Search Results (129,380)

Background and Objective: Limited access to health services and low educational levels are factors in the rural population that are associated with the development of oral pathologies. However, the specific risk indicators contributing to erosive tooth wear (ETW) in these populations remain unclear. The objective of this study was to identify risk indicators associated with the prevalence of erosive tooth wear (ETW) in schoolchildren aged 8–12 years from rural and urban areas in the State of Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in public schools in rural and urban areas. The prevalence of ETW was evaluated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE). The risk indicators studied were gastroesophageal reflux, vomiting, vitamin C, food, beverages, dental hygiene, bruxism, and hyposalivation. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: The prevalence of ETW was higher in the rural area (77.3%) compared to the urban area (51.2%) (p = 0.001). The odds of presenting ETW were more than twice in schoolchildren from rural areas compared to those from urban areas (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.11–3.98). Risk indicators varied between rural and urban populations, with different factors such as the consumption of fresh tomato sauce, orange, tangerine, atole (artisanal corn-based drink), and teeth grinding in the rural area, and lemon, soft drink, fruit juice consumption, and the simplified oral hygiene index in the urban area (p < 0.05). Conclusions: To prevent ETW, strategies offering tailored dietary and hygiene advice should be proposed, considering the specific conditions of each geographic area. Full article

(1) Background: Fibrotic contracture of the canine infraspinatus muscle (FCIM) is considered an uncommon musculotendinous condition mainly affecting hunting dogs. After an acute onset of a painful non-weight-bearing lameness over a period of one to four weeks, a characteristic circumducted gait is developed in the affected thoracic limb. (2) Methods: Eight client-owned dogs of varying breeds, both sexes, aged 4–9 years old, and weighing 14–26 kg participated in the study. The duration of lameness prior to their first consultation ranged from 10 to 450 days. All participants were thoroughly examined clinically, orthopedically, and radiographically. (3) Results: The dogs underwent infraspinatus tenotomy, resulting in improved limb function. In three cases, a teres minor muscle contracture was revealed intraoperatively and resolved via a tenotomy at its insertion. The findings showed that 15 days post-operation, all dogs returned to full activity. The results obtained confirm and reinforce the literature data around FCIM and describe the first recorded condition of the simultaneous contracture of the infraspinatus and teres minor muscles. (4) Conclusions: In every case of shoulder lameness, contractures of all shoulder muscles should be included in the differential diagnosis and patients should be assessed for concurrent contractures even if infraspinatus contracture is identified. Full article

Tai Chi (TC) practice has been shown to improve both cognitive and physical function in older adults. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the benefits of TC remain unclear. Our primary aims are to explore whether distinct age-related and TC-practice-related relationships can be identified with respect to either temporal or spatial (within/between-network connectivity) differences. This cross-sectional study examined recurrent neural network dynamics, employing an adaptive, data-driven thresholding approach to source-localized resting-state EEG data in order to identify meaningful connections across time-varying graphs, using both temporal and spatial features derived from a hidden Markov model (HMM). Mann–Whitney U tests assessed between-group differences in temporal and spatial features by age and TC practice using either healthy younger adult controls (YACs, n = 15), healthy older adult controls (OACs, n = 15), or Tai Chi older adult practitioners (TCOAs, n = 15). Our results showed that aging is associated with decreased within-network and between-network functional connectivity (FC) across most brain networks. Conversely, TC practice appears to mitigate these age-related declines, showing increased FC within and between networks in older adults who practice TC compared to non-practicing older adults. These findings suggest that TC practice may abate age-related declines in neural network efficiency and stability, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for promoting healthy brain aging. This study furthers the triple-network model, showing that a balancing and reorientation of attention might be engaged not only through higher-order and top-down mechanisms (i.e., FPN/DAN) but also via the coupling of bottom-up, sensory–motor (i.e., SMN/VIN) networks. Full article

With an estimated 32,000 annual fatalities, fishing vessel accidents are 100-fold deadlier than those involving merchant ships. Despite ongoing safety training, accident rates remain high. Since most fishing vessel accidents occur in small fishing vessels (<12 m) and are primarily attributable to human elements, this study focuses on small fishing vessel accidents where the human element is the primary cause, exploring preventive measures for major accident types and performing a type-specific risk assessment. First, we performed a quantitative analysis of frequently occurring accidents and the indirect factors influencing the human element using maritime accident statistics and surveys, respectively. Next, we employed the fault tree analysis technique proposed by the International Maritime Organization in its Formal Safety Assessment to quantitatively assess the rate of accidents caused by the human element attributable to various indirect factors. The primary indirect factors most significantly impacting the human element were ship factors (22.8%), people factors (18.9%), and organization on board (17.4%). Secondary factors included personal negligence (14.1%), aging equipment and poor maintenance (10.3%), and harsh natural conditions such as rough waves (9.6%). Eliminating the top three secondary indirect factors reduced accidents due to the human element by 15.4% (64.5−49.1%). Full article

