmed that NPS-1034 is a potential candidate for systemic therapy in RCC. Full article