bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lesões bucais em paciente com púrpura trombocitopênica idiopática: Um relato de caso
Authors: Rocha Anna Isis Fornazari , Ferreira Marceli Dias , Silva Fernanda Pereira da , Walchaki Valeska Caroline , Chemin Maria Luiza , Bevervanso Manoela Wisniewski , Claudino Marcela
Published: October 2024

A Púrpura Trombocitopênica Idiopática (PTI) é um distúrbio hematológico caracterizado por trombocitopenia. A patogênese desta condição é mediada por autoanticorpos que revestem as plaquetas, resultando em sua eliminação pelo baço. Quanto à sintomatologia, pode ser assintomática ou pode apresentar hematomas leves, moderados ou graves com alto risco hemorrágico. As manifestações bucais associadas a PTI incluem sangramentos, equimoses, petéquias, hemorragias e lesões mucocutâneas. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso de PTI com manifestações bucais, bem como realizar a descrição detalhada delas, discutir métodos de diagnóstico e as condutas terapêuticas. A presença do cirurgião-dentista em ambiente hospitalar é de extrema importância para o paciente visando o diagnóstico e tratamento adequados, uma vez que manifestações bucais são comumente observadas como os primeiros sinais clínicos da doença. O cirurgião-dentista, através da avaliação minuciosa da cavidade bucal, pode identificar precocemente esses sintomas, contribuindo para o diagnóstico precoce e a administração de cuidados adequados.
Satellite tracking reveals critical habitats and migratory pathways for green and hawksbill turtles nesting in Montserrat, Eastern Caribbean
Authors: Wiggins J , Godley BJ , Jeffers J , Metcalfe K , Ponteen AR , Richardson PB , Sanghera A , Weber N , Weber SB
Published: October 2024

The United Kingdom Overseas Territory of Montserrat supports modest but regionally important nesting populations of green and hawksbill turtles. However, knowledge of the spatial ecology and regional connectivity of these populations is limited. Here, we provide the first detailed description of the spatial distribution, migratory connectivity, and habitat use of 9 adult female green turtles Chelonia mydas and 1 adult female hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata tagged with satellite transmitters at 4 nesting beaches in Montserrat. Two critical aggregation areas for inter-nesting green turtles were identified along the western coast of Montserrat which could act as focal points for spatial protection. Nine individuals, including the hawksbill turtle, performed transboundary post-nesting migrations, covering distances from 45 to 1013 km, and crossing 10 different national jurisdictions. Green turtles migrated to foraging grounds in Antigua and Barbuda (n = 4), United States Virgin Islands (n = 2), Puerto Rico (n = 1), and Dominican Republic (n = 1), whereas the hawksbill turtle migrated to a foraging ground in Guadeloupe. One green turtle remained resident in Montserrat. Within foraging grounds, green turtles primarily occupied sand, seagrass, and hardbottom algal habitats located in shallow (<25 m) coastal waters. On average, turtles spent 22 and 24% of their time within Marine Protected Areas during migration and foraging periods, respectively. Our results provide novel insights into the ecology of individuals nesting at a previously understudied rookery that can be used to inform local and regional management.
Therapeutic Advances in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Immuno-oncology and Beyond
Authors: Jalali Saba
Published: October 2024

At the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, the latest advancements in immunotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), gastro-oesophageal cancers, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were presented. Sara Lonardi from the Veneto Institute of Oncology, Italy, discussed the role of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in patients with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H) CRC, highlighting promising data from the CheckMate 8HW and NICHE-2 trials. Tania Fleitas Kanonnikoff from INCLIVA, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Spain, provided insight into the use of immunotherapy-based regimens for gastro-oesophageal cancers, including treatment considerations based on key biomarkers and emerging treatment options. Thomas Decaens from the University of Grenoble-Alpes, France, presented results from several trials, including IMbrave150, HIMALAYA, and CheckMate 9DW, supporting the increasing role of immunotherapy combinations in first-line (1L) HCC treatment, which has been shown to improve overall survival in this challenging disease.
Terapi Aktivitas Pada Lansia dengan Kerajinan Tangan : Pembuatan Gelang Manik - Manik
Authors: Hamdayani Hamdayani , Annisa Fauziyah , Gwijangge Kisena
Published: October 2024

Pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pemahaman kepada lansia tentang pentingnya terapi aktivitas dalam meningkatkan fungsi kognitif dan afektif pada lansia Dengan mengangkat Judul kegiatan : Terapi Aktivitas Pada Masa Lansia dengan kerajinan tangan  . Terapi aktivitas pada lansia  merupakan proses kegiatan yang melibatkan lansia dengan membuat kerajinan tangan. Terapi Aktivitas  Terapi aktivitas kelompok merupakan bentuk terapi modalitas yang didasarkan pada pembelajaran hubungan interpersonal. Dengan bergabung dalam kelompok, klien dapat saling bertukar pikiran dan pengalaman dan mengembangkan pola perilaku baru (Achiryani dkk, 2005). Kerajinan tangan  merupakan Kerajinan tangan, juga dikenal sebagai seni kriya atau handy craft, adalah kegiatan seni yang menitikberatkan pada keterampilan tangan untuk membuat produk atau barang yang memiliki fungsi pakai atau keindahan. Kerajinan tangan biasanya dibuat dengan cara tradisional menggunakan bahan baku yang sering ditemukan di lingkungan, bukan diproduksi oleh mesin di pabrik. Kegiatan ini juga bertujuan mengajak lansia untuk berfikir secara kreatif, melatih afektik ,kognitif, melatih fokus, meningkatkan suasana hati, kesehatan mental, menyalurkan emosi, meningkatkan interaksi sosial, dan meningkatkan produktifitas dengan membuat kerajinan tangan . dengan Metode Pelaksanaan interaktif dan demonstrasi maka kegiatan yang dilakukan Sekolah Lansia Abdie Harapan ini disambut baik oleh para lansia dengan penuh semangat dan antusias dan kegiatan ini berjalan lancar.
Upaya Peningkatan Kesehatan Immunisasi Dasar Pada Bayi Dan Balita Melalui Posyandu
Authors: Sainah Sainah Iin , Sofyan Muhammad , Rahman Abdul
Published: October 2024

Pos Pelayanan Terpadu (Posyandu) merupakan salah satu strategi utama dalam pelayanan kesehatan primer di Indonesia, yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kesehatan ibu dan anak di tingkat komunitas. Posyandu menyediakan layanan berbasis masyarakat yang meliputi monitoring pertumbuhan anak, pelayanan imunisasi, penyuluhan kesehatan, dan pemeriksaan kesehatan rutin bagi ibu hamil dan balita. Pendekatan ini mendorong partisipasi aktif masyarakat dalam upaya pencegahan penyakit dan perbaikan kesehatan secara menyeluruh. Meskipun telah memberikan kontribusi signifikan dalam peningkatan cakupan layanan kesehatan dasar, tantangan yang dihadapi oleh Posyandu termasuk keterbatasan sumber daya, koordinasi antarlembaga, dan peningkatan mutu layanan. Dengan memperkuat peran kader, meningkatkan fasilitas dan dukungan, serta melibatkan masyarakat secara aktif, Posyandu dapat menjadi lebih efektif dalam mencapai tujuan pelayanan kesehatan masyarakat di Indonesia.Imunisasi merupakan upaya memberikan kekebalan pada bayi dan anak dengan memasukkan vaksin ke dalam tubuh agar tubuh membuat zat anti untuk mencegah penyakit tertentu. Menurunnya kunjungan imunisasi bayi dan balita dapat mengakibatkan meningkatnya risiko terjangkit penyakit yang dapat dicegah dengan imunisasi sehingga dikhawatirkan terjadinya kejadian luar biasa. Edukasi ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan ibu yang mempunyai bayi/balita di Perumahan Green Nurhidayat Romangpolong, Posyandu Flamboyan Samata Posyandu Flamboyan Wilayah Puskesmas Samata, Kecamatan  Somba Opu, Kabupaten Gowa, Sulawesi Selatan, mengenai imunisasi dasar lengkap. Metode yang digunakan yaitu penyuluhan menggunakan leaflet dan membagikannya sebagai media edukasi. Sebanyak 45 orang ibu bayi dan balita berhasil dijangkau. Sejumlah 45 leaflet berhasil dibagikan kepada ibu bayi dan balita sebagai media edukasi.
An observational study of lower limb muscle imbalance assessment and gait analysis of badminton players
Authors: Huang Ping , Xu Wenxin , Bai Zeyi , Yu Lin , Mei Qichang , Gu Yaodong
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The imbalance of muscle strength indicators has a negative impact on players. Lower limb muscle imbalance can cause gait abnormalities and increase the risk of muscle injury or decreased performance in significantly asymmetrical situations. This study aims to assess the lower limb muscle imbalance and gait feature between the dominant and non-dominant sides of badminton players and the associations between the two variables.

Methods

The study included 15 badminton players with years of training experience. Muscle strength and gait parameters were obtained from isokinetic muscle strength testing and plantar pressure analysis systems. The symmetry index was calculated based on formulas such as plantar pressure distribution and percentage of plantar contact area.

Results

In the isokinetic muscle strength test, significant differences were found in bilateral knee flexors’ average power and total work at 60°/s angular speed. The hamstring to quadriceps ratio (H/Q) range of knee joints of the dominant and non-dominant sides is 0.63–0.74 at low speed, while the H/Q range is 0.81–0.88 at fast speed. The H/Q of bilateral knees increases with increasing angular velocity. As the angular velocity increases, the peak torque to body weight ratio (PT/BW) of the participants’ bilateral knee flexors and extensors shows a decreasing trend. The asymmetry score of H/Q at 180°/s angular speed is positively related with step time and stance time. There are varying degrees of differences in gait staging parameters, plantar pressure in each area, plantar contact area, and symmetry index between the dominant and non-dominant sides of badminton players when walking.