Palladium (Pd) and its alloys, renowned for their good corrosion resistance, catalytic efficiency, and hydrogen affinity, find extensive use in various industrial applications. However, the susceptibility of pure Pd to hydrogen embrittlement necessitates alloying strategies such as Pd-Ag systems. This study investigates the impact of the ordering on the phase stability and elastic properties of Pd-Ag alloys through first-principles calculations. We explore a series of ordered phase structures alongside random solid solutions using Special Quasirandom Structures (SQSs), evaluating their thermodynamic stability and elastic properties. Our findings indicate the possible existence of stable ordered L1₂ Pd₃Ag and PdAg₃ and L1₁ PdAg phases, which are thought to exist only in Cu-Pt alloys. An analysis of the elastic constants and anisotropy indices underscores some pronounced directional dependencies in the mechanical responses between the random solid-solution and ordered phases. This suggests that the ordered phases not only are thermodynamically and mechanically more stable than solid-solution phases, but also display a decrease in anisotropy indices. The results provide a deeper understanding of the atomic behavior of Pd-Ag alloys, and shed light on the design of multiphase Pd-Ag alloys to improve their mechanical properties. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a common immune-mediated inflammatory disorder affecting the oral mucosa, impacting 0.5% to 2% of the global population, primarily middle-aged women. Immunological dysregulation is a key factor in OLP’s pathogenesis, involving CD4+ T helper and CD8+ T cytotoxic cells. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies OLP as a potentially malignant disorder, with a risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) developing in up to 2% of lesions. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic strategies for OLP, informing clinical practice and guiding future research. Methods: A review of the literature from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted up to December 2023, focusing on studies addressing the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of OLP. Results: OLP’s pathogenesis is driven by immune dysregulation, with CD4+ and CD8+ cells playing crucial roles. Clinically, OLP presents as reticular, erosive, bullous, and plaque-like lesions. Diagnosis relies on clinical examination, histopathology, and direct immunofluorescence. Recent advancements in diagnostic markers and imaging techniques have improved detection and monitoring. Treatment primarily involves corticosteroids, but novel therapies such as curcumin, retinoids, and laser therapy are increasingly used for their effectiveness and reduced side effects. These treatments show promise in symptom reduction and recurrence prevention, although long-term data are needed. Conclusions: Regular screenings and biopsies are essential due to OLP’s likelihood of malignant transformation. This study urges further investigation into long-term results, improved diagnostic techniques, and evidence-based treatment regimens. Full article

Background: Globally, dietary patterns are shifting toward an increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, raising the risk of some metabolic and nutritional diseases from a young age. This trend is now also affecting low- and middle-income countries. Considering this, we aimed to assess the contribution of ultra-processed foods to total energy intake and their association with the nutritional intake of children and adolescents in Cantagalo, São Tomé and Príncipe. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with a sample of 546 households. Data were collected on anthropometrics, sociodemographic characteristics, and lifestyle, including 24 h food recall questionnaires for children and adolescents. The reported foods were nutritionally assessed and categorized according to the NOVA classification to estimate the contribution of ultra-processed foods. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the magnitude of the associations between higher consumption of ultra-processed foods and nutritional intake, adjusting for confounders. Results: The contribution of ultra-processed foods to daily energy intake was 9.5% for girls and 8.5% for boys. Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was significantly associated with a lower intake of fiber (OR = 0.932; 95%CI, 0.872–0.996), vitamin B12 (OR = 0.812; 95%CI, 0.668–0.985), and zinc (OR = 0.443; 95%CI, 0.308–0.639) and a higher intake of iron (OR = 1.479; 95%CI, 1.065–2.055) and sodium (OR = 1.001; 95%CI, 1.000–1.001), after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was especially associated with a lower intake of fiber, vitamin B12, and zinc, and with a higher intake of iron. Full article

