Search

Abstract This study presents an improved sub‐domain analytical model for the characteristic evaluation of the flux reversal permanent magnet machine with Halbach array magnets (FRPMM‐HAM) in rotor slot. The influence of iron saturation is considered by equating iron reluctances into airgap. Based on the different material magnetic permeabilities, the FRPMM‐HAM is divided into several regions, including slots, permanent magnets (PMs), airgap and so on. By solving the Maxwell equations in polar coordinate for each region according to the boundary conditions, the vector magnetic potential can be derived. According to the vector magnetic potential, the airgap flux density distributions are predicted and the electromagnetic characteristics are calculated. The average magnetic density of the tooth and yoke is combined with the Bertotti model to calculate the iron loss. Besides, the eddy current loss of PMs is also calculated. The accuracy of analytical results is validated via the finite element method (FEM).

This paper presents the modular topologies of the dual-stator dual-winding permanent magnet (PM) linear motors for linear compressors used in the electrified transportation application. Compared to the conventional PM linear motor in compressor, the proposed modular model is designed with the same volume but a higher thrust force density and a further higher air pressure in air cylinder, which are competitive in the compressor industry. The proposed compact PM linear motors are constructed with tubular windings in both inner and outer stators, as well as the ring-type magnet in mover. Simulation results of motor characteristics are compared by three-dimensional finite element method (3D FEM). Finally, the prototypes of the proposed PM linear motors are manufactured and tested for the linear compressor application.

Abstract Background The stem cell-based therapies for intervertebral disc degeneration have been widely studied. However, the mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells interacting with intervertebral disc cells, such as nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), remain unknown. Exosomes as a vital paracrine mechanism in cell–cell communication have been highly focused on. The purpose of this study was to detect the role of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and NPCs in their interaction with corresponding cells. Methods The exosomes secreted by BM-MSCs and NPCs were purified by differential centrifugation and identified by transmission electron microscope and immunoblot analysis of exosomal marker proteins. Fluorescence confocal microscopy was used to examine the uptake of exosomes by recipient cells. The effects of NPC exosomes on the migration and differentiation of BM-MSCs were determined by transwell migration assays and quantitative RT-PCR analysis of NPC phenotypic genes. Western blot analysis was performed to examine proteins such as aggrecan, sox-9, collagen II and hif-1α in the induced BM-MSCs. Proliferation and the gene expression profile of NPCs induced by BM-MSC exosomes were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 and qRT-PCR analysis, respectively. Results Both the NPCs and BM-MSCs secreted exosomes, and these exosomes underwent uptake by the corresponding cells. NPC-derived exosomes promoted BM-MSC migration and induced BM-MSC differentiation to a nucleus pulposus-like phenotype. BM-MSC-derived exosomes promoted NPC proliferation and healthier extracellular matrix production in the degenerate NPCs. Conclusion Our study indicates that the exosomes act as an important vehicle in information exchange between BM-MSCs and NPCs. Given a variety of functions and multiple advantages, exosomes alone or loaded with specific genes and drugs would be an appropriate option in a cell-free therapy strategy for intervertebral disc degeneration.