Conclusion

Badminton players have weaker flexors of the knee joint, imbalanced muscle strength in flexors and extensors, decreased lower limb stability, and a risk of knee joint injury on the non-dominant side. The bending and stretching strength of the knee joint on the dominant side of the players is greater than that on the non-dominant side. The pressure in the first metatarsal region of the dominant side is higher, while that in the midfoot and heel regions is higher on the non-dominant side. badminton players have better forward foot force and heel cushioning ability. Long term badminton sports result in specialized changes in plantar pressure distribution and reduced symmetry.
Biocompatibility of 3D-printed vs. thermoformed and heat-cured intraoral appliances
Authors: Weżgowiec Joanna , Małysa Andrzej , Szlasa Wojciech , Kulbacka Julita , Chwiłkowska Agnieszka , Ziętek Marek , Więckiewicz Mieszko
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The development of additive manufacturing has the potential to revolutionize the fabrication of medical devices. This technology, also known as 3D printing, offers precise, cost-effective, and personalized approaches, which could be particularly beneficial in the production of intraoral appliances. Despite its promise, research on the biocompatibility of 3D-printed intraoral devices is still limited. Our study aims to address this gap.

Methods

We examined the cytotoxicity of materials processed via three techniques commonly used for the fabrication of different intraoral appliances: 3D printing (Dental LT Clear), thermoforming (Duran adjusted with Durasplint LC), and conventional heat-curing (Villacryl H Plus). We also investigated the impact of chemical or UVC disinfection on the biocompatibility of these materials. We assessed the biological effects induced in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) through both direct contact tests (MTT and LDH assays) and extract tests (PrestoBlue, DCF, and cell death type assays). Additionally, we observed changes in cellular morphology and migration rate under an inverted light microscope. The surface roughness of materials was evaluated using contact profilometry. Statistical analysis was conducted using two-way analysis of variance.

Results

Our findings suggest that all three fabrication techniques induced a slight cytotoxic effect in HGFs, as evidenced by both direct contact and extract tests. However, these materials could be considered nontoxic according to the ISO 10993-5:2009 norm, as the decrease in metabolic activity observed was always less than 30% compared to the untreated control.

Conclusion

This novel study confirms that 3D printing may be a safe alternative to conventional methods for fabricating intraoral appliances. However, further tests assessing the long-term intraoral usage are still needed.
The clinical prospects and challenges of photothermal nanomaterials in myocardium recovery after myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Jiali , He Jian , Yue Tian , Pei Haifeng , Xiong Shiqiang , Tang Yue , Hou Jun
Published: October 2024

The high morbidity and mortality rates associated with myocardial infarction pose a serious threat to human health. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in saving the lives of patients. In recent years, nanomaterials-based technologies have played a significant role in developing new strategies for cardiac repair, particularly in the use of photothermal nanomaterials, which show great potential in treating myocardial infarction. This review aims to describe the characteristics of photothermal nanomaterials, their effects on cardiomyocyte proliferation and angiogenesis, and the mechanism of cardiac tissue repair. This review serves as a valuable reference for the application of photothermal nanomaterials in the treatment of myocardial infarction, with the ultimate goal of expediting the translation of these treatment strategies into clinical practice.
CHAC1: a master regulator of oxidative stress and ferroptosis in human diseases and cancers
Authors: Sun Jiasen , Ren Hui , Wang Jiawen , Xiao Xiang , Zhu Lin , Wang Yanyan , Yang Lili
Published: October 2024

CHAC1, an essential regulator of oxidative stress and ferroptosis, is increasingly recognized for its significant roles in these cellular processes and its impact on various human diseases and cancers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CHAC1’s molecular functions, regulatory mechanisms, and effects in different pathological contexts. Specifically, the study objectives are to elucidate the biochemical pathways involving CHAC1, explore its regulatory network, and discuss its implications in disease progression and potential therapeutic strategies. As a γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase, CHAC1 degrades glutathione, affecting calcium signaling and mitochondrial function. Its regulation involves transcription factors like ATF4 and ATF3, which control CHAC1 mRNA expression. CHAC1 is crucial for maintaining redox balance and regulating cell death pathways in cancer. Its elevated levels are associated with poor prognosis in many cancers, indicating its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Additionally, CHAC1 influences non-cancerous diseases such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. Therapeutically, targeting CHAC1 could increase cancer cell sensitivity to ferroptosis, aiding in overcoming resistance to standard treatments. This review compiles current knowledge and recent discoveries, emphasizing CHAC1’s vital role in human diseases and its potential in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Development and preliminary assessment of the iFIND TBR: all-in- one molecular diagnostic assay for rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance
Authors: Ou Xichao , Song Zexuan , Xing Ruida , Zhao Bing , Pei Shaojun , Teng Chong , Zhang Lincai , Sun Qian , Liu Fang , Xia Hui , Zhou Yang , Zheng Yang , Song Yuanyuan , Zhang Zhiguo , Wang Shengfen , Anthony Richard , Zhao Yanlin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Early and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) is crucial for initiating timely treatment and preventing new infections. In this study, we introduced the iFIND TBR assay, an automated all-in-one tuberculosis detection approach that simultaneously detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance.

