The Relationship Between Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Atherogenic Index with LV Geometry Pattern in Obese Children: Results from a Cross-Sectional Study in Serbia.

Arterial hypertension and increased atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) are strong predictors of cardiovascular risk associated in individuals with obesity both in adults and children. Thus, we aimed to explore the relationship between AIP and systolic ambulatory blood pressure index (sABPI) with left ventricular geometry pattern in obese children. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 129 obese children (BMI greater or equal to the 95th percentile for age and sex) were examined.

Bridging the Gap: Supplements Strategies from Experimental Research to Clinical Applications in Sarcopenic Obesity.

Obesity causes fat accumulation, and sarcopenia causes loss of muscle mass and strength; together, they worsen insulin resistance and accelerate muscle decline, creating a harmful cycle. Some supplements, along with physical exercise, could be remedies for sarcopenic obesity (SO). In this review, we aim to draw a comparison between supplements studied in experimental research and those evaluated in clinical studies for SO.

Heparinized collagen-based hydrogels for tissue engineering: physical, mechanical and biological properties.

As the main protein forming the vascular extracellular matrix, collagen has a weak antigenicity, making it an attractive candidate for coatings of vascular grafts. In order to bring antithrombotic properties to collagen for obtaining suitable blood compatibility of surfaces and further bioactive molecule carrying capacity, heparinization appears as a method of choice. Thus, in this article, pH-driven self-assembly was used to form collagen-based hydrogels with physical incorporation of heparins, especially low molecular weight heparin or unfractionated heparin at 1 IU/mL and 6 IU/mL.

Comprehension of the adapted Urticaria Activity Score measure and patient guidance document: qualitative interviews with adults and adolescents with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Objective: A key component of determining that a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure is fit-for-purpose is to ensure that respondents understand its instructions and items. Any modification to a measure should be evaluated for relevance and understandability. The objective of the study was to assess comprehension of the adapted Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) questionnaire among adolescents aged populations with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and the modification to UAS question 2 to include patient-friendly terminology "wheals (hives).

Predictors and Prevalence of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Cross-Sectional Study in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder that's characterized by episodes of a complete or partial collapse of the upper airway with an associated decrease in oxygen saturation or arousal from sleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), OSA is categorized based on polysomnography findings into mild, moderate, and severe. Objectives This study aims at determining the prevalence of the severities of OSA in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as discovering the predictors for severe OSA.

Antimicrobial Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Bacterial Cellulose Composites Loaded with Green Synthesized ZnO and Ag Nanoparticles for Food Packaging.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has earned a well-defined place among biopolymers due to its unique physicochemical properties. Unfortunately, native BC lacks antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. To address this limitation, many BC-based nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties have been developed, primarily for applications in the biomedical field, but also for use in food packaging.

Eco-Friendly Hydrogel Beads from Seashell Waste for Efficient Removal of Heavy Metals from Water.

The objective of this study is to develop a calcium carbonate-based adsorbent derived from seashells, incorporated into a sodium alginate matrix (Na-Alg@CTs) to form hydrogel beads, for the efficient removal of Cu (II) and Zn (II) heavy metals from aqueous solutions. XRD, SEM/EDS, and FTIR analysis confirm the successful synthesis and characterization of the fabricated adsorbent. The adsorption study of Cu (II) and Zn (II) onto Na-Alg@CTs hydrogel beads revealed that the Langmuir model was the most suitable for characterizing the adsorption isotherms, suggesting monolayer coverage.

Back to Roots: Dysbiosis, Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Is There an Objective Connection? A Narrative Review.

In recent decades, it has become clear that the gut is more than just a digestive organ; it also functions as an immune organ with regulatory capabilities and acts as a "second brain" that influences brain function due to the presence and regulatory roles of the gut microbiota (GM). The GM is a crucial component of its host and significantly impacts human health. Dysbiosis, or microbial imbalance, has been closely linked to various diseases, including gastrointestinal, neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic disorders.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: heterogeneous pathomechanisms and effectiveness of metabolism-based treatment.

The global epidemic of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing worldwide. People with MASLD can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and extrahepatic cancers. Most people with MASLD die from cardiac-related causes.

Challenging the Standard Immunogenicity Assessment Approach: 1-Tiered ADA Testing Strategy in Clinical Trials.

The ADA testing strategy for protein therapeutics was established almost two decades ago when assay methodologies were rudimentary, and serious immunogenicity-related safety issues had recently been observed with some biotherapeutics. The current testing paradigm employs multiple tiers and stringent cut points to minimize false negatives, reflecting a conservative stance towards ADA analysis. The development of highly sensitive ADA assay platforms and technologies such as humanized or fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) drugs has put the traditional, resource-intensive 3-tiered testing approach under scrutiny.

Weak effect of temperature fluctuations on the invasion of Raphidiopsis raciborskii (Cyanobacteria) in experimental plankton microcosms.

Biological invasions are a major threat for many aquatic ecosystems. In contrast to higher plants and animals, microbial invasions are less obvious and more difficult to detect. One of the most prominent microbial invaders is the cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii.

[Current Requirements and Qualification Criteria for Habilitation and Extraordinary Professorship at German University Hospitals].

Background: Achieving a medical professorship marks a significant step in a doctor's academic career, associated with a significant level of responsibility and obligations. The requirements to obtain a medical professorship in Germany vary significantly.

Material And Methods: Based on an online search, we studied the statutes and regulations of medical faculties in Germany to determine the requirements for habilitation and an extraordinary professorship within Germany.

