Search Results (10,954)

Introduction: Due to the large amount of scientific evidence on the subject and the limitations and incongruities in previous reviews, the primary aim of this umbrella review is to gather all the information regarding the importance of vitamin D levels in the osseointegration of dental implants. Methods: The literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, and Academic Search Complete throughout the search expression [“vitamin D” AND (“dental implant” OR “dental implants”)]. Results: The initial search yielded 351 results, but at the end of the process, only five systematic reviews were selected. Conclusions: Vitamin D seems to have a positive effect on the osseointegration of dental implants and on the reduction of dental implant failures; however, it is recommended that future studies take into account the limitations mentioned in this study in order to increase the validity and quality of scientific evidence on the subject. Full article

Background/Objectives: This nationwide population-based study investigated the overall survival (OS) of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer (mPC) receiving first-line chemotherapy. Methods: Data from the National Health Insurance Service linked to the Korea Central Cancer Registry were used. Patients with mPC receiving first-line chemotherapy (2012–2019) were included and followed up until 2020. The gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP) and FOLFIRINOX groups were matched according to age, sex, and comorbidities. Results: In total, 8652 patients with mPC were treated with chemotherapy. GnP and FOLFIRINOX have been administered since 2016 and 2017, respectively. The median OS increased annually from 6 months in 2012–2013 to 10 months in 2018–2019. The median OSs in the GnP and FOLFIRINOX groups were significantly longer than those in patients receiving gemcitabine ± erlotinib. A total of 1134 patients from both the GnP and FOLFIRINOX groups were selected using propensity score matching. Before matching, the median OS was longer in the FOLFIRINOX group than in the GnP group (p = 0.0029). After matching, however, there was no significant difference in the median OS between the two groups (11 vs. 11 months, respectively, p = 0.2438). Conclusions: Patients with mPC receiving chemotherapy have shown improved OS since the introduction of GnP and FOLFIRINOX. After matching, OS did not differ between the GnP and FOLFIRINOX groups. Full article

Dew point pressure (DPP) emerges as a pivotal factor crucial for forecasting reservoir dynamics regarding condensate-to-gas ratio and addressing production/completion hurdles, alongside calibrating EOS models for integrated simulation. However, DPP presents challenges in terms of predictability. Acknowledging these complexities, we introduce a state-of-the-art approach for DPP estimation utilizing advanced machine learning (ML) techniques. Our methodology is juxtaposed against published empirical correlation-based methods on two datasets with limited sizes and diverse inputs. With superior performance over correlation-based estimators, our ML approach demonstrates adaptability and resilience even with restricted training datasets, spanning various fluid classifications. We acquired condensate PVT data from publicly available sources and GeoMark RFDBASE, encompassing dew point pressure (the target variable), as well as compositional data (mole percentages of each component), temperature, molecular weight (MW), and specific gravity (SG) of heptane plus, which served as input variables. Before initiating the study, thorough assessments of measurement quality and results using statistical methods were conducted leveraging domain expertise. Subsequently, advanced ML techniques were employed to train predictive models with cross-validation to mitigate overfitting to the limited datasets. Our models were juxtaposed against the foremost published DDP estimators utilizing empirical correlation-based methods, with correlation-based estimators also trained on the underlying datasets for equitable comparison. To improve outcomes, pseudo-critical properties and artificial proxy features were utilized, leveraging generalized input data. Full article

Reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) below recommended thresholds is a core component of cardiovascular prevention strategies. We hypothesized that the addition of bempedoic acid to patients already on statin–ezetimibe therapy was more effective than titrating the statin dose in reducing LDL-C. The study enrolled 120 patients at high cardiovascular risk and with LDL-C above 70 mg/dL. They were randomly divided into two groups: the bempedoic acid (BA) group, taking bempedoic acid in addition to statin plus ezitimibe, and the statin titration (ST) group, including patients who doubled the dose of statin. At 12 weeks, the BA group presented a more significant decrease in LDL-C compared to the ST group (−22.9% vs. 7.5% p 0.002). The total cholesterol decreased significantly in the BA group compared to ST (−14.8% vs.−4.7%; p 0.013) No significant between-group changes in HDL and triglycerides occurred. At 12 weeks, the number of patients who reached LDL-C lower than 70 mg/dL was 38 (63%) in the BA group versus 22 (37%) in the ST group (between groups, p 0.034). In the BA group, the LDL-lowering effect of bempedoic acid was similar between patients taking atorvastatin and rosuvastatin. No side effects occurred during the follow up period. In conclusion, the addition of bempedoic acid to statin–ezetimibe combined treatment was more effective than doubling the dose of statin in reducing LDL-C levels and increased the number of patients reaching the LDL-C goal. Full article