Purpose:. According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, segmental ureterectomy (SU) of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a considerable option for selected mid- and distal ureteral urothelial carcinoma (UC). As a UTUC endemic area, Taiwan lacks treatment outcome analysis of SU. Materials and methods:. This study retrospectively reviewed the treatment outcomes of SU for clinically localized UTUCs. Patients with biopsy or washing cytology-confirmed UTUCs who underwent open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted management with curative intent were retrospectively reviewed for the eligibility of analysis. Cox regression was applied for univariable and multivariable analyses. Results:. A total of 161 patients who underwent SU were reviewed and analyzed. The median follow-up period was 44.5 (interquartile range, 21.6–84.9) months. After SU, 56/161 (34.8%) patients were free of UTUCs after the follow-up, 25/161 (15.5%) patients had local recurrence, and 35/161 (21.7%) had lymph node or distant metastasis. Surgical margin involvement was a risk factor associated with worse cancer-specific survival. Higher bladder recurrence and local recurrence rates were observed with concurrent bladder UC. Lymphovascular invasion and previous radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for UC were related to higher local recurrence rates. Patients with pathological T3/T4 stage and end-stage renal disease tended to have higher metastasis rates. For the management of local recurrence, 19 patients received salvage RNU and 25 patients had adjuvant chemotherapy. However, 26/161 (16.1%) patients died of UTUCs and 2/161 (1.2%) patients died of surgery-related complications. Conclusion:. SU provides acceptable oncological outcomes if the surgeons select candidates carefully. SU is not recommended if the patient has T3 or higher stage or comorbidity of end-stage renal disease. Concurrent bladder UC is a risk factor for worse bladder recurrence-free survival and local recurrence-free survival. Lymphovascular invasion and previous RNU for UC were related to higher local recurrence rates. After SU, periodic follow-up is mandatory because the local recurrence rate is higher than radical surgery.

Abstract Background Limited information is available for guiding the management of upper urinary tract (UUT) urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation (UC-SqD). We did not even know about the difference between pure urothelial carcinoma (UC) and UC-SqD in the UUT regardless of treatment policy and prognosis. Instead of direct comparisons against each other, we included the third UUT malignancy, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This three-way-race model allows us to more clearly demonstrate the impact of squamous cell transformation on patient outcomes in UUT malignancy. Methods We retrospectively analysed 327 patients with UC, UC-SqD, or SCC who underwent radical nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision (RNU) at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, between January 2006 and December 2013. A Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between patient outcomes and histology. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modelling was also used to predict patient prognoses. Results The five-year postoperative cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were 83.6% (UC), 74.4% (UC-SqD), and 55.6% (SCC), and the 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 87.7% (UC), 61.5% (UC-SqD), and 51.9% (SCC). UC patients had significantly better 5-year RFS than UC-SqD and SCC patients (P = 0.001 and P

Background: The sex-differential prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) varies across the lifespan, but little is known about sex differences in executive functions in adults with ADHD. Methods: We assessed 261 adults, aged 18–40 years, diagnosed with ADHD (170 males [assigned at birth], aged 25.81 ± 5.49; 91 females, aged 27.76 ± 5.42) and 308 neurotypical adults (176 males, aged 24.62 ± 5.14; 132 female, aged 25.37 ± 5.42) via psychiatric interviews to confirm ADHD and other psychiatric diagnoses. They were assessed by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB) on Reaction Time (arousal/processing speed), Rapid Visual Information Processing (sustained attention), Spatial Span (spatial memory), Spatial Working Memory, Intradimentional/Extradimensional Shift (set-shifting), and Stocking of Cambridge (spatial planning). The primary analyses were adjusted for age, full-scale IQ, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Results: Adults with ADHD had various co-occurring psychiatric conditions without sex differences in ADHD-neurotypical differences. Both adult males and females with ADHD performed poorer in all CANTAB tasks than same-sex neurotypical adults. Significant sex-moderating effects were observed in neuropsychological performance, including greater ADHD-neurotypical differences in arousal for females than males and in location memory for spatial tasks in males than females. Conclusion: There were no sex-moderating effects in the presence of co-occurring psychiatric conditions in adult ADHD. However, there were sex-moderating effects on how ADHD related to neuropsychological functioning in adulthood. ADHD was associated with more challenges in arousal/processing speed in females and more challenges in strategy use or inhibition in spatial memory in males.

