Alginate-Based Hydrogels with Amniotic Membrane Stem Cells for Wound Dressing Application.

Objective: Chronic wounds are a common clinical problem that necessitate the exploration of novel regenerative therapies. We report a method to investigate the in vitro wound healing capacity of an innovative biomaterial, which is based on amniotic membrane-derived stem cells (AMSCs) embedded in an alginate hydrogel matrix. The aim of this study was to prepare an sodium alginate-based hydrogel, cross-linked calcium chloride (CaCl with the active ingredient AMSC (AMSC/Alg-H) and to evaluate its in vitro effectiveness for wound closure.

Association between final local kyphosis angle and residual back pain in traumatic vertebral fractures at the thoracolumbar junction with posterior stabilization using percutaneous pedicle screws.

Background: There is no consensus on the association between final local kyphosis and residual back pain (RBP) after traumatic vertebral fracture. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is an association between the final local kyphosis angle and RBP in patients with traumatic vertebral fractures at the thoracolumbar junction who underwent single posterior surgery with percutaneous pedicle screws and implant removal after fracture healing. A second goal was to determine the optimal cut-off value for the final local kyphosis angle with and without RBP.

Can the prevalence of one STI serve as a predictor for another? A mathematical modeling analysis.

We aimed to understand to what extent knowledge of the prevalence of one sexually transmitted infection (STI) can predict the prevalence of another STI, with application for men who have sex with men (MSM). An individual-based simulation model was used to study the concurrent transmission of HIV, HSV-2, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in MSM sexual networks. Using the model outputs, 15 multiple linear regression models were conducted for each STI prevalence, treating the prevalence of each as the dependent variable and the prevalences of up to four other STIs as independent variables in various combinations.

Left bundle branch area pacing in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: a case series.

Background: Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis is associated with various arrhythmias, including atrioventricular block. Despite this correlation, established treatments for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis-associated arrhythmias are lacking. Left bundle branch area pacing is a promising physiological pacing technique.

Cellular automata modelling of leukaemic stem cell dynamics in acute myeloid leukaemia: insights into predictive outcomes and targeted therapies.

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a haematologic malignancy with high relapse rates in both adults and children. Leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) are central to leukaemopoiesis, treatment response and relapse and frequently associated with measurable residual disease (MRD). However, the dynamics of LSCs within the AML microenvironment is not fully understood.

Cursorial ecomorphology and temporal patterns in theropod dinosaur evolution during the mid-Cretaceous.

Coelurosauria, including modern birds, represents a successful group of theropod dinosaurs that established a high taxonomic diversity and significant morphological modifications. In the evolutionary history of this group, a specialized foot morphology, the arctometatarsus, evolved independently in several lineages and has been considered an adaptation for cursoriality. While its functional significance has been extensively studied, the temporal pattern of this parallel evolution, as well as its origin and influencing factors, remains largely unresolved.

Glucosamine Inhibits the Proliferation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Eliciting Apoptosis, Autophagy, and the Anti-Warburg Effect.

Although glucosamine (GlcN) exhibits antitumor effects, its mechanism of action remains controversial. Additionally, its impact on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor effects of GlcN and its underlying mechanism in a mouse HCC cell line, Hepa1-6.

3D printed dummy heads for crosstalk cancellation studies in bone conduction.

Thanks to affordable 3D printers, creating complex designs like anatomically accurate dummy heads is now accessible. This study introduces dummy heads with 3D-printed skulls and silicone skins to explore crosstalk cancellation in bone conduction (BC). Crosstalk occurs when BC sounds from a transducer on one side of the head reach the cochlea on the opposite side.

The Synthesis of GABA during the Tailbud Stage Is Required for Axial Elongation in embryos.

In , axial elongation beyond the tailbud stage requires gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). However, the role of GABA synthesized during early development in this process remains unclear. In this study, by treating embryos with allylglycine (AG), an inhibitor of GABA synthesis, we observed a significant reduction in axial elongation.

Emerging Trends and Future Opportunities for Battery Recycling.

The global lithium-ion battery recycling capacity needs to increase by a factor of 50 in the next decade to meet the projected adoption of electric vehicles. During this expansion of recycling capacity, it is unclear which technologies are most appropriate to reduce costs and environmental impacts. Here, we describe the current and future recycling capacity situation and summarize methods for quantifying costs and environmental impacts of battery recycling methods with a focus on cathode active materials.

Portal-Vein Compression Caused by Double-Pigtail Plastic Biliary Stent.

Introduction: Reports of pseudoaneurysms associated with biliary self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement have been increasing. Recently, cases of hepatic pseudoaneurysm rupture caused by double pigtail plastic stents (DPS) have also been reported. The symptoms of pseudoaneurysms are often non-specific, and many cases are diagnosed only after rupture.