Methods

The limits of detection (LOD), sensitivity, specificity, and RIF-R rpoB mutation detection of the iFIND TBR were tested on Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA or sputum samples spiked with known numbers of M.tuberculosis H37Rv. Frozen clinical samples from patients suspected of having TB were also tested.

Results

The LOD of the iFIND TBR for MTB detection were 13.34 CFU/ml (95% CI, 11.71-16.47), and for RIF resistance was 109.79CFU/mL (95% CI, 95-138.19). The iFIND TBR assay accurately distinguish MTB strains from non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) without any cross reactivity. Testing on 157 clinical sputum samples, compared with the bacteriologically TB standard, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the iFIND TBR was 100% (95%CI, 94.64, 100) and 85.29% (95% CI, 74.61, 92.72), respectively. When assessing RIF susceptibility, the iFIND TBR achieved a sensitivity of 98.15% (95% CI, 90.11–99.95) and a specificity of 85.71% (95% CI, 67.33–95.97), compared with phenotypic drug susceptibility testing. Discordant RIF susceptibility results were more frequently observed in samples exhibiting heteroresistance.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that iFIND TBR assay performs well in detecting TB and RIF resistance, and shows promise as a point-of-care tool in resource-limited areas.
Metabolomics revealed pharmacodynamic effects of aspirin and indobufen in patients after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty surgery
Authors: Sun Shaobo , Xun Kang , Li Damei , Bao Renjie
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Aspirin and indobufen are commonly used therapeutic drugs for the prevention of vascular restenosis (VR) after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty surgery. They both exhibited antiplatelet effects but molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic changes induced by them remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we collected plasma samples from patients on aspirin medication (n = 5), patients on indobufen medication, patients with no medication after PTA, and healthy controls (CKs) (n = 5). Our investigation aimed to reveal the metabolic processes in patients during vascular restenosis and its amelioration through drug therapy using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results

Our data showed significant alterations in amino acid and choline metabolism in patients without medication after PTA. Aspirin and indobufen were able to regulate these metabolic pathways to alleviate VR symptoms. We identified several characteristic amino acids, including pro-leu, L-citrulline, his-glu, and L-glutamate, as important biomarkers for VR assessment in patients without medication after PTA. A total of 17 and 4 metabolites involved in arginine and phenylalanine metabolism were specifically induced by aspirin and indobufen, respectively. Their expression levels were significantly regulated by aspirin or indobufen, nearly reaching normal levels.

Discussion

Taken together, our identification of metabolites involved in metabolic changes affected by aspirin and indobufen medication enhances the understanding of VR pathology after PTA. This may help identify early diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets
Large eddy simulation of near-surface boundary layer dynamics over patchy snow
Authors: Haugeneder Michael , Lehning Michael , Hames Océane , Jafari Mahdi , Reynolds Dylan , Mott Rebecca
Published: October 2024

The near-surface boundary layer over patchy snow is highly heterogeneous and dynamic. Layers of opposing stability coexist within only a few horizontal meters. Conventional experimental methods to investigate this layer suffer from limitations related to the fixed positions of eddy covariance sensors. To overcome these difficulties, we set up a centimeter-resolution large eddy simulation of flow across an idealised transition from bare ground to snow. We force the simulation with high-frequency eddy covariance data recorded during a field campaign. We show that the model can represent the real flow by comparing it to independent eddy covariance data. However, the simulation underestimates vertical wind speed fluctuations, especially at high frequencies. Sensitivity analyses show that this is influenced by grid resolution and surface roughness representation but not much by subgrid-scale parameterization. Nevertheless, the model can reproduce the experimentally observed plumes of warm air intermittently detaching from bare ground and being advected over snow. This process is highly dynamic, with time scales of only a few seconds. We can show that the growth of a stable internal boundary layer adjacent to the snow surface can be approximated by a power law. With low wind speeds, deeper stable layers develop, while strong wind speeds limit the growth. Even close to the surface, the buoyancy fluxes are heterogeneous and driven by terrain variations, which also induce the frequent decoupling of a thin layer adjacent to the snow surface. Our simulations point the path towards generalizing point-based and aerial measurements to three dimensions.
Time series trends and correlations of aerosol optical depth and cloud parameters over Addis Ababa
Authors: Yirga Getnet , Fekrie Demelash , Menberu Tsegaye , Workineh Yenesew
Published: October 2024