A Z-scheme heterojunction photo(electro)catalyst was fabricated by coupling sulfonic acid-modified graphitic carbon nitride (SA-g-CN) with bismuth oxyiodide (BiOI). The SA-g-CN component was prepared via wet-impregnation, while BiOI was synthesized through a hydrothermal method. Comprehensive characterization elucidated the structural and morphological properties of the resulting composite. The SA-g-CN/BiOI exhibited exceptional performance in both photocatalytic degradation of tartrazine (TTZ) and photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Notably, 98.26% TTZ removal was achieved within 60 min of irradiation, while an OER onset potential of 0.94 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and a high photocurrent density of 6.04 mA were recorded under AM 1.5G illumination. Band energy calculations based on Mott–Schottky measurements confirmed the formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction, which facilitated efficient charge separation and transfer, thereby enhancing catalytic activity. These findings establish the SA-g-CN/BiOI composite as a promising candidate for sustainable energy generation and environmental remediation applications.

Objectives: Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) is an important treatment option for metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) patients. A lot of clinical evidence proved the survival benefits of ICI, but cost-effectiveness of the treatment remains unclear. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the ICIs treatment in different sequences among mUC patients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed mUC patients who had been treated at our hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. These patients received chemotherapy with or without ICI treatment (Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab, Nivolumab, Durvalumab, or Avelumab). The patients were divided into three different groups: receiving chemotherapy alone, receiving a combination of first-line ICI and chemotherapy (ICI combination therapy), and receiving chemotherapy as the first-line treatment followed by second-line ICI therapy (Subsequent ICI therapy). The primary endpoint was cost per life day, while lifetime medical costs and overall survival were also evaluated.Results: The 74 enrolled patients had a median age of 67.0 years, with 62.2% being male. Of these patients, 23 had received chemotherapy only, while the remaining patients had received combined therapy with ICI in either first-line or as subsequent agents (37 patients had ever received atezolizumab, 18 pembrolizumab, 1 Durvalumab, 1 Nivolumab, and 1 Avelumab separately.). Fifty-five patients (74.3%, 55/74) received cisplatin amongst all the patients who underwent chemotherapy. Median overall survival was 27.5 months (95% CI, 5.2–49.9) in the first-line ICI combination therapy group, and 8.9 months (95% CI, 7.1–10.8) in the chemotherapy only. Median overall survival for the subsequent ICI therapy group was not reached. The median lifetime cost after metastatic UC diagnosis was USD 31,221. The subsequent ICI therapy group had significantly higher costs when compared with the ICI combination therapy group (155.8 USD per day, [IQR 99.0 to 220.5] v 97.8 USD per day, [IQR 60.8 to 159.19], p = 0.026). Higher insurance reimbursement expenses for the subsequent ICI therapy group were observed when compared with the ICI combination therapy group.Conclusion: Our real-world data suggests that first line use of ICI combined with chemotherapy demonstrates better cost-effectiveness and similar survival outcomes for mUC patients, when compared with subsequent ICI therapy after chemotherapy.

The utilization of endostapler devices has become standard practice for renal vein ligation during laparoscopic nephroureterectomy. While exceptionally rare, malfunctions can occur in these devices. In the video, we present a malfunctioning endostapler that became trapped on the renal vein. Fortunately, this catastrophic event was successfully managed without conversion to open surgery or massive blood loss and was recorded on video. We propose a structured management flow chart for addressing GIA malfunction, aiming to assist surgeons in navigating through this potentially life-threatening situation.

