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Periodontitis development arises from the intricate interplay between bacterial biofilms and the host’s immune response, where macrophages serve pivotal roles in defense and tissue homeostasis. Here, we uncover the mitigative effect of copper chelator Tetrathiomolybdate (TTM) on periodontitis through inhibiting cuproptosis, a newly identified form of cell death which is dependent on copper. Our study reveals concurrent cuproptosis and a macrophage marker within murine models. In response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, macrophages exhibit elevated cuproptosis-associated markers, which are mitigated by the administration of TTM. TTM treatment enhances autophagosome expression and mitophagy-related gene expression, countering the LPS-induced inhibition of autophagy flux. TTM also attenuates the LPS-induced fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes, the degradation of lysosomal acidic environments, lysosomal membrane permeability increase, and cathepsin B secretion. In mice with periodontitis, TTM reduces cuproptosis, enhances autophagy flux, and decreases Ctsb levels. Our findings underscore the crucial role of copper-chelating agent TTM in regulating the cuproptosis/mitophagy/lysosome pathway during periodontitis inflammation, suggesting TTM as a promising approach to alleviate macrophage dysfunction. Modulating cuproptosis through TTM treatment holds potential for periodontitis intervention.

Breast cancer has been the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Taiwan since 2003. While genetic variants play a significant role in the elevated risk of breast cancer, their implications have been less explored within Asian populations. Variant-based polygenic risk scores (PRS) have emerged as valuable tools for assessing the likelihood of developing breast cancer. In light of this, we attempted to establish a predictive breast cancer PRS tailored specifically for the Taiwanese population. The cohort analyzed in this study comprised 28,443 control subjects and 1501 breast cancer cases. These individuals were sourced from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative (TPMI) array and the breast cancer registry lists at Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH). Utilizing the breast cancer-associated Polygenic Score (PGS) Catalog, we employed logistic regression to identify the most effective PRS for predicting breast cancer risk. Subsequently, we subjected the cohort of 1501 breast cancer patients to further analysis to investigate potential heterogeneity in breast cancer risk. The Polygenic Score ID PGS000508 demonstrated a significant association with breast cancer risk in Taiwanese women with a 1.498-fold increase in cancer risk(OR = 1.498, 95 % CI(1.431–1.567, p=5.38×10^-68). Individuals in the highest quartile exhibited a substantially elevated risk compared to those in the lowest quartile, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.11 (95 % CI: 2.70–3.59; p=1.15×10^-55). In a cohort of 1501 breast cancer cases stratified by PRS distribution, women in the highest quartile were diagnosed at a significantly younger age (p=0.003) compared to those in the lowest quartile. However, no significant differences were observed between PRS quartiles in relation to clinical stage (p=0.274), pathological stage (p=0.647), or tumor subtype distribution (p=0.244). In our study, we pinpointed PGS000508 as a significant predictive factor for breast cancer risk in Taiwanese women. Furthermore, we found that a higher PGS000508 score was associated with younger age at the time of first diagnosis among the breast cancer cases examined. •Breast cancer has maintained its position as the most common cancer diagnosis among Taiwanese women since 2003, highlighting a significant public health concern in the region.•While genetic factors are known to substantially influence breast cancer risk, research on these genetic variants and their impacts has been predominantly focused on non-Asian populations, creating a notable gap in our understanding of their effects in Asian communities.•Our research identified PGS000508 as a crucial polygenic risk score (PRS) that effectively predicts breast cancer risk specifically in Taiwanese women, with our findings revealing that higher PGS000508 scores correlate significantly with earlier age of breast cancer onset among affected individuals.