Nebulized alteplase in coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia: a case series.

Background: Many patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia exhibit signs of microthrombosis. Previous studies discussed intravenous fibrinolytic agents as potential add-on therapy in these patients. Therefore, we propose the inhalative administration of fibrinolytics as a possible safer alternative.

AI-Based Analysis of Ziehl-Neelsen-Stained Sputum Smears for as a Screening Method for Active Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is the primary cause of death due to infection in the world. Identification of in sputum is a diagnostic test, which can be used in screening programs-especially in countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis-to identify and treat those persons with the highest risk of disseminating the infection. We previously developed an algorithm which is able to automatically detect mycobacteria on tissue; in particular, our algorithm identified acid-fast bacilli on tissue with 100% specificity, 95.

A Systematic Review: Quercetin-Secondary Metabolite of the Flavonol Class, with Multiple Health Benefits and Low Bioavailability.

The main goal of this systematic review on the flavonol class secondary metabolite quercetin is to evaluate and summarize the existing research on quercetin's potential health benefits, therapeutic properties, and effectiveness in disease prevention and treatment. In addition to evaluating quercetin's potential for drug development with fewer side effects and lower toxicity, this type of review attempts to collect scientific evidence addressing quercetin's roles as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer agent. In the first part, we analyze various flavonoid compounds, focusing on their chemical structure, classification, and natural sources.

Carrageenan and insulin resistance in humans: a randomised double-blind cross-over trial.

Background: The potential impact of specific food additives, common in Western diets, on the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is not well understood. This study focuses on carrageenan, a widely used food additive known to induce insulin resistance and gut inflammation in animal models, and its effects on human health.

Methods: In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial conducted at a university hospital metabolic study centre, 20 males (age 27.

Vnímání rizika antibiotické rezistence a znalost principů racionální ATB preskripce mezi českými praktickými lékaři - závěry z pilotního šetření.

The issue of antibiotic resistance stands as one of the foremost contemporary global challenges in healthcare. This study presents findings from a pilot survey conducted among Czech general practitioners, concentrating on their perception of antibiotic resistance risk and their knowledge of the AWaRe classification. This classification, in accordance with international guidelines, serves as the principal indicator for monitoring the quality of antibiotic prescriptions.

Suppression of Hepatocyte Ferroptosis via USP19-Mediated Deubiquitination of SLC7A11 in Ischemia-Free Liver Transplantation.

Ischemia-free liver transplantation (IFLT) is developed as a novel clinical approach to avoid ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). This study aims to identify the most distinguished programmed cell death pathway in grafts undergoing IFLT versus conventional liver transplantation (CLT) and to explore the underlying mechanism. Ferroptosis is the most distinct programmed cell death form between IFLT and CLT grafts.

Dynamics of Amphiphilic Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Micelles with Doxorubicin and Transition Temperature Predictions Using All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

Despite the advent of novel therapeutics, the efficient delivery of antineoplastic drugs remains a challenge. Biodegradable polymeric micelles represent a promising frontier by offering enhanced drug solubility, tumor targeting, and controlled release profiles. However, the underlying dynamics governing the drug encapsulation and solvation within these micellar structures is still vague and poorly understood.

Pannexin 1 and pannexin 3 differentially regulate the cancer cell properties of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Pannexin (PANX) channels are present in skin and facilitate the movement of signalling molecules during cellular communication. PANX1 and PANX3 function in skin homeostasis and keratinocyte differentiation but were previously reduced in a small cohort of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumours compared to normal epidermis. In our study we used SCC-13 cells, limited publicly available RNA-seq data and a larger cohort of cSCC patient-matched samples to analyse PANX1 and PANX3 expression and determine the association between their dysregulation and the malignant properties of cSCC.

Overcoming immunosuppression in cancer: how ketogenic diets boost immune checkpoint blockade.

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is now part of the standard of care in the treatment of many forms of cancer, yet it lacks efficacy in some patients, necessitating adjunct therapies to support the anti-tumor immune response. Ketogenic diets (KDs), i.e.

promising immunotherapeutic intervention for diseases.

Immunomodulating agents interact with the immune system and alter the outcome of specific immune processes. As our understanding of the immune system continues to evolve, there is a growing effort to identify agents with immunomodulating applications to use therapeutically to treat various diseases. (Mw), a heat-killed mycobacterium, is an atypical mycobacterial species that possesses strong immunomodulatory properties.

Patient perception of bowel urgency and remission in moderately to severely active Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis: a qualitative study.

Background: Bowel urgency, the sudden and immediate need to have a bowel movement, is common in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). While its impact in UC is well established, less is known about its importance in CD. Further, what level of bowel urgency control patients with UC or CD would consider to be acceptable or in remission has not been established.

Short histological kaleidoscope - recent findings in histology. Part IV.

The paper provides an overview of the current understanding of different cells and structures' biology [e.g., blood-retinal barrier, Bruch membrane, Clara (club) cells, brush cells and tuft cells, Merkel cells, Hofbauer cells, cytokeratins], including their origin, structure, function, and role in disease pathogenesis, and of the latest findings in the medical literature concerning the paracortex of the lymph nodes.

Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer: Actual and Future Perspectives.

Biomarkers in colorectal cancer (CRC) are of great interest in the current literature due to improvements in techniques such as liquid biopsy and next-generation sequencing (NGS). However, screening methods vary globally, with multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) predominantly used in the USA and, more recently, the Cologuard Plus; biomarkers such as the Galectins family and septins show promise in early detection. Gut microbiome assessments, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, are under intense exploration.