Many MgO sorbents exhibit high CO2 uptake in the presence of high concentration CO2 and aided by high space velocity, which unfortunately leads to low CO2 capture efficiency from the gas stream. This study investigates the effect of Li/Na/K ratio on sorption performance in dilute CO2 streams (15% CO2) using alkali metal nitrates-promoted MgO sorbents at a low space velocity of 20 ml/g·min in fixed bed reactor. Study shows that the ratio of Li/Na/K in ternary alkali nitrate salt mixture significantly affects the induction periods for the second phase CO2 sorption, which is a key contributor to high CO2 uptake. High LiNO3 content in ternary mixture leads to long induction period, and therefore lower CO2 capacity during the 4 h period. Conversely, high ratios of NaNO3 and KNO3 leads to shorter induction periods. Among the samples, MgO with 9 mol% (Li0.18Na0.52K0.3) exhibits the highest CO2 sorption capacity of 5.56 mmol/g at 240°C in 4 h (20.6% CO2 capture efficiency) and 3.18 mmol/g after 5 cycles (10.8% CO2 capture efficiency). Comparative studies show that optimal temperatures for CO2 sorption are higher when using pure CO2 (280 to 320°C) than when using 15% CO2 (240°C) due to the thermodynamic equilibrium. CO2-TPD results indicate that CO2 desorption proceeds in two phases similar to CO2 sorption, and the presence of alkali salt in MgO also promotes the decomposition of bulk carbonate to CO2. It is shown that molten salt migration and agglomeration of MgO particles are likely the factors that lead to decline in CO2 uptake over the sorption-desorption cycles.

BackgroundAnhedonia, a core diagnostic feature for major depressive disorder (MDD), is defined as the loss of pleasure and interest in daily activities. Its prevalence in MDD patients vary from 35 to 70%. Anhedonia in MDD negatively impacts functioning and is associated with treatment resistance and poorer prognosis for various clinical outcomes. Owing to its complexity, there remains considerable heterogeneity in the conceptualization, diagnosis and clinical management of anhedonia in MDD.MethodsThis modified Delphi panel was conducted to elicit expert opinion and establish consensus on concepts relating to clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of MDD with anhedonia (MDDwA) amongst psychiatrists in the Asia-Pacific region. Seven themes were covered. A three-stage process was adopted for consensus generation (two online survey rounds, followed by a moderated consensus meeting). Statements were developed based on a literature review and input from a steering committee of six regional experts. The panel included 12 psychiatrists practicing in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan with ≥5 years of specialist clinical experience, including assessment or management of patients with MDDwA.ResultsOverall, consensus was achieved (median ≥8) on 89/103 statements (86%). About half of the statements (55/103, 53%) achieved consensus in Round 1, and 29/36 modified statements achieved consensus in Round 2. At the moderated consensus meeting, five modified statements were discussed by the steering committee and consensus was achieved on all statements (5/5). The findings highlighted a lack of clear and practical methods in clinical practice for assessing anhedonia in MDD patients and limited physician awareness of anhedonia in Asia-Pacific.ConclusionInsights from this Delphi consensus provide a reference point for psychiatrists in Asia-Pacific to optimize their strategies for personalized diagnosis and management of patients with MDDwA. Identification of distinct and clinically relevant subtypes in MDD may be valuable for guiding personalized diagnosis and management approaches, including type-specific therapies.

Purpose: This study investigated the oncological and functional surgical outcomes for patients with renal tumor who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (PN) by a single surgeon in Taiwan from 2006 to 2019. Methods: This retrospective study assessed patients who underwent robot-assisted PN for renal tumor. Patient data were analyzed for age, sex, body mass index, operative time and total ischemic time, surgical margin (positive/negative), and surgical complications. To evaluate functional and oncological outcomes, achievement of trifecta, and pentafecta criteria was used. Trifecta criteria were defined as a negative surgical margin, no postoperative complications, warm ischemia time 90% preservation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preservation, and no stage progression of chronic kidney disease at 1-year follow-up. Results: Of 101 patients who received robot-assisted PN, the most common type of renal tumor was clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (38%), followed by angiomyolipoma (26%). Patient characteristics were mean age 54.59 ± 13.8 years; mean RENAL Nephrometry score 6.63 ± 2.16; mean operative time 102.34 ± 50.06 min; and warm ischemia time 20.01 ± 14.12 min. The mean eGFR was 104.43 ± 31.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 preoperatively and 89.39 ± 32.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 postoperatively. Pathologic evaluation showed malignant tumors in 57 patients, among whom achievement of trifecta criteria occurred for 39 (68.42%) and pentafecta criteria for 18 (31.57%). Operation time was the only predictor for pentafecta achievement. Conclusion: Robotic PN is a safe and effective approach for patients with renal tumor that can preserve most renal function and achieve oncological control. Pentafecta criteria can be used to more clearly define the surgical outcome of RAPN.

