Internal migration and its association with childhood asthma in Ecuador: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Differences in asthma prevalence between urban and rural areas have been observed worldwide. Epidemiological studies in middle- and low-income countries suggest that internal migration processes may partly explain these disparities.

Objective: To investigate the association between internal migration and asthma in children living in transitional areas of Ecuador.

Bidirectional effects of neutrophils on biofilms .

Background: is a commensal bacterium and an early biofilm coloniser found in the human oral cavity. One of the biofilm matrix constituents is bacterial extracellular DNA (eDNA). Neutrophils are innate immune cells that respond to biofilms, employing antimicrobial mechanisms such as neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release.

Effect of diabetes and hyperglycaemia on the physical and mechanical properties of dentine: a systematic review.

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effect of DM (Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes) and hyperglycaemia on the physical and mechanical properties of dentine which is critical for successful endodontic treatment.

Method: An electronic search of the following databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and the grey literature was performed up until July 2024. In vitro and in vivo studies on the effect of DM or hyperglycaemia on the mechanical and physical properties of dentine were included.

Induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Periodontitis Rat Model.

Objectives:  Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that shifts cellular phenotype. It is linked to several different inflammatory diseases including periodontitis. This study was conducted to investigate the involvement of the EMT process in an experimental periodontitis (EP) model.

International prevalence patterns of low eGFR in adults aged 18-60 without traditional risk factors from a population-based cross-sectional disadvantaged populations eGFR epidemiology (DEGREE) study.

The disadvantaged populations eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) epidemiology (DEGREE) study was designed to gain insight into the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of undetermined cause (CKDu) using standard protocols to estimate the general-population prevalence of low eGFR internationally. Therefore, we estimated the age-standardized prevalence of eGFR under 60 ml/min per 1.73m in adults aged 18-60, excluding participants with commonly known causes of CKD; an ACR (albumin/creatinine ratio) over 300 mg/g or equivalent, or self-reported or measured (HT) hypertension or (DM) diabetes mellitus, stratified by sex and location.

'I Feel Disempowered Because I Could Not Do Anything': Clinical Facilitators' Perception of Violence Towards Nursing Students During Clinical Placement.

Aims: To explore clinical facilitators' understanding, experiences and perceptions of their role in supporting registered nurse students (RNS) who experience workplace violence (WPV) during clinical placement.

Design: An exploratory, qualitative design.

Methods And Data Source: Data were collected between September and November 2022 using semi-structured interviews of 1-h duration with 11 clinical facilitators working in South Australia.

Attainment of World Health Organization physical activity recommendations by Ecuadorian children: Analysis of social and anthropometrics factors in two distinct populations.

Daily adherence to WHO recommended physical activity guidelines has multiple health benefits in children and adolescents. Limited data from low and middle-income countries are available regarding adherence to WHO physical activity recommendations. This study aims to objectively measure physical activity intensities and explore associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric factors related to nonadherence to the WHO minimum physical activity recommendations.

Predicting remission following CBT for childhood anxiety disorders: a machine learning approach.

Background: The identification of predictors of treatment response is crucial for improving treatment outcome for children with anxiety disorders. Machine learning methods provide opportunities to identify combinations of factors that contribute to risk prediction models.

Methods: A machine learning approach was applied to predict anxiety disorder remission in a large sample of 2114 anxious youth (5-18 years).

Rurality and relative poverty drive acquisition of a stable and diverse gut microbiome in early childhood in a non-industrialized setting.

There are limited longitudinal data from non-industrialized settings on patterns and determinants of gut bacterial microbiota development in early childhood. We analysed epidemiological data and stool samples collected from 60 children followed from early infancy to 5 years of age in a rural tropical district in coastal Ecuador. Data were collected longitudinally on a wide variety of individual, maternal, and household exposures.

Guidance for evaluating biomaterials' properties and biological potential for dental pulp tissue engineering and regeneration research.

Background: Dental pulp regeneration is a complex and advancing field that requires biomaterials capable of supporting the pulp's diverse functions, including immune defense, sensory perception, vascularization, and reparative dentinogenesis. Regeneration involves orchestrating the formation of soft connective tissues, neurons, blood vessels, and mineralized structures, necessitating materials with tailored biological and mechanical properties. Numerous biomaterials have entered clinical practice, while others are being developed for tissue engineering applications.

Angiogenic effects of Type 2 diabetes on the dental pulp.

Aim: To investigate the influence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hyperglycaemia on blood vessels and angiogenic markers in the dental pulp.

Methodology: Extracted non-carious permanent molar teeth were collected from patients with well-controlled T2D (n = 10) and non-T2D (controls) (n = 10). The pulp was examined qualitatively using haematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson stains.

Ecuadorian healthcare professionals' perspectives on attributes of asthma care coordination: a qualitative study.

Objective: This study explored the attributes of asthma care coordination from the perspective of healthcare professionals at different levels of care in Ecuador.