Sensory processing associated with subcategories of restricted and repetitive behaviors in Japanese children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.

Background: Restricted and repetitive behavior (RRB) is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The structure of RRB subcategories and their relationship with atypical sensory processing in Japan are not well understood. This study examined subcategories of the RRB in Japanese children with ASD and explored their relationship with sensory processing.

Prediction of the severity of child abuse using nationwide survey data from Child Guidance Centers in Japan: focus on infancy and preschool age.

Introduction: The present study conducted a secondary data analysis of a comprehensive survey from Child Guidance Centers in Japan to identify factors that are associated with child abuse severity in infancy (0-3 years, 1,868 cases) and preschool age (4-6 years, 1,529 cases). A predictive model for abuse severity was developed.

Methods: The data originated from a nationwide survey that was conducted in April 2013, consisting of details of abuse cases, including child characteristics, abuser attributes, and family situation.

Androgyny and atypical sensory sensitivity associated with savant ability: a comparison between Klinefelter syndrome and sexual minorities assigned male at birth.

Introduction: The (EMB) theory, a major causal hypothesis of autism (ASD: autism spectrum disorder), attributes excess androgens during early development as one of the causes. While studies have generally followed the EMB theory in females at birth, the co-occurrence of ASD in males at birth has been observed in conditions that are assumed to be associated with reduced androgen action during early development, including Klinefelter syndrome (KS) and sexual minorities. ASD is also associated with atypical sensory sensitivity, synesthesia, and savant syndrome.

Construction of a prognostic survival model with tumor immune-related genes for breast cancer.

Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated that immune cell infiltration is a significant predictor in the prognosis of those with breast cancer. This study aimed to develop a prognostic model for undifferentiated breast cancer using immune-related markers.

Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and prognostic factors were identified from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.

Bioinformatics-based screening of key genes associated with gemcitabine resistance in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) ranks among the deadliest cancers globally. Despite gemcitabine being a primary chemotherapeutic agent, many patients with PDAC develop resistance, significantly limiting treatment efficacy. This study aims to screen and validate key genes associated with gemcitabine resistance in advanced PDAC using bioinformatics analysis and clinical sample validation, thereby providing potential noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for overcoming chemoresistance.

Role of balloon dilation test in identifying suitable candidates for gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy.

Background: Predicting successful outcomes of gastric peroral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) is essential for identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the balloon dilation test (BDT) in optimizing patient selection for G-POEM.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from February 2021 to December 2023, including patients with refractory gastroparesis unresponsive to conventional medical treatments.

A case of emergency stent graft placement for subclavian artery injury during ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement.

With advancements in medical devices and imaging techniques, endovascular treatment using stent grafts has emerged as a viable and aggressive therapeutic option for traumatic subclavian artery injuries, including iatrogenic cases. Existing literature suggests that endovascular treatment is less invasive and offers hemostatic success rates comparable to traditional surgical methods. However, there is a paucity of case reports, necessitating further investigation into treatment indications and procedural challenges.

Mechanisms of Alignment in Feeding Aphids on the Plant Stem.

Aphids are observed on various plant species, with most aphids feeding downward on stems. In this study, I studied the variations in feeding postures of aphids and their mechanisms. My field observations revealed that the majority of individuals from most species fed facing downward, or more precisely, towards the roots.

Effect of video-based trauma-informed care training for psychiatric nurses: A nonrandomized controlled trial.

Aim: To examine the effect of short-time video-based trauma-informed care (TIC) training in improving attitudes related to TIC and mental health among psychiatric nurses.

Methods: A nonrandomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a 60-min TIC training video. The primary outcome measure was the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care Scale 35 (ARTIC-35).

Hippocampal Sclerosis After Legionnaires' Disease: A Case Report.

Legionnaires' disease is a form of atypical pneumonia that can present with neurological symptoms, such as headaches, seizures, and focal neurological abnormalities. We report the case of a male patient who developed impaired consciousness and recurrent seizures following pneumonia caused by . The patient received antibiotics and antiepileptic treatment and was discharged on hospital day 56.

Streptococcus pyogenes M1UK Variant-Associated Sartorius Muscle Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NTSIs) represent a concept of necrotizing infections involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle, and it is a potentially fatal disease. Early exploratory incision is strongly recommended for both the diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections. Treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections requires the administration of appropriate antimicrobial agents and adequate surgical debridement.

Successful Sequential Treatment From Remdesivir to Molnupiravir for Prolonged COVID-19 in a Patient With Follicular Lymphoma and Renal Pelvic Carcinoma: A Case Report.

A 69-year-old Japanese male with follicular lymphoma and renal pelvic carcinoma presented with fever and cough, testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 via PCR. Chest CT revealed ground-glass opacities. Initially, his symptoms improved with a 10-day course of remdesivir (RDV), but they recurred.