Does the extent of bone defects affect the time to reach full weight-bearing after treatment with the Masquelet technique?

Methodology: In a consecutive retrospective analysis of 190 patients treated with the Masquelet technique at the BG Klinikum Hamburg from January 2012 to January 2022, subgroup analysis for defect-specific features such as the extent and morphology of the defect were recorded, and their influence on the time to reach full weight-bearing of the affected limb was investigated.

Results And Conclusion: A total of 217 defects were treated in 190 patients using the Masquelet technique. 70 % of all defects were in the tibia, followed by 22 % in the femur and only about 7 % in the upper extremity.

Framework for Deep Learning Based Multi-Modality Image Registration of Snapshot and Pathology Images.

Multi-modality image registration is an important task in medical imaging because it allows for information from different domains to be correlated. Histopathology plays a crucial role in oncologic surgery as it is the gold standard for investigating tissue composition from surgically excised specimens. Research studies are increasingly focused on registering medical imaging modalities such as white light cameras, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound to pathology images.

Correction: Suitability and safety of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate as a folate source in infant formula: A randomized-controlled trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Treatment outcome of the Masquelet technique in 195 infected bone defects-A single-center, retrospective case series.

Background: The Masquelet technique is a surgical procedure for the reconstruction of bone defects. During the first step, an osteosynthetically stabilized defect is filled with a cement spacer. The spacer induces a foreign body membrane, called a Masquelet membrane.

Novel Echinacea formulations for the treatment of acute respiratory tract infections in adults-A randomized blinded controlled trial.

Background: has clinical antiviral activity against respiratory viruses and modulates immune functions. In this study, we compared higher doses of new formulations with conventional formulations at lower, preventive doses for therapy of respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

Methods: In this randomized, blinded, controlled trial, healthy adults ( = 409) were randomized between November 2018 and January 2019 to one of four formulations, which were taken in case of an RTI for up to 10 days.

Infants' Folate Markers and Postnatal Growth in the First 4 Months of Life in Relation to Breastmilk and Maternal Plasma Folate.

Background: Human milk is the sole source of folate in exclusively breastfed infants. We investigated whether human milk folate or maternal plasma folate are associated with infants' folate status and postnatal growth in the first 4 months of life.

Methods: Exclusively breastfed infants (n = 120) were recruited at age < 1 month (baseline).

Reduction of Viral Load in Patients with Acute Sore Throats: Results from an Observational Clinical Trial with Echinacea/Salvia Lozenges.

Background: Acute tonsillopharyngitis or sore throat is an initial sign of viral respiratory tract infection (RTI) and an optimal indicator for early antiviral and anti-inflammatory intervention. Both of these actions have been attributed to Echinacea purpurea and Salvia officinalis.

Methods: 74 patients (age 13-69 years) with acute sore throat symptoms (<48 h) were treated with five Echinacea/Salvia lozenges per day (4,000 mg Echinacea purpurea extract [Echinaforce®] and 1,893 mg Salvia officinalis extract [A.

Infant blood concentrations of folate markers and catabolites are modified by 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T genotype and dietary folate source.

Background: Folate intake and polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may affect folate metabolism in infants.

Objectives: We investigated the association between infant's MTHFR C677T genotype, the dietary folate source, and concentrations of folate markers in the blood.

Methods: We studied 110 breastfed infants (reference) and 182 infants who were randomly assigned to receive infant formulas enriched with either 78 μg folic acid or 81 μg (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) per 100 g milk powder for 12 wk.

A comprehensive comparison of facial skin hydration based on capacitance and conductance measurements in Chinese women.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the data of conductance and capacitance measurements of facial skin hydration and to evaluate and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches.

Methods: We measured skin capacitance (Corneometer® CM 825) and skin conductance (Skicon-200EX®) on 30 pre-defined facial sites of 125 Chinese women, resulting in 3750 readings per device. The data were analysed and compared, and continuous colour maps were generated on a 3D avatar for capacitance, conductance, relative difference (Δ%) and correlation (R-value) by interpolating between the individual readings and converting the values to colours.