Design: Qualitative descriptive study. The Integrated Health Networks Model was the theoretical framework of reference.

Fibroblast-Mediated Macrophage Recruitment Supports Acute Wound Healing.

Epithelial and immune cells have long been appreciated for their contribution to the early immune response after injury; however, much less is known about the role of mesenchymal cells. Using single-nuclei RNA sequencing, we defined changes in gene expression associated with inflammation 1 day after wounding in mouse skin. Compared with those in keratinocytes and myeloid cells, we detected enriched expression of proinflammatory genes in fibroblasts associated with deeper layers of the skin.

E-cadherin Single Nucleotide Variants Are Associated with Increasing Susceptibility to Periodontitis.

Objectives:  To investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with periodontitis and the potential of these SNPs for identifying susceptibility to periodontitis.

Materials And Methods:  Periodontal clinical parameters were recorded followed by collecting venous blood for DNA extraction. Polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify target segments of the gene.

Updated Canadian Headache Society Migraine Prevention Guideline with Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Objective: We have updated the migraine prevention guideline of the Canadian Headache Society from 2012, as there are new therapies available, and additionally, we have provided guidelines for the prevention of chronic migraine, which was not addressed in the previous iteration.

Methods: We undertook a systematic review to identify new studies since the last guideline. For studies identified, we performed data extraction and subsequent meta-analyses where possible.

Inflammation impacts androgen receptor signaling in basal prostate stem cells through interleukin 1 receptor antagonist.

Chronic prostate inflammation in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) correlates with the severity of symptoms. How inflammation contributes to prostate enlargement and/or BPH symptoms and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we utilize a unique transgenic mouse model that mimics chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in men and investigate the impact of inflammation on androgen receptor (AR) in basal prostate stem cells (bPSC) and their differentiation in vivo.

Molecular Testing of Environmental Samples as a Potential Source to Estimate Parasite Infection.

We discuss the potential usefulness of molecular testing of soil, dust, and water samples to detect medically important parasites, and where such testing could be used to supplement stool sampling in humans. A wide variety of parasites including protozoa and helminths, many of which are zoonotic, have an important infection reservoir in the environment. In some cases, this environmental period is essential for further parasite development.

In Vitro Models Used in Cariology Mineralisation Research-A Review of the Literature.

Background: Dental caries remains a significant global health problem. One of the fundamental mechanisms underlying the development and progression of dental caries is the dynamic process of demineralisation/remineralisation. In vitro models have played a critical role in advancing our understanding of this process and identifying potential interventions to prevent or arrest dental caries.

Demonstration of potential DNA contamination introduced by laboratory consumables using Fluorescein.

The development of increasingly efficient DNA extraction and profiling kits has increased the amount of allelic information obtained from trace DNA samples, but also inadvertently, increased the detection of DNA contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of DNA transfer using fluorescein, fluorescent under an alternate light source, in the use of a range of forensically relevant DNA profiling consumables. An evaluation of two pre-lysis methods adopting three different sample tubes, some with deliberate seal damage, showed the PrepFiler™ Automated Forensic DNA Extraction Kit caused leakage and crusting when the rim of the PrepFiler™ LySep column was compromised, but no leakage was observed under the same conditions using the Investigator STAR Lyse&Prep kit.

Clinical Facilitators' Perceptions of Factors Contributing to Nursing Students' Experience of Workplace Violence.

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) is experienced by Bachelor of Nursing (BN) students during clinical placements. Students in this vulnerable group are supervised in the practice environment by clinical facilitators. This study examined clinical facilitators' views on WPV.

Physicochemical and biocompatibility characterisation of a 3D lyophilised platelet-rich fibrin scaffold for cleft lip and palate repair.

Craniofacial bone defects result from various disorders such as trauma, congenital malformations and infections. Cleft lip and palate are the most prevalent congenital craniofacial birth defect in humans. Growth factors (GFs) are soluble proteins secreted by cells that regulate various cellular processes and tissue regeneration.

Postoperative outcomes after receipt of ertapenem antimicrobial prophylaxis for colon surgery: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Objective: To evaluate postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing colon surgery who receive perioperative prophylaxis with ertapenem compared to other antibiotic regimens.

Design And Setting: Multicenter retrospective cohort study among adults undergoing colon surgery in seven hospitals across three health systems from 1/1/2010 to 9/1/2015.

Methods: Generalized linear mixed logistic regression models were applied to assess differential odds of select outcomes among patients who received perioperative prophylaxis with ertapenem compared to other regimens.

SEC31a-ATG9a Interaction Mediates the Recruitment of COPII Vesicles for Autophagosome Formation.

Autophagy plays an important role in determining stem-cell differentiation. During the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), autophagosome formation is upregulated but the reason is unknown. A long-standing quest in the autophagy field is to find the membrane origin of autophagosomes.