To assess the impact of adverse event (AE) severity, caused by targeted therapy, on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a total of 183 patients with HCC treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (40), lenvatinib (57), sorafenib (79), cabozantinib (3), ramucirumab (3), and regorafenib (1) were included in this study. Age-, AFP-, and ALBI score-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of AE grades 1 to 3 versus grade 0 for OS and PFS were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. The linear trend of the HRs was assessed by calculating the p values for this trend. The most common AEs were appetite loss (AE grade 0/1/2/3 = 97/23/55/12), general fatigue (102/31/44/6), hypertension (120/6/40/17), hand-foot syndrome (HFS) (135/21/24/3), proteinuria (140/13/16/14), and hypothyroidism (148/12/23/0). The adjusted HRs for OS of these AEs were 0.532–1.450–2.361 (p for trend 0.037), 1.057–1.691–3.364 (p for trend 0.004), 1.176–0.686–0.281 (p for trend 0.002), 0.639–0.759–1.820 (p for trend 0.462), 1.030–0.959–0.147 (p for trend 0.011), and 0.697–0.609 (p for trend 0.119), respectively. Those for PFS of the corresponding AEs were 0.592–1.073–2.811 (p for trend 0.255), 1.161–1.282–4.324 (p for trend 0.03), 0.965–0.781–0.655 (p for trend 0.095), 0.737–0.623–2.147 (p for trend 0.153), 1.061–0.832–0.800 (p for trend 0.391), and 1.412–0.560 (p for trend 0.081), respectively. Appetite loss and general fatigue negatively affected clinical outcomes, whereas hypertension, HFS, proteinuria, and hypothyroidism had positive effects. Full article

In allergen-specific immunotherapy, adjuvants are explored for modulating allergen-specific Th2 immune responses to re-establish clinical tolerance. One promising class of adjuvants are β-glucans, which are naturally derived sugar structures and components of dietary fibers that activate C-type lectin (CLR)-, “Toll”-like receptors (TLRs), and complement receptors (CRs). We characterized the immune-modulating properties of six commercially available β-glucans, using immunological (receptor activation, cytokine secretion, and T cell modulating potential) as well as metabolic parameters (metabolic state) in mouse bone marrow-derived myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs). All tested β-glucans activated the CLR Dectin-1a, whereas TLR2 was predominantly activated by Zymosan. Further, the tested β-glucans differentially induced mDC-derived cytokine secretion and activation of mDC metabolism. Subsequent analyses focusing on Zymosan, Zymosan depleted, β-1,3 glucan, and β-1,3 1,6 glucan revealed robust mDC activation with the upregulation of the cluster of differentiation 40 (CD40), CD80, CD86, and MHCII to different extents. β-glucan-induced cytokine secretion was shown to be, in part, dependent on the activation of the intracellular Dectin-1 adapter molecule Syk. In co-cultures of mDCs with Th2-biased CD4⁺ T cells isolated from birch allergen Bet v 1 plus aluminum hydroxide (Alum)-sensitized mice, these four β-glucans suppressed allergen-induced IL-5 secretion, while only Zymosan and β-1,3 glucan significantly suppressed allergen-induced interferon gamma (IFNγ) secretion, suggesting the tested β-glucans to have distinct effects on mDC T cell priming capacity. Our experiments indicate that β-glucans have distinct immune-modulating properties, making them interesting adjuvants for future allergy treatment. Full article

In the field of wound care, the prescription of antibiotics and antimicrobials is haphazard and irrational, which has led to unchecked overprescribing. Recent Joint Commission guidelines mandate that hospital outpatient clinics develop and implement antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Yet few ASPs exist in wound clinics across the United States (US). Understanding baseline prescribing practices and rates in the US is a critical first step toward rational antimicrobial use and effective ASPs. This prospective study was conducted across eight outpatient wound clinics from January–December 2022. Data from consecutive patients attending single-time-point initial visits were recorded, including clinical findings, antimicrobial prescribing trends, and sampling practices. A total of 1438 wounds were included; 964 were assessed by clinical examination (standard of care, SoC), and 474 by clinical examination plus fluorescence imaging. SoC patients were prescribed more concurrent medications on average than fluorescence patients (1.4 vs. 1 per patient). Prescriptions were preferentially topical in the fluorescence group (92% vs. 64%, p > 0.0001), and systemic antibiotics represented 36% of the single items prescribed under SoC (vs. 8% in fluorescence group p < 0.0001). Fluorescence imaging provided objective and actionable information at the bedside, which led to a decrease in the use of antibiotics. Real-time diagnostic technologies are essential in establishing a meaningful ASP. Full article