The effectiveness of a community-based psychiatric rehabilitation (CBPR) program had been proven for people with severe mental illness (SMI), but a high discontinuation rate was also noted. The aim of this study was to explore predictors of utilization and outcome of the CBPR program. This retrospective design explored predictors of the program utilization. The data of demographics, illness history, and occupational functioning were collected during an 8-year period and after 2 years follow-up. 162 participants were referred. Forty nine participants (30.25%) refused to participate in (non-attendance group) and 113 (69.75%) attendance in the program (rehabilitation utilizing group). Compared to the non-attendance group, the rehabilitation utilizing group had single status, higher education level, younger age of onset, lived during the hospital-based day center services, a higher proportion of day center services referral, work experience prior to onset, and less than 3 months consecutive work experience prior to onset. Furthermore, the individuals in the rehabilitation utilizing group had higher successfully return to the community and significantly lower acute hospitalization at 1 and 2 years follow-up. In addition to the demographic factors, that individuals’ previous and current occupational functioning were potential factors for those who successfully attended CBPR service. CBPR may be beneficial to people with SMI in prompted occupational functioning and reduced relapse. We should consider the factors, and make corresponding plans to support engagement in recovery and wellness for people with mental illness.

IntroductionVisceral metastasis is an important predictor for poor outcomes in prostate cancer, however, the prognostic significance surrounding the specific sites of visceral metastasis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different visceral metastatic sites on survival in patients with prostate cancer.MethodsWe identified patients with metastatic prostate cancer between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2023 using the TriNetX database. Patients were divided into 4 cohorts according to their specific metastatic sites: lung metastases, brain metastases, liver metastases, and bone metastases. Survival analysis was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models.ResultsIn total, 59,875 patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer were identified, with 39,495 (65.2%) having bone metastases, 7,573 (12.5%) lung metastases, 5,240 (8.7%) brain metastases, and 7,567 (12.5%) liver metastases. The median overall survival was 44.4 months for patients with bone metastases, 31.9 months for lung metastases, 9.6 months for brain metastases, and 10 months for liver metastases. Lung metastases were associated with an improved survival when compared with liver and brain metastases. For patients with two visceral metastatic sites or concomitant bone metastases, liver metastases were related to worse outcomes. Asian patients experienced better OS than Caucasian and African American patients in visceral metastatic prostate cancer.ConclusionPatients with lung metastases experienced better survival outcomes in prostate cancer with only one visceral metastatic site. Liver metastases were associated with worse outcomes when there were two visceral metastatic sites combined or concomitant bone metastases. Asian patients displayed improved survival rates when compared with both Caucasian and African American patients in visceral metastatic prostate cancer.

BackgroundThe role of upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy remains debatable in the present era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Here, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with upfront CN and modern systemic therapies.MethodsUsing the TriNetX network database, we identified patients, in the period from 2008 to 2022, who were diagnosed with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, receiving first-line systemic therapies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Their overall survivals were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method as well as multivariable regressions.ResultsWe identified 11,094 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Of them, 2,914 (43%) patients in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor cohort (n = 6,779), and 1,884 (43.7%) in the immune checkpoint inhibitors cohort (n = 4315) underwent upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy. Those receiving upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy showed survival advantages with either tyrosine kinase inhibitor (Hazard ratio 0.722, 95% Confidence interval 0.67-0.73, pConclusionsUpfront cytoreductive nephrectomy was associated with an improved overall survival for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma receiving either first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Our results support a clinical role of upfront cytoreductive nephrectomy in the modern era.