Aerosols are microscopic liquid or solid particles that enter the atmosphere through natural and man-made processes. Time series trends and correlations of aerosol optical depth and cloud parameters over Addis Ababa have become the subject of scientific research because of the importance of clouds in controlling climate. In this study, we have examined the temporal variations (time series analysis) in aerosol particles over Addis Ababa and the impact of these variations on various optical properties of clouds using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data from January 2003 to December 2018. The maximum aerosol optical depth (AOD) was found during the summer period, with minimum values in winter. During summer, the air temperature is high, which leads to abundant atmospheric water vapor, facilitating the hygroscopic growth of aerosols. We then analyzed the relationships between AOD and other cloud parameters, namely, water vapor (WV), cloud fraction (CF), cloud top temperature (CTT), and cloud top pressure (CTP), to provide a better understanding of aerosol–cloud interactions. The correlation between AOD and CF and WV was positive for Addis Ababa, while there was a negative correlation with CTT and CTP.
Estimation of the depth-variant seismic wavelet based on the modified unscaled S-transform
Authors: Xue Yiran , Zhang Jian , Zhang Gan , Zhao Dongchang
Published: October 2024

Seismic inversion is one of the key techniques used for reservoir characterization. Depth-domain seismic inversion eliminates the cumulative errors associated with depth-to-time and time-to-depth conversions, thus providing geologists and reservoir engineers with an intuitive basis for geological interpretation. The method has received increasing attention in the field of reservoir characterization. Extracting accurate depth-domain seismic wavelets is a prerequisite for successful depth-domain seismic inversion. However, the depth-domain wavelet is velocity-dependent and exhibits significant non-stationarity, which leads to the failure of seismic wavelet estimation methods based on the stationary convolutional model. To this end, we propose a modified wavenumber-domain unscaled S-transform (MWUST) method to accomplish accurate estimation of depth-domain seismic wavelets. The proposed method enhances the accuracy of wavenumber components by removing the linear wavenumber-dependent term from the S-transform. Furthermore, it introduces slope and intercept parameters to improve the depth resolution at low wavenumbers, thereby yielding a more reliable depth–wavenumber spectrum. Subsequently, the relationship between the non-stationary depth-domain seismic wavelet and the depth–wavenumber spectrum is established, allowing for the accurate extraction of non-stationary wavelets under the assumption that the depth-domain reflectivity is a random sequence. Synthetic and real data applications have been used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effects of magnesium and potassium supplementation on insomnia and sleep hormones in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Khalid Sidra , Bashir Shahid , Mehboob Riffat , Anwar Tehreem , Ali Muhammad , Hashim Mariam , Waseem Humaira , Basharat Shahnai
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition with hyperglycemia. Literature has shown a correlation between poor sleep quality and duration with an increased incidence of insomnia in diabetic individuals. The goal of this study was to determine the magnesium and potassium supplementation effect among diabetic individuals with insomnia.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial (single blind) was conducted on 320 patients with diabetes; after 2 months of follow-up, 290 patients completed the trial. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to assess the severity and duration of insomnia, before and after the trial. Tablets containing supplements were prepared: placebo (T1), magnesium (Mg, T2), potassium (K, T3), and a combination of Mg and K (T4). Melatonin and cortisol (sleep hormones) were measured from blood (serum) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), before and after the trial.

Results

The study included 93 (32.1%) male and 197 (67.9%) female participants. According to the analysis, there was a significant association between the treatment groups and ISI after the trial (post-trial), p = 0.0001. Analysis showed that there was significant association between pre- and post-serum cortisol levels in treatment groups 2, 3, and 4 (T2, T3, and T4) as p-values are 0.001, 0.001, and 0.001 respectively. Similar findings were observed for serum melatonin.

Conclusions

The study revealed that magnesium, potassium, and magnesium and potassium combined had a significant effect on serum cortisol and melatonin levels (sleep hormones). In addition, supplementation significantly decreased the severity of insomnia among patients with diabetes by improving sleep duration.
The association of the perioperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with wound healing in patients with Wagner grade 3 and 4 diabetic foot ulcers after tibial cortex transverse transport surgery: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Zhao Sichun , Guo Fudie , Zang Yonghui , Hu Rong , Yu Xianjun , Zhang Hongmei , Xie Tingting , Li Xiaoya , Bai Chunxia , Shi Haoran , Zhang Dingwei
Published: October 2024

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are severe complications of diabetes, involving multiple etiological factors including neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, and impaired wound healing. The global burden of DFUs is substantial, with significant morbidity and high management costs. Recent advancements have introduced the tibial cortex transverse transport (TTT) technique, which has shown promising results in the management of severe DFUs by promoting angiogenesis and immunomodulation.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with Wagner grade 3 and 4 DFUs, treated using the TTT technique from May 2022 to September 2023 at MianYang Central Hospital. The study assessed the influence of TTT on the perioperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an established biomarker of systemic inflammation, and its correlation with wound healing outcomes.