Changes in levels of omega-O-acylceramides and related processing enzymes of sun-exposed and sun-protected facial stratum corneum in differently pigmented ethnic groups.

Introduction: We report on the differences in ceramide composition and levels of omega-O-acylceramide processing enzymes of sun-exposed and sun-protected facialstratum corneum (SC) among Albino African, Black African and Caucasian women living in South Africa.

Methods: Tape strippings were taken from the sun-exposed cheek and the sunprotected postauricular site (PA). In two subsets proteomic (n = 18) and lipidomic (n = 24) analysis were performed using mass-spectrometry-based shotgun platforms.

Differences between perceived age and chronological age in women: A multi-ethnic and multi-centre study.

Objective: Accuracy in assessing age from facial cues is important in social perception given reports of strong negative correlations between perceived age and assessments of health and attractiveness. In a multi-ethnic and multi-centre study, we previously documented similar patterns of female facial age assessments across ethnicities, influenced by gender and ethnicity of assessors.

Methods: Here we extend these findings by examining differences between estimated age from digital portraits and chronological age (Δ age) for 180 women from three age groups (20-34, 35-49, 50-66 years) and five ethnicities (36 images of each ethnicity, assessed for age on a continuous scale by 120 female and male raters of each ethnicity).

Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial.

Background: In children, up to 30% of viral respiratory tract infections (RTIs) develop into bacterial complications associated with pneumonia, sinusitis or otitis media to trigger a tremendous need for antibiotics. This study investigated the efficacy of Echinacea for the prevention of viral RTIs, for the prevention of secondary bacterial complications and for reducing rates of antibiotic prescriptions in children.

Methods: Echinaforce® Junior tablets [400 mg freshly harvested Echinacea purpurea alcoholic extract] or vitamin C [50 mg] as control were given three times daily for prevention to children 4-12 years.

Cross-cultural perception of female facial appearance: A multi-ethnic and multi-centre study.

Humans extract and use information from the face in assessments of physical appearance. Previous research indicates high agreement about facial attractiveness within and between cultures. However, the use of a narrow age range for facial stimuli, limitations due to unidirectional cross-cultural comparisons, and technical challenges have prevented definitive conclusions about the universality of face perception.

Safety and Dose-Dependent Effects of for the Treatment of Acute Cold Episodes in Children: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial.

Due to the frequency and severity of cold symptoms in children, and the risk of associated complications, effective treatments are urgently needed. Here we evaluated the safety profile and treatment benefits of in children with acute cold and flu symptoms. A total of 79 children (4-12 years) were randomized to a treatment regimen of three or five times daily Echinaforce Junior tablets (total of 1200 or 2000 mg extract, EFJ) for the prospective treatment of upcoming cold and flu episodes at first signs.

Author Correction: In vitro virucidal activity of Echinaforce, an Echinacea purpurea preparation, against coronaviruses, including common cold coronavirus 229E and SARS-CoV-2.

The original version of the acknowledgement unfortunately contained a mistake.

In vitro virucidal activity of Echinaforce®, an Echinacea purpurea preparation, against coronaviruses, including common cold coronavirus 229E and SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Coronaviruses (CoVs) were long thought to only cause mild respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms in humans but outbreaks of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV-1, and the recently identified SARS-CoV-2 have cemented their zoonotic potential and their capacity to cause serious morbidity and mortality, with case fatality rates ranging from 4 to 35%. Currently, no specific prophylaxis or treatment is available for CoV infections. Therefore we investigated the virucidal and antiviral potential of Echinacea purpurea (Echinaforce®) against human coronavirus (HCoV) 229E, highly pathogenic MERS- and SARS-CoVs, as well as the newly identified SARS-CoV-2, in vitro.

Supplemental 25-Hydroxycholecalciferol Is More Effective than Cholecalciferol in Raising Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in Older Adults.

Background: There are few studies directly comparing the pharmacokinetics of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25(OH)D3] to cholecalciferol (D3).

