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The purpose of this study is to maintain the proliferation capability of human parotid gland acinar cells (ACs) in vitro to extend passage number and to study the mechanism that regulates AC stemness. N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT‐V) is the Golgi enzyme, and it has been reported that the β1,6GlcNAc‐branched N‐linked glycans are associated with various cell behaviors. Therefore, we modify the gene expression of ACs by transfection of the GnT‐V‐overexpression plasmid, and we found that upregulation of GnT‐V extensively increased ACs proliferation and stemness properties in ACs/GnT‐V compared to ACs transfected with Mock plasmid. More importantly, we observed that high levels of GnT‐V positively correlated with ALDH1A3 expression via increasing phosphorylation of cell surface receptors and activating the downstream signaling transduction. Hence, the current study suggested that GnT‐V is a significant factor for cell immortalization in the ACs model by activating the EGFR/ERK/ALDH1A3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Given the lack of consensus on the screening and treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), we reviewed the risk factors for CRS to improve the efficiency of sinonasal screening and analyzed the effect of treating CRS in search of guidance for modifying current management strategies for rhinosinusitis in HSCT patients., Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study in a retrospective cohort of hematologic patients receiving HSCT from April 2011 to April 2021 and collected data on demographics, smoking/atopic status, hematological diseases, and features of rhinosinusitis for analysis. The associated factors for control of rhinosinusitis and survival were analyzed., Results: Fifty-eight CRS patients were identified, and another 116 age- and sex-matched controls were selected from HSCT patients without CRS. Allergy and smoking were risk factors for CRS in HSCT patients. The multivariable logistic analysis indicated that endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was an independent factor for better control of CRS. However, survival was not associated with rhinosinusitis-related factors, but only with hematologic-related factors, including allogenic HSCT, reduced-intensity conditioning, and remission., Conclusions: Sinonasal evaluation should be targeted to the high-risk group. ESS is effective in managing CRS, while control of CRS is not determinant of overall survival in patients receiving HSCT., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest nil., (Copyright © 2024 Formosan Medical Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Nosocomial infection is a substantial clinical, societal and economic burden, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with cancer are required to change into patient gowns before receiving radiotherapy. To improve efficiency and infection control, we designed novel intelligent devices for both gown distribution and recycling. We conducted a pilot study to provide evidence for the device in healthcare quality improvement., Materials and Methods: We designed and set up intelligent machines with an infrared sensor for patient gown distribution and recycling. The performance of these machines was assessed by questionnaire survey of patients' perceptions and handling by laundry personnel., Results: We composed a questionnaire to measure patient/personnel satisfaction upon gown handling based on the existing data of our hospital. Two generations of patient gown distribution machines were introduced. One was the novel automated device for both gown distribution and recycling. The other one was the conventional wooden cabinets and/or hamper stands with foot pedals. Survey results showed that approximately 90% satisfaction was achieved with the automated machines. Overall satisfaction with the new soiled gown recycling machines was significantly higher than that with the conventional receptacles (p<0.01)., Conclusion: The automated patient gown distribution machines safely and efficiently provide patients with suitable gowns. The automated patient gown recycling machine reduces contamination of the gown recycling area. Using these machines improves infection control in the hospital environment and effectively reduces the risk of nosocomial infection., (Copyright © 2023 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)