Results

A total of 82 patients were enrolled, with 66 completing the study. The survival analysis revealed that patients with a lower preoperative NLR experienced significantly faster wound healing compared with a high NLR (log rank test P< 0.05; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26–0.83). The optimal NLR cutoff values (4.25) were established to predict wound healing times for DFUs. The median NLR was significantly different before TTT surgery, 3 days after TTT surgery, and 1 month after TTT surgery (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The TTT technique significantly influences the perioperative NLR and is associated with improved wound healing in DFU patients. The perioperative NLR serves as an effective predictive biomarker for wound healing outcomes, highlighting the significance of interventions targeting NLR values in perioperative management strategies and postoperative monitoring protocols for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in clinical practice.
Association of triglyceride-glucose index, low and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality in generally Chinese elderly: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Su Donghai , An Zhantian , Chen Liyuan , Chen Xuejiao , Wu Wencan , Cui Yufang , Cheng Yulin , Shi Songhe
Published: October 2024

Background

The impact of baseline triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and abnormal low or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C or HDL-C) levels on all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TyG index and LDL-C or HDL-C and all-cause and CVD mortality.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from health examinations of 69,068 older adults aged ≥60 in Xinzheng City, Henan Province, China, between January 2013 and January 2023. Cox proportional risk regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the TyG index and LDL-C or HDL-C about all-cause and CVD mortality. Restricted cubic spline was used to assess the dose-response relationship.

Results

During 400,094 person-years of follow-up (median follow-up 5.8 years [interquartile range 3.0-9.12]), 13,664 deaths were recorded, of which 7,045 were due to CVD. Compared with participants in the second quartile of the TyG index, participants in the fourth quartile had a 16% increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.12,1.22), and an 8% increased risk of CVD mortality (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01,1.16). Similar results were observed in LDL-C and HDL-C, with all-cause and CVD mortality risks for participants in the fourth quartile compared with participants in the third quartile for LDL-C of (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02,1.12) and (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01,1.17), respectively. The risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in participants in the fourth quartile group compared with those in the second HDL-C quartile group was (HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05,1.16) and (HR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04,1.18), respectively. We found that the TyG index was nonlinearly associated with all-cause and CVD mortality (P non-linear <0.05), and LDL-C was nonlinearly associated with all-cause mortality (P non-linear <0.05) but linearly associated with CVD mortality (P non-linear >0.05). HDL-C, on the other hand, was in contrast to LDL-C, which showed a non-linear association with CVD mortality. We did not observe a significant interaction between TyG index and LDL-C or HDL-C (P >0.05).

Conclusion

TyG index and LDL-C or HDL-C increased the risk of all-cause and CVD mortality, especially a high TyG index combined with abnormal LDL-C.
Robust optimization bidding strategy for user-side resource-side participation in the market distribution of electrical energy and peaking ancillary services considering risk expectations and opportunity constraints
Authors: Wang Jiao , Hu Jinyan , Bai Zhichao , He Hao , Tang Mingxin
Published: October 2024

Compared to traditional resources, user-side resources are of various types and have more significant uncertainty about their regulatory capacity, leading to difficulties in coordinating decisions about their simultaneous participation in the electric energy and peaking ancillary services markets. This paper proposes a joint bidding decision-making method for the day-ahead electricity energy and peak shaving auxiliary service market based on distributed robust opportunity constraints, which addresses the problem of difficulty in using an accurate probability density distribution to represent the uncertainty process of user-side resources. Firstly, a data-driven method for characterizing the uncertainty of load regulation capacity is investigated, and fuzzy sets are constructed without assuming specific probability distributions of random variables. Then, to minimize the risk expectation of the joint bidding cost on the customer side, a bidding strategy that considers the uncertainty is proposed. Finally, an example simulation verifies the reasonableness and effectiveness of the proposed joint bidding method, and the results show that the constructed model overcomes the problem of over-conservatism of the robust model, and the computational adaptability is better than that of the stochastic model, which achieves a better balance between robustness and economy.
The dynamic relation between fertilization, precipitation and the diffusion of agricultural non-point pollution in Hainan Island
Authors: Wang Shuogen , Zhou Shudong
Published: October 2024

With the increasing demand for crops, the excessive application of fertilizers has gradually become a significant factor affecting water quality. Therefore, studying the relationship between agricultural fertilizer runoff and water quality is crucial for the sustainable development of agricultural production. The present study sets up a new dynamic model of nitrogen fertilizer loss, introducing variables such as precipitation, fertilization application during dry and rainy seasons, and their lagged and interaction terms. The paper analyzed the issue of fertilizer runoff under the complex interactions of various factors, including spatial and temporal scales and climatic conditions, and explored the relationship between agricultural activities and water quality changes in the context of sustainable development. Due to Hainan Island’s independent river system, which is free from transboundary pollution, and its low level of industrial pollution, it provides an excellent sample for assessing the impact of agricultural non-point source pollution on water quality. Based on watershed monitoring data from Hainan Island, this study draws the following conclusions: 1. Precipitation exhibits a pronounced seasonal influence on total nitrogen concentration. 2. Nitrogen fertilizer enters into water bodies through precipitation, resulting in a lag effect on total nitrogen concentration. 3. The influence of grain and tropical crops on nitrogen loss is less significant, while cash crops will trigger the nitrogen overloading of rivers in scenarios where they account for a high proportion of the planting structure of the sown area.
Biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Luhan , Wang Jun , Li Jiansheng , Yao Jiaheng , Zhao Hulei
Published: October 2024

