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Spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunit 3 (SKA3) is a microtubule-binding subcomplex of the outer kinetochore, which plays a vital role in proper chromosomal segregation and cell division. Recently, SKA3 have been demonstrated its oncogenic role of tumorigenesis and development in cancers. In this review, the authors comprehensively deciphered SKA3 in human cancer from various aspects, including bibliometrics, pan-cancer analysis, and narrative summary. The authors also provided the top 10 predicted drugs targeting SKA3. The authors proposed that SKA3 was a potential target and brought new therapeutic opportunities for cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To determine the effects of adalimumab on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Taiwanese patients with moderate- to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (NCT02616380). Methods: During a 24-week observational period, 100 biologic-naive patients with RA received 40 mg adalimumab subcutaneously, every 2 weeks. The primary endpoint was a change in Health Assessment Questionnaire--Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score at 24 weeks. The secondary endpoints included change in HAQ-DI at week 12, number and percentage of patients achieving a meaningful improvement in HAQ-DI at weeks 12 and 24, and changes in the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), EuroQol 5-dimension 3-level version (EQ-5D-3L) index, and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire scores at weeks 12 and 24. Results: At weeks 12 and 24, mean changes in HAQ-DI from baseline were -0.34 ± 0.46 and -0.44 ± 0.59 (both p < 0.001), and clinically meaningful improvement in HAQ-DI was achieved by 60.4% and 59.6% of patients, respectively. SF-36, EQ-5D-3L index, and WPAI scores significantly improved (p < 0.001) from baseline to weeks 12 and 24. Exploratory analyses showed diabetes was significantly associated with changes in HAQ-DI, EQ-5D-3L, and WPAI scores whereas peptic ulcer correlated with changes in the SF-36 physical component summary T-score. Conclusion: HRQoL improved after initiation of adalimumab therapy in Taiwanese patients with moderate-to-severe RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New psychoactive substances (NPS) have increasingly been illegally synthesized and used around the world in recent years. Due to the large volume and the variety of NPS, most do not have sufficient information about their addictive potential and harmful effects to human subjects. This makes it difficult to evaluate these potential substances of abuse. This study aims to build a database based on Taiwan's controlled substances, to provide quick structural and pharmacological feedback. Taiwan Controlled Substances Database (TCSD) includes the collection of controlled substances, relevant experimental and structural information, as well as computational features such as molecular fingerprints and descriptors. Two types of structural search were added: substructure search and topological fingerprint similarity search. A web framework was used to enhance accessibility and usability (https://cs2search.cmdm.tw). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/purpose: Pharmacogenetics is a potential driver of the "East Asian paradox," in which East Asian acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) demonstrate higher levels of platelet reactivity on treatment than Western patients, yet have lower ischemic risk and higher bleeding risk at comparable doses. However, the impact of pharmacogenetics, particularly regarding CYP2C19 genotype, on the pharmacodynamics of P2Y12 inhibitors has not been extensively studied in Taiwanese ACS patients as yet.Methods: CYP2C19 genotyping and pharmacogenetic analysis was conducted on 102 subjects from the Switch Study, a multicenter, single-arm, open-label intervention study that examined the effects on platelet activity and clinical outcomes of switching from clopidogrel (75 mg daily) to low-dose prasugrel (3.75 mg daily) for maintenance DAPT after PCI in 203 Taiwanese ACS patients.Results: Genotyping results revealed that 43.1% were CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers (EM), while 56.9% were reduced metabolizers (RM). After switching to prasugrel, mean P2Y12 reaction units (PRU) values were significantly reduced in both EM and RM populations, while the proportion of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HPR) patients significantly declined in RM patients. No increase in bleeding risk after switching was observed during follow-up. Multivariate analysis indicated that for RM patients, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and low hemoglobin were associated with greater HPR risk on clopidogrel, but not after switching to prasugrel.Conclusion: Switching to low-dose prasugrel from clopidogrel reduced mean PRU levels and proportion of HPR patients, with more significant reduction in RM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To know the effects of human activities on semi-arid environmental quality, fifty-three bus stop dusts samples were collected from Qingyang city, NW China and the contents of manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) in these samples were measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The results indicate that the dust samples have elevated Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb concentrations in comparison with local soil. The contamination levels of these heavy metals in bus stop dusts were evaluated by enrichment factor (EF), pollution index (PI) and Nemero synthesis pollution index (NSPI). The average EF value increased in Ni < Mn < Cr < Cu < Zn < Pb. The higher EF of Cu, Zn and Pb turns out that there were considerable Cu, Zn and Pb pollution in bus stop dusts. The low EF for Ni, Mn and Cr indicates that there were absent of distinct Ni, Mn and Cr pollution in bus stop dusts. The results of PI also support that Cu, Zn and Pb in bus stop dusts from Qingyang city were middle contamination, and the NSPI values in 98.1% bus stop dusts samples reveals heavy contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new algorithm has been developed in this study that can automatically determine regional moment tensor (MT) and its centroid depth with real-time waveforms; it can do this within 2-4 min of an earthquake notice issued by the Central Weather Bureau (CWB). The program selects 3-7 BATS (Broadband Array in Taiwan for