Subclinical left ventricular disfunction (LVD) is common in asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to define long-term structural and functional disorders of the left ventricle (LV) myocardium over a 7-year follow-up in patients with T2D without cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Of the 120 patients with and without T2D of both sexes aged from 45 to 75 years (57.11 ± 7.9 years), included in the study in 2012–2013, 57 responded to the follow-up study. They were divided into two groups: one with T2D (n = 29), the other without it, the control (n = 28). All patients underwent transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography with an assessment of standard indicators of systolic and diastolic cardiac function, global longitudinal strain (GLS), laboratory diagnostics of carbohydrate metabolism disorders markers, NT-proBNP, and CRP. The median follow-up duration was 7.2 [7.0–7.8] years. During the follow-up, a statistically significant increase in the incidence of diastolic dysfunction (DD) from 53% to 61% (p = 0.004) was found in the T2D group; no significant dynamics were noted in the control group (p = 0.48). The proportion of patients with reduced GLS (<−18%) increased in the T2D group (p = 0.036). A significant difference in the frequency of decreased GLS depending on presence of T2D was demonstrated. In conclusion, T2D is an independent risk factor for the worsening of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with T2D without CVD over 7-year follow-up. Full article

Patients with immunodeficiencies and older age are at an increased risk of anal cancer. Transgenic K14E6/E7 mice with established high-grade anal dysplasia were treated topically at the anus with the protease inhibitor saquinavir (SQV) in the setting of CD4+ T-cell depletion to mimic immunodeficiency. To ensure tumor development, specific groups were treated with a topical carcinogen (7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)). The treatment groups included the vehicle (control), DMBA only, topical SQV, and topical SQV with DMBA, as well as the same four groups with CD4 depletion. The mice were monitored weekly for tumor development. Upon reaching 20 weeks of treatment, the mice were sacrificed, and their anal tissue was harvested for histological analysis. None of the mice in the SQV or control groups developed overt anal tumors, except three mice that were CD4-depleted. The CD4-depleted mice treated with DMBA had significantly increased tumor-free survival and overall survival as well as decreased tumor-volume growth over time when treated with SQV. These data suggest that topical SQV, in the setting of CD4 depletion and high-grade anal dysplasia, can increase tumor-free and overall survival; thus, it may represent a viable topical therapy to decrease the risk of progression of anal dysplasia to anal cancer. Full article

Skin aging is characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, principal players in triggering events associated with aging. Our recent data on the ability of an innovative poly-component formulation (KARISMA Rh Collagen^® FACE: K formulation) to suppress the biomolecular events associated with oxidative stress-induced aging prompted us to deepen the mechanisms underlying the observed effects on aged human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Here, we evaluated K’s ability to perform a direct free radical-scavenging action and modulate anti-oxidant systems by counteracting the inflammatory process in an H₂O₂-induced cellular senescence model. Standard methods were used to measure scavenging capacity and enzymatic anti-oxidant system activities. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) levels were analyzed by Western blot. We assessed pro-inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Our results show that K counteracted stress-induced aging in a dose-dependent manner by exerting a direct scavenging action and increasing anti-oxidant systems, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) up to control values. These findings could be associated with increased phospho-Nrf2 (p-Nrf2) expression, generally reduced in aged HDFs following exposure to different concentrations of K formulation. Moreover, K formulation caused a reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β and -6, MMP-1 and -9, and AGE levels, events related to a downregulation of p-NF-κB level. The results indicate that K formulation re-established the normal physiology of HDFs by reducing p-NF-κB expression and restoring Nrf2 activation, thus supporting its efficacious reparative and regenerative action in treating skin aging. Full article