Background

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) represents the most common extra-articular manifestation of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and is a major cause of mortality. This study aims to identify and evaluate biomarkers associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease (RA-ILD).

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for studies related to biomarkers of RA-ILD up until October 7, 2023. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and standards recommended by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) were used for quality assessment, and meta-analysis was conducted using Stata18.0 software.

Results

A total of 98 articles were assessed for quality, 48 of which were included in the meta-analysis. 83 studies were of high quality, and 15 were of moderate quality. The meta-analysis showed significant differences in biomarkers such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP) antibody, Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), Surfactant Protein D (SP-D), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 10 (CXCL-10), and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) between RA-ILD patients and RA patients. However, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio [Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR)], Cancer Antigen 125 [Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125)], and Cancer Antigen 153 [Cancer Antigen 153 (CA-153)] did not show significant differences between the two groups. KL-6, MMP-7, and Human Epididymis Protein 4 (HE4) are negatively correlated with lung function, and KL-6 is associated with the prognosis of RA-ILD.

Conclusions

Biomarkers hold promising clinical value for prediction, diagnosis, severity assessment, and prognosis evaluation in RA-ILD. However, these findings need to be validated through multicenter, large-sample, prospective cohort studies.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023448372.
Metabolic pathways fueling the suppressive activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells
Authors: Goldmann Oliver , Medina Eva
Published: October 2024

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are considered an aberrant population of immature myeloid cells that have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their potent immunosuppressive activity. These cells are typically absent or present in very low numbers in healthy individuals but become abundant under pathological conditions such as chronic infection, chronic inflammation and cancer. The immunosuppressive activity of MDSC helps to control excessive immune responses that might otherwise lead to tissue damage. This same immunosuppressive activity can be detrimental, particularly in cancer and chronic infection. In the cancer setting, tumors can secrete factors that promote the expansion and recruitment of MDSC, thereby creating a local environment that favors tumor progression by inhibiting the effective immune responses against cancer cells. This has made MDSC a target of interest in cancer therapy, with researchers exploring strategies to inhibit their function or reduce their numbers to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. In the context of chronic infections, MDSC can lead to persistent infections by suppressing protective immune responses thereby preventing the clearance of pathogens. Therefore, targeting MDSC may provide a novel approach to improve pathogen clearance during chronic infections. Ongoing research on MDSC aims to elucidate the exact processes behind their expansion, recruitment, activation and suppressive mechanisms. In this context, it is becoming increasingly clear that the metabolism of MDSC is closely linked to their immunosuppressive function. For example, MDSC exhibit high rates of glycolysis, which not only provides energy but also generates metabolites that facilitate their immunosuppressive activity. In addition, fatty acid metabolic pathways, such as fatty acid oxidation (FAO), have been implicated in the regulation of MDSC suppressive activity. Furthermore, amino acid metabolism, particularly arginine metabolism mediated by enzymes such as arginase-1, plays a critical role in MDSC-mediated immunosuppression. In this review, we discuss the metabolic signature of MDSC and highlight the therapeutic implications of targeting MDSC metabolism as a novel approach to modulate their immunosuppressive functions.
Understanding dental pulp inflammation: from signaling to structure
Authors: Pohl Sandra , Akamp Tobias , Smeda Martyna , Uderhardt Stefan , Besold David , Krastl Gabriel , Galler Kerstin M. , Buchalla Wolfgang , Widbiller Matthias
Published: October 2024

The pulp is a unique tissue within each tooth that is susceptible to painful inflammation, known as pulpitis, triggered by microbial invasion from carious lesions or trauma that affect many individuals. The host response involves complex immunological processes for pathogen defense and dentin apposition at the site of infection. The interplay of signaling between the immune and non-immune cells via cytokines, chemokines, neuropeptides, proteases, and reactive nitrogen and oxygen species leads to tissue reactions and structural changes in the pulp that escalate beyond a certain threshold to irreversible tissue damage. If left untreated, the inflammation, which is initially localized, can progress to pulpal necrosis, requiring root canal treatment and adversely affecting the prognosis of the tooth. To preserve pulp vitality and dental health, a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of pulpitis is imperative. In particular, elucidating the links between signaling pathways, clinical symptoms, and spatiotemporal spread is essential to develop novel therapeutic strategies and push the boundaries of vital pulp therapy.
Environmental legislation analysis improvement approach of global marine plastic pollution from the perspective of holistic system view
Authors: Xu Shuqing
Published: October 2024