With rising global obesity rates, the demand for effective dietary strategies for obesity management has intensified. This study evaluated the potential of kimchi with various probiotics and bioactive compounds as a dietary intervention for high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in rats. Through a comprehensive analysis incorporating global and targeted metabolomics, gut microbiota profiling, and biochemical markers, we investigated the effects of the 12-week kimchi intake on HFD-induced obesity. Kimchi intake modestly mitigated HFD-induced weight gain and remarkably altered gut microbiota composition, steroid hormones, bile acids, and metabolic profiles, but did not reduce adipose tissue accumulation. It also caused significant shifts in metabolomic pathways, including steroid hormone metabolism, and we found substantial interactions between dietary interventions and gut microbiota composition. Although more research is required to fully understand the anti-obesity effects of kimchi, our findings support the beneficial role of kimchi in managing obesity and related metabolic disorders. Full article

Exploring the dynamic response of land use and ecological vulnerability (EV) to future climate change and human ecological restoration policies is crucial for optimizing regional ecosystem services and formulating sustainable socioeconomic development strategies. This study comprehensively assesses future land use changes and EV in the Yellow River Basin (YRB), a climate-sensitive and ecologically fragile area, by integrating climate change, land management, and ecological protection policies under various scenarios. To achieve this, we developed an EV assessment framework combining a scenario weight matrix, Markov chain, Patch-generating Land Use Simulation model, and exposure–sensitivity–adaptation. We further explored the spatiotemporal variations of EV and their potential socioeconomic impacts at the watershed scale. Our results show significant geospatial variations in future EV under the three scenarios, with the northern region of the upstream area being the most severely affected. Under the ecological conservation management scenario and historical trend scenario, the ecological environment of the basin improves, with a decrease in very high vulnerability areas by 4.45% and 3.08%, respectively, due to the protection and restoration of ecological land. Conversely, under the urban development and construction scenario, intensified climate change and increased land use artificialization exacerbate EV, with medium and high vulnerability areas increasing by 1.86% and 7.78%, respectively. The population in high and very high vulnerability areas is projected to constitute 32.75–33.68% and 34.59–39.21% of the YRB’s total population in 2040 and 2060, respectively, and may continue to grow. Overall, our scenario analysis effectively demonstrates the positive impact of ecological protection on reducing EV and the negative impact of urban expansion and economic development on increasing EV. Our work offers new insights into land resource allocation and the development of ecological restoration policies. Full article

Dental implant education is required to prepare students for independent general practice. This investigation aimed to assess students’ perceptions of their educational experience and training in a preclinical dental implant introduction course, using reflective logs anonymously extracted from course portfolios. Methods: This study employed qualitative research methodology to analyze second-year dental students’ reflections on their educational and development of psychomotor skills in a preclinical course focusing on dental implants at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. These reflections served as the primary data source for qualitative analysis. The analysis was facilitated using NVivo software version 12 plus, which assisted in data coding and the organization of these codes into meaningful units, patterns, and themes. Results: Four themes emerged, which interrelated to each other and to the research question. Students reported positive course outcomes in dental implant learning, improvements in applying theoretical implant knowledge while developing practical skills, digitally scanning implant cases for the final restoration, and enhancement of their insight in evidence-based restoratively driven implant planning. They generally found the hands-on experience to have improved their understanding of the dental implant as an option for restoration. Although there were challenges, students viewed these as learning opportunities. For us, as educators, it provided invaluable feedback to understand students’ perceptions of difficulties in knowledge acquisition and psychomotor skill development in placing and restoring dental implants. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, students expressed a positive perception of their learning experience in the introductory course on dental implants. Full article

Background: The purpose of this study is to examine the combination of the mechanical effects of penile therapy with vacuum erection devices (VEDs) plus PDE5i, which improve clinical outcomes after extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in men affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with Peyronie’s disease (PD). Methods: A total of 153 medical records of patients affected by PD in stable stage with ED and treated with ESWT were divided into two groups. Group A (GA) included 72 men treated with ESWT, mechanical stretching with VEDs and PDE5ì (Tadalafil 5 mg), and Group B (GB) included 81 men who received only ESWT plus Tadalafil 5 mg with the same protocol of GA. The patients in both groups were assessed at baseline and follow-up for erectile function, painful erections, penile plaque size, and penile curvature. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatments. Results: Three months after the treatment, GA patients had a reduction in penile curvature degree from a mean ± SD of 33.91 ± 8.34° at baseline to a mean ± SD of 19.46 ± 7.15° after 12 months, whereas pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 88.9% of the patients. The mean ± SD IIEF-15 score of patients affected by severe/moderate ED further improved significantly in the GA group (p < 0.001) after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. There were no permanent adverse sequelae after treatments. Conclusions: The regular use of a VED plus Tadalafil in patients who had undergone ESWT significantly provided more benefit in patients with PD in terms of penile deformity, pain, and erectile function. Full article