Seismology) stations based on three different strategies: best azimuthal distribution, highest signal-to-noise ratio, and shortest distances. The program then inverts MT solutions in parallel with various settings that include Moho depth of velocity models, frequency bands, and isotropic constraints. The optimal solution is determined via a search for the best waveform fit with an acceptable non-double-couple component that comes from the results of combinations of these inversion settings. Our new rapid MT report system greatly reduces the need for computational resources and avoids human judgments. By applying this full-scanning approach on BATS (named AutoBATS), we redetermine the MTs for over 3000 regional earthquakes that took place between 1996 and 2016, the goal being to provide the most up-to-date possible MT catalog for the Taiwan area. Overall, the AutoBATS MTs are consistent with the Global Centroid Moment Tensors, with a mean difference in the Kagan angle of 22.0°±16.6° and Mw of -0.08±0.10. Those focal mechanisms better illuminate the tectonic structures, which is a result of the significantly improved resolving ability for shallow (<10 km) and deep (>140 km) earthquakes. With the new regional MT catalog, we refine the relationship between moment and local magnitudes: Mw=0.87ML+0.23 for the Taiwan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive analytical method was developed for the determination of penflufen in soil based on QuEChERS followed by UPLC-MS/MS. A dissipation study of penflufen was carried out in soils under laboratory conditions. The calibration range was linear for penflufen from 0.5 to 100 μg/L, with an R2 value of 0.9996. The recoveries obtained for penflufen from Beijing soil were in the range of 87.8-109.5%, and a low limit of detection of 0.042 μg/kg was achieved. The results showed the dissipation of penflufen in soil followed first-order reaction kinetics and the half-lives varied from 55.4 to 203.9 days. Dissipation rate of penflufen increased with temperature, and varied in three different soil types. There was no significant difference in dissipation of penflufen between anaerobic or aerobic conditions. The dissipation rate of penflufen was slower in sterile soil than in nonsterile soil. Dissipation and residue determination of penflufen showed penflufen was moderately stable in soils with different properties, under varying temperature and moisture conditions, and in sterilized soil during laboratory incubations. Soil temperature, moisture, organic matter, EC and the microbial population are key factors influencing the dissipation of penflufen in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The predominant distribution of the antiaging Klotho protein in both the kidneys and brain may point to its essential role in protecting against dysfunction of the kidney-brain axis during the aging process. Our previous study showed that the downregulation of Klotho was involved in aging-related cognitive impairment in aged senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice. The present study investigated the potential role of Klotho in aging-associated inflammation and renal injury. Methods: Age- and gender-matched groups of SAMP8 mice and their corresponding normal control senescence-accelerated mouse resistant-1 (SAMR1) were used to investigate the potential role of Klotho in aging-associated inflammation and renal injury. Results: Compared with aged SAMR1 controls, early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is associated with an increase in the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, inflammatory cell infiltration, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, was observed in aged SAMP8 mice. Furthermore, the aging-related loss of Klotho-induced activation of the retinoic acid-inducible gene 1/nuclear factor-κB (RIG-I/NF-κB) signaling pathway and subsequent production of the proinflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the kidneys of aged SAMP8 mice compared with SAMR1 controls. Conclusions: The present results suggest that aging-related inflammation and the development of early-stage CKD are likely associated with the downregulation of Klotho and induction of the RIG-I/NF-κB signaling pathway in 12-month-old SAMP8 mice. Moreover, aged SAMP8 mice with cognitive deficits and renal damage may be a potential mouse model for investigating the kidney-brain axis in the aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for shock wave lithotripsy in patients with proven sterile urine before treatment. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed®, Embase® and the Cochrane Library was performed to identify all randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of antibiotic prophylaxis with placebo or no treatment for patients undergoing shock wave lithotripsy who had preoperative sterile urine. The outcomes included symptoms, fever, positive urine culture, urinary tract infection and risk factors. The Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager software (RevMan 5.1.4) was used for statistical analysis. Results: The study inclusion criteria were met by 9 trials (3 placebo controlled and 6 no treatment controlled) involving 1,364 patients. The synthesized data from these randomized controlled trials indicated that there were no significant differences between the prophylactic group and the control group in symptoms, rate of fever (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.07–2.36, p = 0.31), rate of positive urine culture (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.54–1.11, p = 0.17) and incidence of urinary tract infection (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.29–1.01, p = 0.05). Antibiotic prophylaxis had no potentially beneficial effect on the prevention of infection in patients with a temporary ureteral catheter related to shock wave lithotripsy. Conclusions: Prophylactic antibiotics could not improve symptoms, and decreased neither the rate of fever and positive urine culture, nor the incidence of urinary tract infection after shock wave lithotripsy. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not necessary for shock wave lithotripsy, especially when no or low risk factors are presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Autophagy is a process for recycling intracellular organelles as a survival mechanism. Apoptosis has important biological roles in the pathogenesis of many diseases. This study elucidated the effect of simvastatin on autophagy/apoptosis in MC3T3E1 murine osteoblastic cells and also the significance of this action on the progression of induced rat apical periodontitis. Methods: We examined the H2O2-stimulated expression of LC3-II (an autophagy marker) and poly (adenosine phosphate ribose) polymerase (PARP) fragmentation (an apoptosis marker) in MC3T3E1 by Western analysis. In a rat model of induced apical periodontitis, the relation between disease progression and osteoblastic expression of Beclin-1 (an autophagy marker) and terminal deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (an apoptosis marker) was studied by radiographic and immunohistochemistry analyses. Results: Western blot showed elevated levels of LC3-II and PARP cleavage after H2O2 treatment. An autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine promoted whereas rapamycin (an autophagy enhancer) diminished H2O2-induced PARP cleavage. Simvastatin enhanced H2O2-induced LC3-II formation and simultaneously decreased PARP fragmentation. Radiography and immunohistopathology demonstrated that simvastatin reduced the number of apoptotic osteoblasts and the extension of periapical lesions in rats. The number of Beclin-1–synthesizing osteoblasts also increased markedly after simvastatin treatment. Conclusions: We found a negative relation between autophagy and apoptosis in osteoblastic cells. In addition, simvastatin suppressed apoptosis and enhanced autophagy both in vitro and in vivo. Our data implied that simvastain might alleviate the progression of apical periodontitis by promoting autophagy to protect osteoblasts from turning apoptotic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Based on the statistics of the features, dropping and leaking of well drilling, and the geophysical & logging data, the developing regulation of karst of buried hill in Renqiu oilfield was systematically studied. The results show that the period of the karst development is mainly in Tertiary, with spatial inhomogeneity. The inhomogeneity is mainly controlled by the geological construction in the horizontal direction. There are 3∼4 level karst developing zones in the profile section, which are mainly controlled by the intermittent subsidence of the earth’s crust started from Tertiary. The forming time of the lower karst zones is earlier than that of the upper ones. The horizontal karst zones are cut off by the latter faults. At present, the chief potential areas of residual oil of Renqiu oilfield are in the weak karst developing zones. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this report was to present two cases of mandibular premolars with necrotic pulp and open apices treated with two different techniques. The first case was a 20-year-old female whose teeth 35 and 45 were diagnosed with pulpal necrosis and chronic apical periodontitis, possibly resulting from dens evaginatus. Traditional apexification with Ca(OH)2 was chosen; however, teeth 35 and 45 fractured after 2 and 9 months, respectively. The second case was an 11-year-old boy whose tooth 45 was diagnosed with necrotic pulp and a chronic apical abscess, possibly resulting from dens evaginatus. The mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) barrier technique was performed after short-term Ca(OH)2 dressing, and the remaining space of the canal was fitted with light-cured composite resin. The tooth remained healthy and functional at 1-year follow-up. The apical barrier technique using MTA has the advantages of a reduced treatment time, lower chance of tooth fracture, and fewer visits to the dental office. This report demonstrates that the MTA barrier technique followed by light-cured composite resin filling can be a good alternative treatment to traditional apexification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-polar polymer nanotubes and nanowires were fabricated using nanoporous Anodic Aluminium Oxide (AAO) template via a physical wetting of the polymer solution and melt. Testing results of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) demonstrate that non-polar polymer nanotubes can be prepared by polymer solution, while nanotubes and nanowires can be obtained by polymer melt at higher temperature and at lower temperature respectively. As for melt wetting method, there is a critical temperature for preparing nanotubes, and the structure of products depends on the viscosity and flowability of the polymer melt. The mechanism of melt wetting method is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamide 6 (PA6) nanotubes array has been prepared successfully using small pore anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane (200 nm) as the template via polymer solution and melt wetting method. The investigation of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) showed that morphology of polymer nanotubes was highly influenced both by the concentration and the quantity of polymer solution. The Thermal Gravity Analysis (TGA) results indicate that the thermal decomposition temperature of PA6 nanotubes is lower 100 °C than that of bulk PA6 polymer. However, the thermal decomposition temperature of PA6 nanotubes embedded in AAO membrane is higher than that of bulk polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser ablation has been proposed as an alternative method to acid etching; however, previous studies have obtained contrasting results. The purpose of this study was to compare the bond strengths after acid etching, laser ablation, acid etching followed by laser ablation, and laser ablation followed by acid etching. Forty specimens were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Two more specimens in each group did not undergo bond test and were prepared for observation with scanning electron microscope (SEM) after the four kinds of surface treatment. After the bond test, all specimens were inspected under the digital stereomicroscope and SEM to record the bond failure mode. Student's t-test results showed that the mean bond strength (13.0 ± 2.4 N) of the laser group was not significantly different from that of the acid-etched group (11.8 ± 1.8 N) (P > .05). However, this strength was significantly higher than that of the acid-etched then laser-ablated group (10.4 ± 1.4 N) or that of the laser-ablated then acid-etched group (9.1 ± 1.8 N). The failure modes occurred predominantly at the bracket-resin interface. Er:YAG laser ablation consumed less time compared with the acid-etching technique. Therefore, Er:YAG laser ablation can be an alternative tool to conventional acid etching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]