Search Results (128)

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as promising therapeutic agents in regenerative dermatology. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Bio-Pulsed avian mesenchymal stem cell-derived sEVs (AMSC-sEVs), topically applied for hair follicle stimulation and skin rejuvenation. Two prospective, single-arm clinical trials were conducted: one involving 30 participants using a hair ampoule over 60 days, and the other involving 30 participants applying a facial essence for 28 days. Objective measurements demonstrated significant improvements in the anagen/telogen hair ratio, reduced shedding, increased collagen density, and reduced wrinkle depth and pigmentation. Small RNA sequencing and qPCR profiling confirmed that Bio-Pulsed AMSC-sEVs were enriched with regenerative microRNAs, such as miR-21-5p and miR-199a-5p, associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. No adverse events were reported. These findings suggest that Bio-Pulsed AMSC-sEVs may offer a safe, non-invasive, and cell-free approach to enhance skin and hair regeneration in human subjects. Full article

Breath-actuated nebulizers used in aerosol therapy are vital to children and patients with disabilities and stand out for their ability to accurat ely deliver medication while minimizing waste. Their performance can be measured according to the mass output and droplet size. This study aimed to analyze how the baffle impact surface geometries affect the pressure and flow streamlines inside the nebulizer using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Computer-aided design models of conical symmetric, conical asymmetric, and arc-shaped baffle designs were analyzed using CFD simulations, with the optimal spray output validated through the differences in mass. Conical baffles exhibited superior pressure distribution and output streamlines at 0.25 cm protrusion, suggesting that the nebulizer spray performance can be enhanced by using such a conical baffle impact surface. This result serves as a valuable reference for future research. Full article

This paper proposes a half-bridge parallel dual LLC resonant converter with wide output voltage range. The proposed converter uses a conventional parallel double half-bridge LLC resonant converter. On the primary side of the converter, only one of the two half bridges is used to control the two resonant loops. Due to the resonance of the converter, the active switches can achieve ZVS (zero-voltage switching), and the rectifier diode can also achieve ZCS (zero-current switching), and thus the switching loss is reduced. The current stress can be reduced and power can be distributed on both of the primary side and/or the secondary side. A voltage regulation circuit is designed on the secondary side to achieve the function of wide output voltage. The operation and analysis of the proposed converter are described in detail. The experiments were carried out on a circuit prototype, which is a converter with DC input voltage of 384 V and output voltage of 24–40 V and operating at a switching frequency of 107 kHz. The feasibility and performance of the proposed converter were verified by simulation and experimental results. Full article

Theileriosis is considered an economically important disease that may decrease productivity and cause a high mortality rate in livestock. Only a few studies have reported Theileria spp., such as T. sergenti and T. buffeli, in recent decades in Taiwan. In the present study, 401 ticks have been collected on Orchid Island in June 2022 and April 2023. Our environmental investigation for SFTSV unintentionally discovered T. luwenshuni in Haemaphysalis mageshimaensis on Orchid Island via PCR. The PCR products were sequenced, and the detected 18S rRNA gene sequences shared a 99.65–99.93% identity with T. luwenshuni sequences from ticks and ruminants in Myanmar and China. Despite the difficulty in clarifying the source of T. luwenshuni within neighboring regions, our findings provide an updated distribution of T. luwenshuni in Asia. This is not only the first time that T. luwenshuni was found in H. mageshimaensis but also the first report of T. luwenshuni on Orchid Island, Taiwan. Our study indicates that ruminants may be at risk of infection. Therefore, further investigations are needed to determine the distribution of T. luwenshuni among ruminants on Orchid Island and in Taiwan. Full article