Optimal performance of pediatric cardiothoracic computed tomography (CT) is technically challenging and may need different approaches for different types of CT scanners. To meet the technical demands and improve clinical standards, a practical, user-friendly, and vendor-specific guideline for pediatric cardiothoracic CT needs to be developed for children with congenital heart disease (CHD). In this article, we have attempted to describe such guideline based on the consensus of experts in the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging CHD Study Group. This first part describes the imaging techniques of pediatric cardiothoracic CT, and it includes recommendations for patient preparation, scan techniques, radiation dose, intravenous injection protocol, post-processing, and vendor-specific protocols.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a popular nutritional supplement, an antioxidant and an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Several clinical studies have suggested that fatigue can be reduced by antioxidant supplementation. However, the data on this topic has been sparse to date. Hence, we conducted this meta-analysis with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of fatigue reduction via CoQ10 supplementation. More specifically, we searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from the database inception to January 2022. A random effects model was implemented to conduct the meta-analysis among 13 RCTs (with a total of 1,126 participants). As compared with the placebo groups evaluated in each RCT, the CoQ10 group showed a statistically significant reduction in fatigue scores (Hedges’ g = −0.398, 95% confidence interval = −0.641 to −0.155, p = 0.001). The directions of the treatment effects were consistent between the healthy and diseased participants. Compared with the placebo group, the effect of reducing fatigue was statistically significant in the subgroup using the CoQ10-only formulation but not in the subgroup using CoQ10 compounds. The results of our meta-regression demonstrate that increases in the daily dose (coefficient = −0.0017 per mg, p < 0.001) and treatment duration (coefficient = −0.0042 per day, p = 0.007) of CoQ10 supplementation were correlated with greater fatigue reduction. There was only one adverse (gastrointestinal) event in the 602 participants who underwent the CoQ10 intervention. Based on the results of this meta-analysis, we conclude that CoQ10 is an effective and safe supplement for reducing fatigue symptoms. Systematic Review Registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-1-0113/ , identifier INPLASY202210113

Background Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of muscle mass and function, is known to cause adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this umbrella review was to integrate published systematic reviews and meta-analyses exploring sarcopenia and lung cancer to provide comprehensive knowledge on their relationship. Methods Eligible studies were searched from scientific databases until June 28, 2022. Critical appraisal was performed using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2. The impact of sarcopenia on the pathophysiology, prevalence, and prognosis of lung cancer is summarized at the level of systematic reviews or meta-analyses. Results Fourteen reviews and meta-analyses were conducted. The methodological quality was high for one review, low for nine, and critically low for four. The most common standard for diagnosing sarcopenia in the lung cancer population is computed tomography (CT) to measure the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra (L3). Sarcopenia was highly prevalent among patients with lung cancer, with a pooled prevalence ranging from 42.8% to 45.0%. The association between sarcopenia and increased postoperative complications and decreased disease control rates with immune checkpoint inhibitors has been demonstrated. Mortality was significantly higher in sarcopenic patients than in non-sarcopenic patients with lung cancer, regardless of the stage of disease or type of treatment. Conclusions Sarcopenia is a poor prognostic factor for lung cancer. Future studies are necessary to clarify the pathophysiology of sarcopenia and develop effective interventions for sarcopenia in patients with lung cancer.

The use of pediatric cardiothoracic CT for congenital heart disease (CHD) was traditionally limited to the morphologic evaluation of the extracardiac thoracic vessels, lungs, and airways. Currently, the applications of CT have increased, owing to technological advancements in hardware and software as well as several dose-reduction measures. In the previously published part 1 of the guideline by the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging Congenital Heart Disease Study Group, we reviewed the prerequisite technical knowledge for clinical applications in a user-friendly and vendor-specific manner. Herein, we present the second part of our guideline on contemporary clinical applications of pediatric cardiothoracic CT for CHD based on the consensus of experts from the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging CHD Study Group. This guideline describes up-to-date clinical applications effectively in a systematic fashion.