Background: Thirty years ago, the first attempt by Saliba and colleagues was made to reduce the negative effects (hypercarbia) of exogenous surfactant (ES) by slowing its administration. Sixteen years later, we observed the first less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) attempt by Kribs and colleagues. Many studies, since that time, have tried to minimize the invasiveness of ES and subsequent cerebral blood flow perturbations through studies using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). We sought to address this medical challenge by identifying a less problematic modality of ES administration by delivering multiple aliquots of ES instead of a single one, as typically performed. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that a different way of administering ES using more aliquots could be a safe alternative that should be assessed in further studies. Methods: Patients between 26 + 0 and 35 + 6 weeks of gestational age (GA) requiring ES administration were enrolled (April 2023–February 2024). Differently fractioned doses were delivered according to an arbitrary standard dosage (0.3 mL per aliquot in babies < 29 weeks; 0.6 mL in babies ≥ 29 weeks), while NIRS and transcutaneous CO₂ (tCO₂) monitoring were always performed. ES’s effectiveness was assessed based on the reduction in the Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) after administration. Persistent desaturation, bradycardia, and airway obstruction were defined as adverse effects and used to evaluate safety during ES administration, as well as variability in NIRS-rSO₂ values and tCO₂. Results: Twenty-four patients were enrolled with a median GA of 29 weeks (IQR 4.5) and BW of 1223 ± 560 g. In addition, 50% of the cohort received fewer than three aliquots, whereas the other 50% received more than three. Monitoring was started before the procedure and continued 30′ after the last ES aliquot administration. The variability in NIRS-SpO₂ values was significantly higher in the group (p = 0.007) with a lower number of aliquots administered. Similarly, increased NIRS-rSO₂ values (p = 0.003) and increased tCO₂ levels (p = 0.005) were observed in infants who underwent an ES split after the administration of a low number of aliquots. Conclusions: Our data obtained from the group with > 3 fractionated doses of ES seem to justify the preparation of a more robust study, as the combination of reduced NIRS variability and reduced tCO₂ maximum levels is consistent with more stable cerebral blood flow during the challenging time of ES administration. Full article

The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the use of the IMACTIS^® CT-Navigation™-electromagnetic navigation system (EMNS) in cryoablation CT-guided procedures under local anesthesia for the treatment of upper kidney pole and adrenal lesions. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with upper kidney pole lesions and adrenal metastases who underwent cryoablation using the IMACTIS-CT^®-EMNS between January 2019 and April 2023. The EMNS was used to guide the placement of the cryoprobes with CT guidance under local anesthesia. The primary outcome was technical success, defined as the successful placement of the cryoprobes in the target lesion. A total of 31 patients were studied, of whom, 25 patients were treated with cryoablation for upper pole kidney masses, and 6 patients underwent the cryoablation of adrenal metastases during the study period. The mean age was 60 years (range, 36–82 years), and 21 patients were male. All the upper kidney pole lesions were renal cell carcinomas, and regarding adrenal metastases, the primary cancer sites were the lungs (n = 3), breast (n = 2), and the colon (n = 1). The median size of the lesions was 3,8 cm (range, 1.5–5 cm). All procedures were technically successful, with the cryoprobes accurately placed in the target lesions under CT guidance using the EMNS, avoiding the penetration of any other organs using an oblique trajectory. No major complications were reported, and local tumor control was achieved in all cases. Our initial experience using the EMNS for cryoprobe placement during CT-guided interventional procedures under local anesthesia for the cryoablation treatment of upper pole kidney lesions and adrenal metastases showed that it is safe and effective. Full article

The disruption of hematopoietic and immune functions is a significant consequence of the long-term effects of radiation exposure. This study investigated the potential mechanisms by which ferulic acid (FA) acts as a radioprotective agent in mitigating radiation-induced immune damage. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to a dose of 6.0 Gy of ⁶⁰Co γ irradiation. FA was administered at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/d for 7 days before and 30 days following irradiation. We evaluated changes in peripheral blood cells, T and B lymphocytes, natural killer cells in the spleen, and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in the bone marrow (BM). Whole-genome transcriptome sequencing of BM was performed to explore potential mechanisms. FA administration resulted in a significant reduction in malonaldehyde levels (p < 0.0001), an increase in catalase and beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels in serum (p < 0.05), and enhanced multipotent progenitors (p < 0.01) and common lymphoid progenitors (p < 0.05) in the BM. Additionally, there was an elevation in white blood cell levels, red blood cell levels, and hemoglobin levels in peripheral blood (p < 0.01). Transcriptome analysis indicated that FA reversed the radiation-induced expression of genes related to immunity and inflammation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay experiments further demonstrated that FA reduced interleukin-6 levels in the BM and decreased JAK1, JAK2, and STAT3 protein content (p < 0.01). In conclusion, FA might mitigate hematopoietic and immune damage by modulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Full article