Background: The impact of perinatal pharmacologic agents on spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) in extremely low-birthweight (ELBW, <1000 g) preterm infants remains inconclusive based on findings from retrospective cohort or case–control studies. This study aims to address this uncertainty by using propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce bias. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed ELBW infants in our unit between 2014 and 2023 to identify SIP cases. Confirmed through medical notes, surgical consultation, and author review, each SIP case was matched at a 1:3 ratio using propensity scores on factors including the gestational age (GA), birthweight, gender, and birth year. Pharmacologic agents commonly given antenatally and postnatally were analyzed. Only medications that were started 24 h before the onset of SIP or the corresponding age (PSM-controls) were included. Results: A total of 858 ELBW infants were reviewed, 28 SIP cases (GA 25.3 ± 2.1 weeks, BW 735 ± 167 g) were identified, and 84 PSM-controls were matched. The SIP cases received hydrocortisone (25% (7/28) vs. 9.5% (8/84), p = 0.037) and combined inotropic agents (17.9% (5/28) vs. 2.4% (2/84), p = 0.020) to a significantly greater extent. No differences were observed in the use of other medications. In logistic regression, the use of hydrocortisone and combined inotropes remained independent risks for SIP, with ORs (95% CIs) of 3.4 (1.1–10.9) and 2.1 (1.2–3.8), respectively. Conclusions: This first PSM-based study supported postnatal hydrocortisone and combined inotrope use as independent risks for SIP in ELBW infants. Clinicians should be aware of these risks and remain vigilant for SIP when administering hydrocortisone and inotropes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Top badminton players must carefully schedule tournaments to perform well and improve their rankings. This study examines how players plan their tournament participation and whether their scheduling strategies affect their rankings and performance, especially during Olympic and non-Olympic years. Methods: Data were extracted from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) ranking system for the top 50 men’s and women’s singles players from May 2014 to May 2019. A computer-based simulation model and cluster analysis were applied to analyze tournament participation patterns, recovery intervals, and performance trends. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify correlations between these variables and ranking outcomes. Results: Top-ranked players participated in more tournaments during Olympic years, with those competing in more than nine tournaments achieving better results. Players performing well in higher-graded tournaments tended to take longer recovery breaks, whereas lower-performing players entered more tournaments. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct performance groups, with the top 20 men’s and top 12 women’s singles players adopting different strategies compared to lower-ranked counterparts. Conclusions: Strategic scheduling of tournaments, including balancing participation frequency and recovery intervals, is vital for optimizing performance and achieving sustained ranking success. These findings emphasize the importance of high-graded tournament selection and tailored schedules for elite players. Full article

Background: Hallux valgus is a common forefoot disorder with hundreds of proposed management techniques. Distal chevron osteotomy with a modified McBride procedure has been traditionally recommended for mild hallux valgus because of its simple and less invasive nature with fewer complications, faster recovery, and reliable outcomes. In recent years, the indications for this procedure have expanded to include hallux valgus with severe deformities. This study aims to compare the radiographic outcomes of the surgical treatment for moderate versus severe hallux valgus patients from the perspective of sesamoid bone reduction. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of medical records identified 99 feet from 94 patients that were treated with distal chevron osteotomy with a modified McBride procedure. These feet were divided by the preoperative hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle into the moderate and severe groups. Results: Postoperative radiographic parameters significantly improved in both groups after treatment, indicating adequate deformity correction. Improvement in the sesamoid position was better in the moderate group compared to that in the severe group. The recurrence rate in the severe group was higher than that in the moderate group without statistical significance. Conclusions: Based on the radiographic results of the postoperative position following sesamoid reduction, the distal chevron osteotomy with a modified McBride procedure is effective for treating moderate hallux valgus deformities. However, this treatment strategy may be associated with a higher recurrence rate in cases of severe hallux valgus deformity. A complete reduction in the sesamoids should be emphasized during the management of severe hallux valgus deformity. Full article

Background and Objectives: Exploring daily lifestyle characteristics in individuals with gaming disorder (GD) might identify underlying causes and intervention points. However, integrative and subjective assessments are lacking in studies on this topic. This study aimed to assess circadian typology and physical activity in young adults with GD. Materials and Methods: We recruited 60 participants with GD and 120 age- and sex-matched controls. GD and delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) were diagnosed through structured interviews. Physical activity and sleep patterns were measured using actigraphy. Self-reported measures were chronotype and insomnia by using composite scale of morningness (CSM) and the Pittsburg insomnia rating scale (PIRS). Results: We found that DSPS and eveningness chronotype was more prevalent in the GD group than in the control group. The GD group also contained more participants with insomnia with higher PIRS and a longer time to fall asleep compared with the control group. The GD group had lower physical activity levels for daily calorie expenditure, daily steps, and daily walking distance compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed in body weight and sleep duration between these groups. Conclusions: Individuals with GD, compared to HC, exhibit an eveningness chronotype, poorer sleep quality, lower physical activity, and higher obesity risk, suggesting that lifestyle adjustments like increased exercise and earlier sleep might help modify habitual behaviors and potentially further provide a way to treat GD. Full article