Objectives: The primary objectives were to compare the effectiveness of D3 and 25(OH)D3 in raising 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] serum concentrations and achieving steady state.

Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, active comparator trial of 91 participants (53 females, 38 males), aged 63.

Suitability and safety of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate as a folate source in infant formula: A randomized-controlled trial.

L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the predominant folate form in human milk but is currently not approved as a folate source for infant and follow-on formula. We aimed to assess the suitability of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate as a folate source for infants. Growth and tolerance in healthy term infants fed formulae containing equimolar doses of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (10.

Modulation of neurological pathways by Salvia officinalis and its dependence on manufacturing process and plant parts used.

Background: Salvia officinalis has been used successfully for the treatment of hot flushes and excessive sweating during menopause. However, modes of actions have not been elucidated conclusively. We explored its pharmacology beyond any hormonal activity with a focus on neurologic impulse transmission.

Effects of resveratrol supplementation on liver fat content in overweight and insulin-resistant subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

We performed the largest randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to date (N = 112, 12-week intervention) to investigate the effects and safety of resveratrol supplementation on liver fat content and cardiometabolic risk parameters in overweight and obese and insulin-resistant subjects. At baseline the variability in liver fat content was very large, ranging from 0.09% to 37.

The effect of photodamage on the female Caucasian facial stratum corneum corneome using mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

Background: The effect of photodamage on facial stratum corneum (SC) is still poorly understood.

Objective: To describe the SC proteome from tape strippings of Caucasian SC from photoexposed cheek and photoprotected post-auricular (PA) site, a global analysis of photodamage on the skin will be developed leading to a better understanding of keratinocyte signalling pathways and identification of new molecular targets for the treatment of photoaged skin.

Methods: Female Caucasian subjects had nine consecutive tape strippings taken from their cheeks and PA site.

Energy and nutrient intake increased by 47-67% when amylase was added to fortified blended foods-a study among 12- to 35-month-old Burkinabe children.

Adding amylase to fortified blended foods can improve energy density, and increase child's energy and nutrient intake. The efficacy of this strategy is unknown for the World Food Programme's Super Cereal Plus (SC+) and Super Cereal (SC) blends. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the increased energy intake from amylase-containing SC+ and SC compared to control porridges in Burkinabe children.

Prevention of influenza virus induced bacterial superinfection by standardized Echinacea purpurea, via regulation of surface receptor expression in human bronchial epithelial cells.

Viral infections may predispose the airways to secondary bacterial infections that can lead to unfavorable progression of principally self-limiting illnesses. Such complicated respiratory infections include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, acute otitis media, and sepsis, which cause high morbidity and lethality. Some of the pathogenic consequences of viral infections, like the expression of bacterial adhesion receptors and the disturbance of physical barrier integrity due to inflammation, may create permissive conditions for co-infections.

Combinations of bio-active dietary constituents affect human white adipocyte function in-vitro.

Background: Specific bio-active dietary compounds modulate numerous metabolic processes in adipose tissue (AT), including pre-adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. AT dysfunction, rather than an increased fat mass , is strongly associated with the development of insulin resistance and is characterized by impaired adipogenesis, hypertrophic adipocytes, inflammation, and impairments in substrate metabolism. A better understanding of mechanisms underlying AT dysfunction may provide new strategies for the treatment of obesity-associated metabolic diseases.

The Role of Ate Complexes in the Copper-Mediated Trifluoromethylation of Alkynes.

Trifluoromethylation reactions have recently received increased attention because of the beneficial effect of the trifluoromethyl group on the pharmacological properties of numerous substances. A common method to introduce the trifluoromethyl group employs the Ruppert-Prakash reagent, that is, Si(CH3 )3 CF3 , together with a copper(I) halide. We have applied this method to the trifluoromethylation of aromatic alkynes and used electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry to investigate the mechanism of these reactions in tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, and acetonitrile as well as with and without added 1,10-phenanthroline.