Abstract Background Data assimilation refers to methods for updating the state vector (initial condition) of a complex spatiotemporal model (such as a numerical weather model) by combining new observations with one or more prior forecasts. We consider the potential feasibility of this approach for making short-term (60-day) forecasts of the growth and spread of a malignant brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme) in individual patient cases, where the observations are synthetic magnetic resonance images of a hypothetical tumor. Results We apply a modern state estimation algorithm (the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter), previously developed for numerical weather prediction, to two different mathematical models of glioblastoma, taking into account likely errors in model parameters and measurement uncertainties in magnetic resonance imaging. The filter can accurately shadow the growth of a representative synthetic tumor for 360 days (six 60-day forecast/update cycles) in the presence of a moderate degree of systematic model error and measurement noise. Conclusions The mathematical methodology described here may prove useful for other modeling efforts in biology and oncology. An accurate forecast system for glioblastoma may prove useful in clinical settings for treatment planning and patient counseling. Reviewers This article was reviewed by Anthony Almudevar, Tomas Radivoyevitch, and Kristin Swanson (nominated by Georg Luebeck).

Nutritional and contaminant stressors influence organismal physiology, trophic interactions, community structure, and ecosystem-level processes; however, the interactions between toxicity and elemental imbalance in food resources have been examined in only a few ecotoxicity studies. Integrating well-developed ecological theories that cross all levels of biological organization can enhance our understanding of ecotoxicology. In the present article, we underline the opportunity to couple concepts and approaches used in the theory of ecological stoichiometry (ES) to ask ecotoxicological questions and introduce stoichiometric ecotoxicology, a subfield in ecology that examines how contaminant stress, nutrient supply, and elemental constraints interact throughout all levels of biological organization. This conceptual framework unifying ecotoxicology with ES offers potential for both empirical and theoretical studies to deepen our mechanistic understanding of the adverse outcomes of chemicals across ecological scales and improve the predictive powers of ecotoxicology.

Abstract Background Androgens bind to the androgen receptor (AR) in prostate cells and are essential survival factors for healthy prostate epithelium. Most untreated prostate cancers retain some dependence upon the AR and respond, at least transiently, to androgen ablation therapy. However, the relationship between endogenous androgen levels and cancer etiology is unclear. High levels of androgens have traditionally been viewed as driving abnormal proliferation leading to cancer, but it has also been suggested that low levels of androgen could induce selective pressure for abnormal cells. We formulate a mathematical model of androgen regulated prostate growth to study the effects of abnormal androgen levels on selection for pre-malignant phenotypes in early prostate cancer development. Results We find that cell turnover rate increases with decreasing androgen levels, which may increase the rate of mutation and malignant evolution. We model the evolution of a heterogeneous prostate cell population using a continuous state-transition model. Using this model we study selection for AR expression under different androgen levels and find that low androgen environments, caused either by low serum testosterone or by reduced 5α-reductase activity, select more strongly for elevated AR expression than do normal environments. High androgen actually slightly reduces selective pressure for AR upregulation. Moreover, our results suggest that an aberrant androgen environment may delay progression to a malignant phenotype, but result in a more dangerous cancer should one arise. Conclusions The model represents a useful initial framework for understanding the role of androgens in prostate cancer etiology, and it suggests that low androgen levels can increase selection for phenotypes resistant to hormonal therapy that may also be more aggressive. Moreover, clinical treatment with 5α-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride may increase the incidence of therapy resistant cancers. Reviewers This article was reviewed by Ariosto S. Silva (nominated by Marek Kimmel) and Marek Kimmel.

Darolutamide, a second-generation androgen receptor inhibitor (SGARI), has been shown to increase metastasis-free survival and overall survival among men with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). Its unique chemical structure potentially provides efficacy and safety advantages over the SGARIs apalutamide and enzalutamide, which are also indicated for nmCRPC. Despite a lack of direct comparisons, the SGARIs appear to have similar efficacy, safety, and quality of life (QoL) results. Indirect evidence suggests that darolutamide is preferred for its good adverse event profile, an attribute valued by physicians, patients, and their caregivers for maintaining QoL. Darolutamide and others in its class are costly; access may be a challenge for many patients and may lead to modifications to guideline-recommended regimens.