Amongst women and gender diverse (WGD) populations experiencing homelessness in Canada, one of the most vulnerable and understudied subgroups are those who are pregnant. A key barrier to accessing housing for this population are policies that lead to siloed sector work and complicated and inaccessible services. Frequent relocation and fragmented access to essential prenatal and postnatal support are the result. Experiences of homelessness for WGD people are distinct from that of cisgender men; the former tend to experience ‘hidden homelessness’ and are more likely to rely on relational, precarious, and sometimes dangerous housing options. The homelessness sector, its policies, and services tend to be cis-male-centric because of the greater visibility of homelessness in cis-men and fail to meet pregnant WGD people’s needs. This paper describes the findings from a one-day symposium that was held in Toronto, Canada, in June 2023 that aimed to address the siloed approach to housing provision for pregnant WGD people experiencing homelessness. A key focus was to understand how to incorporate a gendered and intersectional discourse into practice and policy. Adopting a gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) approach within policymaking can help illuminate and address why certain groups of WGD people are disproportionately affected by homelessness, including Indigenous Peoples, recent immigrants, racialized people, and those experiencing intimate partner violence, poverty, and substance use. Full article

The Jiangshan black pig is an indigenous pig breed in China, renowned for its superior meat quality and adaptability to roughage. However, the population of Jiangshan black pigs has dwindled due to the introduction of cosmopolitan pig breeds and the outbreak of African swine fever, putting them at risk of extinction. To offer insights into the conservation and breeding of Jiangshan black pigs, this study involved 118 Jiangshan black pigs as the research subjects and employed the Zhongxin-1 Porcine Breeding Array PLUS chip to detect whole-genome SNPs. Additionally, various software tools were utilized to accurately analyze the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship, inbreeding coefficient, and pedigree structure of the Jiangshan black pig conservation population. The findings indicated that the effective population size (Ne) of the Jiangshan black pig was 4.9, with an average inbreeding coefficient of 0.253 within the population. A genetic relationship analysis identified that the 16 male pigs were clustered into four families, and the 100 female pigs were also assigned to these familial groups. Furthermore, two female pigs were classified as “other” due to their distant genetic relatedness to all the males. These results contribute to a better understanding of the current status of the conservation of the Jiangshan black pig population and offer a theoretical foundation for the development of conservation strategies. Full article

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are an important plant crop, whose yield may vary significantly depending on pedo-climatic conditions and genotype. Therefore, the analysis of the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) is mandatory for the setup of high-yielding and stable potato genotypes. This research evaluated the tuber yield (t ha⁻¹) and yield characteristic of nine potato cultivars over 3 years and 4 organic farms in Poland by additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMIs) and genotype plus genotype environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses. The results of these analyses indicated significant differentiation of tuber yield among genotypes in individual environments. It was found that the environment (E, where E = L (localization) × Y (year)), genotype (G) and GEI, but not replication, significantly affected tuber yield. The AMMI analysis showed that the environment factor explained the most considerable part of tuber yield variations (52.3%), while the GEI and G factors explained a much lower part of the variations. The AMMI and GGE analyses identified five cvs.: Twister (46.4 t ha⁻¹), Alouette (35.8 t ha⁻¹), Kokra (34.8 t ha⁻¹), Levante (33.1 t ha⁻¹), and Gardena (30.4 t ha⁻¹), as leading cultivars in the studied organic farms due to their high productivity coupled with yield stability. The statistical measure Kang (YS_i) showed that these cvs. can be considered as adaptable to a wide range of organic environments. In the case of morphological traits of tubers (tuber shape and depth of tuber eyes), the most important factor influencing both these traits was genotype (G). Influence of other factors, like localization (L), year (Y), and all interactions (double and triple), were much less significant or insignificant. In case of taste and non-darkening of tuber flesh, the main effects which significantly affected the values of these traits were genotype (G) and localization (L). We observed that cooking type can vary depending on the year (Y) and the localization (L). Full article

Ongoing global research actions seek to comprehensively understand the adverse impact of stress and anxiety on the physical and mental health of both human beings and animals. Niaprazine (NIA) is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of piperazine derivatives. This compound has recently gained renewed attention due to its potential therapeutic properties for treating certain conditions such as anxiety. Despite its potential benefits, the behavioral effects of NIA have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to examine NIA’s potential as an anti-anxiety and anti-stress agent. After administering either vehicle or NIA in their drinking water to mice for 14 days, we conducted behavioral analyses using the Marble Burying Test and the Elevated Plus Maze test. NIA-treated mice spend more time in the open arms and bury fewer marbles. Moreover, a stability study confirmed the linear relationship between NIA concentration and its response across concentrations encompassing the NIA mother solution and the NIA solutions administered to mice. Also, a preliminary synaptic toxicity analysis showed no direct damage to cortical nerve endings. Here, we show that NIA can modulate anxiety-related behaviors without significantly impacting exploratory activity or adverse effects. Our work describes new findings that contribute to the research on safer and more tolerable anxiety management options. Full article