Publications by authors named "Kevin Ma"

As plastic pollution has accumulated in the natural environment over the last half-century, so too has the body of literature on plastic contamination assessment. Despite this growing research, new, and cryptic forms of plastic debris continue to emerge, with limited data on their composition and abundance. Among these novel pollutants is a type of marine litter derived from the burning or melting of manufactured plastics.

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Peri-implant inflammation and periodontitis share a common etiology rooted in periodontopathic bacterial invasion, with periodontitis notably linked to systemic inflammatory comorbidities involving T cells. However, the intricate processes within the peri-implant microenvironment and systemic repercussions of implants, particularly related to implant materials, remain inadequately understood. We aim to elucidate the impact of contact with titanium materials, widely employed in dental implants for their high biocompatibility and excellent corrosion resistance, on diverse T cell subpopulations.

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Importance: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an uncommon but severe hyperinflammatory illness that occurs 2 to 6 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Presentation overlaps with other conditions, and risk factors for severity differ by patient. Characterizing patterns of MIS-C presentation can guide efforts to reduce misclassification, categorize phenotypes, and identify patients at risk for severe outcomes.

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Chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver failure, remain formidable challenges due to their complex progression and limited therapeutic options. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a game-changing approach, leveraging its potent immunomodulatory, anti-fibrotic, and regenerative capabilities, along with the ability to transdifferentiate into hepatocytes. This review delves into the latest advances in MSC-based treatments for chronic and end-stage liver diseases, as highlighted in current clinical trials.

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There has been a significant, postpandemic increase in the incidence of serious head and neck infections among children aged <18 years since 2021, compared with the stable incidence of nontransmissible osteomyelitis and serious head and neck infections in adults from 2018 to 2023. The etiology of this increase requires further study.

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Purpose: Pleiotropic cardiovascular benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) due to vascular remodeling effects have been demonstrated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is unclear whether a similar benefit may be seen for glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of SGLT2i on the risk of glaucoma in patients with type 2 diabetes.

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Article Synopsis
  • The CDC is monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the Omicron variant and its offspring, using national genomic surveillance data from May 2023 to September 2024.
  • During this period, descendants of the Omicron variants, especially XBB and JN.1, emerged and became prevalent, with several lineages showing immune escape traits.
  • The rise of the JN.1 variant led to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases during winter 2024, underscoring the need for ongoing genomic monitoring to inform vaccine development and public health strategies.*
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Objective: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were excluded from sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) clinical trials. It is unknown whether the cardiorenal benefits of SGLT2i extend to patients with SLE and comorbid type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods: We performed an emulated clinical trial in an insurance-based cohort in the United States, evaluating SGLT2i versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) for primary prevention of cardiovascular, renal, and other clinical outcomes among patients with both SLE and comorbid T2D.

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Background: Previous randomized controlled trials have established the efficacy of dupilumab among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with triple therapy over 52 weeks of follow-up.

Objective: This population-based cohort study aimed to explore the long-term safety and effectiveness of dupilumab in patients with COPD.

Methods: The study included US patients with COPD who were seen between April 2017 and August 2024.

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Purpose: Neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma may increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and more TIL are associated with better treatment response. A major pathologic response (MPR) in melanoma after neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy usually comprises tumor necrosis and fibrosis. The role of TIL in necrotic tumor necrosis (nTIL) has not been explored.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study examines the prevalence of shoulder and elbow injuries among baseball players in the Dominican Republic, particularly those attending a Major League Baseball scouting event.
  • A total of 75 participants were reviewed, revealing that 72% had abnormal elbow findings and 32% had shoulder abnormalities, with position players showing higher elbow issues while pitchers had more severe shoulder injuries.
  • Key findings included high rates of rotator cuff and labral issues in pitchers, and notable elbow abnormalities like UCL tears, especially given their young average age of 17.9 years.
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Purpose: The innate immune response, particularly the reaction of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs), is crucial in shaping the outcomes of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, or osseointegration following biomaterial implantation. Peri-implantitis or peri-implant mucositis, inflammatory conditions linked to dental implants, pose a significant threat to implant success. We developed a single-cell analysis approach using a murine model to assess the immune response to implant materials, offering a practical screening tool for potential dental implants.

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Article Synopsis
  • Dupilumab is a biologic medication approved for treating atopic dermatitis in kids aged 6 months to 17 years, and the study focused on its effects on associated health issues in these patients.* -
  • Using electronic health records, researchers matched 3,575 pediatric patients receiving dupilumab with the same number receiving other treatments, assessing the emergence of new health problems.* -
  • Results showed that dupilumab significantly reduced the risk of various comorbidities like asthma, infections, and psychiatric disorders, especially in younger children (0-5 years).*
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