Abstract To investigate the prognostic value of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in patients with upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) receiving radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Between January 2001 and December 2015, we enrolled 488 patients with UTUC underwent RNU in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. GNRI before radical surgery was calculated based on serum albumin level and body mass index. The malnutritional status was defined as GNRI

This paper presents a novel ultrasonic-assisted electrodeposition process of Mn-doped NiCo2O4 onto a commercial nickel foam in a neutral electroplating bath (pH = 7.0) under an ultrasonic power of 1.2 V and 100 W. Different sample properties were studied based on their crystallinity through X-ray diffraction (XRD), morphology was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photodegradation was studied through ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry. Based on the XRD results, the dominant crystallite phase obtained was shown to be a pure single NiCo2O4 phase. The optical properties of the photocatalytic film showed a range of energy band gaps between 1.72 and 1.73 eV from the absorption spectrum. The surface hydroxyl groups on the catalytic surface of the Mn-doped NiCo2O4 thin films showed significant improvements in removing methyl red via photodegradation, achieving 88% degradation in 60 min, which was approximately 1.6 times higher than that of pure NiCo2O4 thin films. The maximum hydrogen rate of the composite films under 100 mW/cm2 illumination was 38 μmol/cm2 with a +3.5 V external potential. The electrochemical performance test also showed a high capacity retention rate (96% after 5000 charge–discharge cycles), high capacity (260 Fg−1), and low intrinsic resistance (0.8 Ω). This work concludes that the Mn-doped NiCo2O4 hybrid with oxygen-poor conditions (oxygen vacancies) is a promising composite electrode candidate for methyl red removal, hydrogen evolution, and high-performance hybrid supercapacitor applications.

Objectives: Neuropsychiatric symptoms are related to hyperthyroidism. Whether global cognitive function is impaired is unclear. In this study, we intended to investigate whether patients with Graves' disease (GD) are characterized by a lower intelligence quotient (IQ) and gray matter volume loss. Methods: We enrolled 36 patients with GD and 36 healthy controls. Intelligence quotient and other cognitive functions, such as memory and attention, were assessed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was used to measure the gray matter volume for those study participants. Results: Significantly lower IQ scores (p < 0.001) and poor memory function (p < 0.05) were found among the patients with GD. We also found that patients with GD had a nonsignificant larger gray matter volume in the precuneus compared with that in healthy controls. Conclusion: The deficits on global and complex cognitive testing among patients with GD should be noted. We speculate that the larger gray matter volume in the precuneus might be due to compensation.

Abstract Bipolar disorder (BD) and metabolic disturbance represent a chronic state of low-grade inflammation and corticostriatal circuitry alterations. Herein, we aimed to investigate whether plasma leptin, an adipokine that plays a key role in the interplay of metabolism and inflammation, is associated with corticostriatal connectivity in patients with BD. Twenty-eight BD I patients, 36 BD II patients and 66 healthy controls were enrolled and completed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Young Mania Rating Scale, and the Recent Life Change Questionnaire. Fasting plasma leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured, and corticostriatal connectivity was examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The relationships between leptin, CRP and body mass index (BMI) identified in the controls and BD II patients were absent in the BD I patients. We did not find a significant group difference in the leptin level; nevertheless, the negative correlation between leptin level and corticostriatal connectivity (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and inferior temporal gyrus) observed in the healthy controls was absent in the BD patients. The disproportionate increase in leptin level with increasing BMI in BD indicated a potential inflammatory role of white adipose tissue in BD. Furthermore, higher CRP levels in BD I patients might induce leptin resistance. Collectively, our results implied vulnerability to inflammatory and metabolic diseases in patients with BD, especially BD I.