Cisplatin (CIS) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but its side effects, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, often lead to male reproductive damage. Oxidative stress, primarily caused by the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), plays a critical role in disrupting testicular homeostasis, resulting in spermatogenic impairment and tissue injury. L-cysteine (CYS), a semi-essential amino acid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may offer protection against CIS-induced oxidative damage. This study aimed to assess the protective potential of CYS against CIS-induced male reproductive toxicity using in vivo and in vitro models. In vitro, treatment of TM3 (Leydig) and TM4 (Sertoli) cells with CIS led to increased ROS levels, reduced cell viability, and elevated apoptosis and inflammation, all of which were significantly ameliorated by subsequent CYS exposure. In vivo, CIS-treated male rats displayed heightened oxidative stress, impaired spermatogenesis, and histopathological damage in reproductive organs. However, CYS administration for 21 days significantly reduced oxidative stress, improved sperm viability, and protected testicular tissues from damage. These findings suggest that CYS has a protective effect against CIS-induced oxidative stress and male reproductive damage, making it a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating CIS-induced reproductive toxicity. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hypermobility of the lateral meniscus is typically associated with the posterior part of this structure, with occurrences in the anterior part rarely reported. However, a hypermobile anterior horn of the lateral meniscus can manifest clinical symptoms. This study aimed to increase awareness regarding hypermobility in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus by presenting its clinical presentations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, arthroscopic findings, treatment approaches, postoperative protocols, and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective case-series involving patients diagnosed as having hypermobile anterior horn of the lateral meniscus through arthroscopy. The clinical presentations, preoperative image findings, arthroscopic findings, treatments, postoperative protocols, and clinical outcomes following meniscal stabilization were all reviewed. Results: A total of 17 patients (17 knees) with a mean age of 45.9 ± 18.4 years were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 18.2 ± 7.6 months (range, 6–24 months). Primary symptoms included anterior lateral knee pain, tenderness in the lateral joint lines, and a locking sensation in six of the knees. MRI revealed hypodense lesions anterior to the meniscus, fluid accumulation, degenerative changes, and anterior horn deformities. Following meniscal stabilization, the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale score increased from 65.8 ± 12.7 before surgery to 91.1 ± 9.6 at the final follow-up (p < 0.001). All the analyzed knees achieved a full range of motion by the final follow-up, with no patient experiencing any complication or requiring reoperation. Conclusions: There is no specific sign or test that can be used to detect a hypermobile anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. A thorough arthroscopic examination is essential for diagnosing hypermobility in the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Arthroscopic meniscal stabilization yields favorable outcomes. Full article

Background: Preterm birth significantly contributes to mortality and morbidities, with recent studies linking these issues to gut microbiota imbalances. Probiotic supplementation shows promise in mitigating adverse outcomes in preterm infants, but optimal timing and guidelines remain unclear. This study assesses the benefits of probiotic supplementation for preterm infants without consistent guidelines. Methods: This retrospective study examined extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units from 2017 to 2021. Mortality and preterm-related outcomes were compared between infants receiving probiotics and those not. Subgroup analyses based on probiotic initiation timing were conducted: early (≤14 days), late (>14 days), and non-probiotic groups. Results: The study included 330 ELBW infants: 206 received probiotics (60 early, 146 late), while 124 did not. Probiotic supplementation was associated with lower overall mortality (adjusted OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.09–0.48) and decreased mortality from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or late-onset sepsis (LOS) (adjusted OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03–0.45). Early probiotics reduced overall mortality, NEC/LOS-related mortality, and NEC/LOS-unrelated mortality. Late probiotics decreased overall mortality and NEC/LOS-related mortality. Early probiotic use also expedited full enteral feeding achievement. Conclusions: Probiotic supplementation reduces mortality and improves feeding tolerance in preterm infants. Establishing guidelines for probiotic use in this population is crucial. Full article

Probiotics are posited to enhance exercise performance by influencing muscle protein synthesis, augmenting glycogen storage, and reducing inflammation. This double-blind study randomized 88 participants to receive a six-week intervention with either a placebo, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis LY-66, Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02, or a combination of both strains, combined with a structured exercise training program. We assessed changes in maximal oxygen consumption (VO_2max), exercise performance, and gut microbiota composition before and after the intervention. Further analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of probiotics on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), muscle integrity, and inflammatory markers in the blood, 24 and 48 h post-intervention. The results demonstrated that all probiotic groups exhibited significant enhancements in exercise performance and attenuation of muscle strength decline post-exercise exhaustion (p < 0.05). Notably, PL-02 intake significantly increased muscle mass, whereas LY-66 and the combination therapy significantly reduced body fat percentage (p < 0.05). Analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed an increase in beneficial bacteria, especially a significant rise in Akkermansia muciniphila following supplementation with PL-02 and LY-66 (p < 0.05). Overall, the combination of exercise training and supplementation with PL-02, LY-66, and their combination improved muscle strength, explosiveness, and endurance performance, and had beneficial effects on body composition and gastrointestinal health, as evidenced by data obtained from non-athlete participants. Full article