Marine plastic pollution (MPP) has posed an unavoidable challenge to the conservation of marine ecosystems, escalating at an unprecedented rate. It extends beyond visible pollution, infiltrating the food chain and microcirculation, ultimately affecting the life and health of marine organisms. Of even greater concern is the fact that MPP has been found to penetrate human bloodstreams. The international community increasingly focuses on MPP, and has formulated a series of laws and regulations. This article analyses marine pollution prevention legislation within the context of international environmental resolutions and conventions, including those established by the United Nations, the European Union law and the domestic legislation of sovereign states. It is evident that the current legislation has played a pivotal role in the preventing MPP. However, global legislation on preventing MPP remains fragmented. The problems existing in the current legislation should be reviewed from the holistic systems perspective, and the integrity and systematicness of new plastics convention should be demonstrated. The proposed Marine Plastics Convention should emphasize environmental justice, protect the rights of vulnerable populations, lower the threshold for risk prevention, and focus on addressing residual risks. It must include clear provisions for regulating hydrosphere plastic pollution (HPP) to mitigate land-based pollution and scientifically define fundamental legal concepts to foster coordinated action among States. Moreover, the convention should establish standardized monitoring methodologies and assessment criteria to ensure accurate evaluation of the pollution status.
Ketogenic diet in clinical populations—a narrative review
Authors: Zemer Alon , Samaei Shabnam , Yoel Uri , Biderman Aya , Pincu Yair
Published: October 2024

Ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate (CHO) diet, designed to induce a metabolic state of ketosis in which the body metabolizes primarily lipids for energy production. Various forms of KD are being promoted as promising treatments for numerous health conditions from chronic headaches to weight-loss and even different forms of cancer and are becoming increasingly more popular. KD appears to be an efficacious approach for weight-loss, and maintenance, improved glycemia, cognitive function and cancer prognosis. However, there is a controversy regarding the safety of KD, and the potential health risks that might be associated with long-term exposure to KD. There is a gap between the acceptance and utilization of KD in individuals with health conditions and the criticism and negative attitudes toward KD by some clinicians. Many individuals choose to follow KD and are encouraged by the positive results they experience. Although the medical establishment does not endorse KD as a first line of treatment, clinicians need to be informed about KD, and offer support and medical supervision for patients who self-select to follow KD. This can ensure that within the boundaries of KD, patients will make good and healthy dietary choices and prevent clinical disengagement in extreme cases. To that end, there is an urgent need for good quality research to address the issues of long-term safety of KD in different clinical populations and for standardization of KD both in research and in the clinic.
Effects of tree species identity on soil microbial communities in Juglans nigra and Quercus rubra plantations
Authors: Frene Juan P. , Lawson Shaneka S. , Lue Sue Niall D. , Crawford Ralph H. , Gardner Terrence G.
Published: October 2024

Understanding how different tree species affect soil microbial communities is crucial for sustainable forestry and ecosystem management practices. Despite Black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) forestry having a rich history, the overall comprehension of how this hardwood species influences soil remains incomplete. In earlier studies, we examined the effects of hardwood plantations on soil chemical properties and their interaction with microbial biomass, however, we highlight the importance of studying the soil microbial communities and their relationship with soil properties in greater depth. Building on this foundation, our research focused on evaluating microbiome compositions beneath J. nigra and another hardwood, Northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) after a decade of establishment. We uncovered intriguing patterns within the soil bacterial/archaeal and fungal structures by conducting meticulous analyses utilizing amplicon sequencing alongside soil chemical properties. Our findings underscore that tree species play a pivotal role in shaping soil microbial structures, a role that surpasses even seasonal and depth influences. Most notably, J. nigra stands out for its ability to enhance microbial diversity, as evidenced by increased alpha-diversity indices compared to baseline values. Conversely, Q. rubra tends to decrease these indices. Significant disparities in microbial composition between the two tree species were evident, with J. nigra exhibiting enrichment in certain taxa such as Nitrospira, Geobacter, and Bacillus while Q. rubra showed enrichment in others like Acidobacteriota and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Furthermore, we also observed differences in co-occurrence networks by delving deeper into the interconnections within the soil microbiota. In both fungal and bacterial/archaeal communities, J. nigra and Q. rubra notably decreased the number of connections within their networks, while Q. rubra increased some, suggesting a more interconnected network. These differences were further highlighted by network metrics with Q. rubra displaying a higher mean degree and clustering coefficient. Additionally, our analysis revealed that tree species influence soil chemical properties, either directly or indirectly, thereby affecting soil bacterial and fungal communities. In conclusion, our study elucidates the intricate interplay between tree species and soil microbiota, emphasizing the need to consider these relationships in forestry and ecosystem management practices.