Curcumin is a polyphenol with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that has been shown to be effective in ameliorating cognitive decline in animal studies. However, its clinical effectiveness is inconclusive, and relevant gastrointestinal adverse events (AEs) have been reported. The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize the existing evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of effects of curcumin on overall cognitive function, individual cognitive domains, and gastrointestinal AE. The study includes 8 RCTs and 389 participants. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Compared with the placebo group, the curcumin group was associated with an improvement in working memory (Hedges’ g = 0.396, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.078 to 0.714, p = 0.015) and a borderline benefit in processing speed (Hedges’ g = 0.303, 95% CI = −0.013 to 0.619, p = 0.06). In the domains of language, episodic memory/visual learning, verbal memory, cognitive flexibility/problem solving, and overall cognitive function, no significant difference existed for the comparison between the curcumin and placebo groups. The curcumin group had a significantly higher risk of gastrointestinal AEs than the placebo group (odds ratio = 3.019, 95% CI = 1.118 to 8.150, p = 0.029). In the future, the effects of curcumin on working memory, processing speed, and gastrointestinal AE should be further investigated.

Severe dental pulp inflammation can lead to tissue lysis and destruction, underscoring the necessity for effective treatment of pulpitis. N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10)-mediated N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification has recently emerged as a key regulator in inflammatory processes. However, whether NAT10 affects the inflammatory response in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) remains unelucidated. In this study, elevated NAT10 expression was observed in pulpitis tissues and LPS-stimulated hDPSCs. Knockdown of NAT10 led to reduced inflammatory gene expression and lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in LPS-stimulated hDPSCs, while the chemotactic migration of macrophages was also suppressed. Similar results were observed when hDPSCs were treated with Remodelin, an inhibitor of NAT10. Differentially expressed genes identified through RNA sequencing were significantly enriched in inflammatory signaling pathways after NAT10 depletion. Among the differential genes, pentraxins 3 (PTX3) was identified as the potential target gene due to the presence of the ac4C modification site and its known ability to regulate dental pulp inflammation. The mRNA and protein levels of PTX3 were reduced in NAT10-deficient cells, along with a decrease in its mRNA stability. Exogenous PTX3 supplementation partially reversed the inflammatory inhibition induced by NAT10 knockdown. Further evidence in vivo revealed that Remodelin treatment attenuated the severity of dental pulp inflammation in rats with pulpitis. In summary, these data indicated that NAT10 deficiency inhibited the stability of PTX3 mRNA and further inhibited hDPSC inflammation, while Remodelin might be a potential therapeutic agent for pulp capping.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various exercise interventions in enhancing the quality of life for breast cancer survivors. To achieve this, randomized controlled trials were identified from major electronic databases, focusing on the relationship between exercise and quality of life in breast cancer survivors. The primary outcome was the impact of exercise on quality of life 12 weeks after the intervention, with a secondary outcome comparing dropout rates between intervention groups and a regular care control group. The study protocol was registered with INPLASY (INPLASY202340007). A network meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials involving 725 participants was conducted, examining aerobic and strength training, aerobic activity, yoga, and strength exercise. Results showed that aerobic and strength training was the most effective intervention, significantly improving the quality of life of breast cancer survivors (1.31; 95% confidence interval: 0.49 to 2.12). Aerobic activity had a borderline effect (0.83; 0.03 to 1.63), while no exercise interventions were associated with an increased dropout risk compared to the control group (regular care). The study concluded that concurrent aerobic and strength training can improve breast cancer survivors’ quality of life after 12 weeks of intervention without increasing dropout risk compared to regular care.

The international construction industry has long experienced high rates of occupational incidents resulting in serious injury and death. The high rate of fatal construction accidents has clearly highlighted the importance and urgency of safety management improvement for building and construction sites. This paper analyzed 33 nominated success factors of the site safety management (SSM) of building construction projects using Principle Components Analysis (PCA) to extract the success factors (SFs) of SSM in Taiwan. The internal relationships among these SFs were further explored using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the underlying relationships. The results of this study indicate that there are moderate correlations present between the selected SFs for SSM. Management behaviors, a safe work environment and safety resources, the safety behaviors of workers, and prevention and remedial actions were found to be the major influencers for SSM performance. Furthermore, the study shows that SSM in Taiwan is still overly focused on safe working conditions, to the detriment of workers’ safety perception and training. Further work is required to ensure that safety programs are agile enough to understand and adapt to the factors which influence SSM outcomes.