Ferroptosis, a unique form of programmed cell death trigged by lipid peroxidation and iron accumulation, has been implicated in embryonic erythropoiesis and aging. Our previous research demonstrated that lysophosphatidic acid receptor 3 (LPA₃) activation mitigated oxidative stress in progeria cells and accelerated the recovery of acute anemia in mice. Given that both processes involve iron metabolism, we hypothesized that LPA₃ activation might mediate cellular ferroptosis. In this study, we used an LPA₃ agonist, 1-Oleoyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycerophosphothionate (OMPT), to activate LPA₃ and examine its effects on the ferroptosis process. OMPT treatment elevated anti-ferroptosis gene protein expression, including solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), in erastin-induced cells. Furthermore, OMPT reduced lipid peroxidation and intracellular ferrous iron accumulation, as evidenced by C11 BODIPY™ 581/591 Lipid Peroxidation Sensor and FerroOrange staining. These observations were validated by applying LPAR3 siRNA in the experiments mentioned above. In addition, the protein expression level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2), a key regulator of oxidative stress, was also enhanced in OMPT-treated cells. Lastly, we verified that LPA₃ plays a critical role in erastin-induced ferroptotic human erythroleukemia K562 cells. OMPT rescued the erythropoiesis defect caused by erastin in K562 cells based on a Gly A promoter luciferase assay. Taken together, our findings suggest that LPA₃ activation inhibits cell ferroptosis by suppressing lipid oxidation and iron accumulation, indicating that ferroptosis could potentially serve as a link among LPA₃, erythropoiesis, and aging. Full article

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the causative pathogen of the COVID-19 pandemic that has been causing global upheaval since 2019. The widespread administration of vaccines has partially deterred the spread of SARS-CoV-2, yet the virus is mutating its genome to reduce its antigenicity and evade the human herd immunity. It seems that SARS-CoV-2 will co-exist with the human population for many decades to come. While most infected individuals only experience mild to moderate symptoms, some develop severe pulmonary and systemic disease that can result in hospitalization or even death. The natural history model of SARS-CoV-2 infection has been proposed which includes three sequential stages: the early infection stage, pulmonary stage, and hyper-inflammatory stage. Recently, it has been observed that many people who recovered from an acute infection still experience persistent symptoms for weeks or months, a condition known as long COVID. Furthermore, some COVID-19 patients display escalated rates of both macro- and micro-thrombosis due to endotheliopathy. Hence, we added the thrombosis and convalescent stages to the natural history model, encompassing the entire period from early infection to long COVID. The early infection stage is characterized by symptomatic or asymptomatic elevation of viral titers. Some patients progress to the pulmonary stage characterized by opacities in chest X-rays and computed tomography. The thrombosis stage is characterized by heightened rates of pulmonary thrombosis and consistently elevated D-dimer levels. The hyper-inflammatory stage is characterized by storms of cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-17, and interferons, which is a systemic effect. In the convalescent stage, some people recover completely, while others suffer from long COVID with persistent symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or brain fog. The natural history model of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be used to elucidate treatment and care. Full article

The role of neurotrophic factors, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been explored. Animal studies have reported the positive effects of probiotics on these factors. Some clinical studies also support the potential role of probiotics in improving cognitive function via the gut–brain axis in older adults. However, clinical experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of probiotics targeting the neurotrophic factors and inflammatory biomarkers, particularly among AD patients, remain very limited. In this randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled trial, we used multi-strain probiotic supplements, including Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis BLI-02, B. breve Bv-889, B. animalis subsp. lactis CP-9, B. bifidum VDD088, and Lactobacillus plantarum PL-02 as the intervention. Participants were divided into an active control group (received probiotic supplements containing 5 × 10⁷ colony-forming units per day, CFU/day) and a treatment group (1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/day). Student’s t test was applied as the main method of statistical analysis. After 12 weeks of intervention, the treatment group demonstrated a 36% increase in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (* p = 0.005), a reduction in IL-1β (* p = 0.041), and an increase in antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) (* p = 0.012). No significant change was found in the active control group. A trend toward less cognitive deterioration was observed, but not statistically significant. In conclusion, this study presents evidence supporting the benefits of multi-strain probiotics in enhancing BDNF, ameliorating inflammation and oxidative stress in AD patients. Full article