Background: Exercise and dietary interventions are essential for maintaining weight and reducing fat accumulation. With the growing popularity of various dietary strategies, evidence suggests that combining exercise with dietary interventions offers greater benefits than either approach alone. Consequently, this combined strategy has become a preferred method for many individuals aiming to maintain health. Calorie restriction, 5/2 intermittent fasting, time-restricted feeding, and the ketogenic diet are among the most popular dietary interventions today. Aerobic exercise, resistance training, and mixed exercise are the most widely practiced forms of physical activity. Exploring the best combinations of these approaches to determine which yields the most effective results is both meaningful and valuable. Despite this trend, a comparative analysis of the effects of different exercise and diet combinations is lacking. This study uses network meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of various combined interventions on body composition and to compare their efficacy. Methods: We systematically reviewed literature from database inception through May 2024, searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The study was registered in PROSPERO under the title: “Effects of Exercise Combined with Different Dietary Interventions on Body Composition: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis” (identifier: CRD42024542184). Studies were meticulously selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria (The included studies must be randomized controlled trials involving healthy adults aged 18 to 65 years. Articles were rigorously screened according to the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria.), and their risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data were aggregated and analyzed using network meta-analysis, with intervention efficacy ranked by Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) curves. Results: The network meta-analysis included 78 randomized controlled trials with 5219 participants, comparing the effects of four combined interventions: exercise with calorie restriction (CR+EX), exercise with time-restricted eating (TRF+EX), exercise with 5/2 intermittent fasting (5/2F+EX), and exercise with a ketogenic diet (KD+EX) on body composition. Intervention efficacy ranking was as follows: (1) Weight Reduction: CR+EX > KD+EX > TRF+EX > 5/2F+EX (Relative to CR+EX, the effect sizes of 5/2F+EX, TRF+EX and KD+EX are 2.94 (−3.64, 9.52); 2.37 (−0.40, 5.15); 1.80 (−1.75, 5.34)). (2) BMI: CR+EX > KD+EX > 5/2F+EX > TRF+EX (Relative to CR+EX, the effect sizes of 5/2F+EX, TRF+EX and KD+EX are 1.95 (−0.49, 4.39); 2.20 (1.08, 3.32); 1.23 (−0.26, 2.71)). (3) Body Fat Percentage: CR+EX > 5/2F+EX > TRF+EX > KD+EX (Relative to CR+EX, the effect sizes of 5/2F+EX, TRF+EX and KD+EX are 2.66 (−1.56, 6.89); 2.84 (0.56, 5.13); 3.14 (0.52, 5.75).). (4) Lean Body Mass in Male: CR+EX > TRF+EX > KD+EX (Relative to CR+EX, the effect sizes of TRF+EX and KD+EX are −1.60 (−6.98, 3.78); −2.76 (−7.93, 2.40)). (5) Lean Body Mass in Female: TRF+EX > CR+EX > 5/2F+EX > KD+EX (Relative to TRF+EX, the effect sizes of CR+EX, 5/2F+EX and KD+EX are −0.52 (−2.58, 1.55); −1.83 (−4.71, 1.04); −2.46 (−5.69,0.76).). Conclusion: Calorie restriction combined with exercise emerged as the most effective strategy for reducing weight and fat percentage while maintaining lean body mass. For women, combining exercise with time-restricted eating proved optimal for preserving muscle mass. While combining exercise with a ketogenic diet effectively reduces weight, it is comparatively less effective at decreasing fat percentage and preserving lean body mass. Hence, the ketogenic diet combined with exercise is considered suboptimal. Full article

Dental practitioners, as part of their work, are exposed to a variety of hazards. This highlights the ongoing need for attention to occupational health in the dental field. A cross-sectional study was organised to investigate the range, prevalence, and associated factors for occupational health problems related to dental practice among Cambodian dentists. Participants underwent a face-to-face interview to explore dentists work-related health problems; 106 Cambodian dentists participated in this study, of which 68.9% were male. Ages ranged from 29 to 71 years, averaging 36.1 years, with the majority (77.4%) in the 29–40 age group. They had 5 to 18 years of practice experience, and worked an average of 52.2 h per week. Commonly reported health issues included back pain (88.7%), headaches (81.1%), shoulder pain (78.3%), arm/hand pain (57.5%), and eye problems (48.1%). Additionally, 38.7% of participants felt stressed and 19.8% depressed. Some reported suicidal thoughts and taking medication for depression. Despite these challenges, 91.5% enjoyed practicing dentistry. These findings highlight the need for interventions and strategies to address the physical and mental well-being of Cambodian dentists. By addressing these issues, steps can be taken to enhance the working conditions and professional satisfaction of dental professionals, ultimately benefiting both the practitioners and their patients. Full article