Cartilaginous microtissues exhibit extreme resilience under compression with size-dependent mechanical properties.

Self-assembled cartilaginous microtissues provide a promising means of repairing challenging skeletal defects and connective tissues. However, despite their considerable promise in tissue engineering, the mechanical response of these engineered microtissues is not well understood. Here we examine the mechanical and viscoelastic response of progenitor cell aggregates formed from human primary periosteal cells and the resulting cartilaginous microtissues under large deformations as might be encountered in vivo.

Endothelial Cpt1a Inhibits Neonatal Hyperoxia-Induced Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling by Repressing Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) increases the mortality of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). There are no curative therapies for this disease. Lung endothelial carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (Cpt1a), the rate-limiting enzyme of the carnitine shuttle system, is reduced in a rodent model of BPD.

Protocol to generate a 3D atherogenesis-on-chip model for studying endothelial-macrophage crosstalk in atherogenesis.

The endothelium is the gatekeeper of vessel health, and its dysfunction is pivotal in driving atherogenesis. Here, we present a protocol to replicate endothelial-macrophage crosstalk during atherogenesis, called the "atherogenesis-on-chip" model, based on the Emulate dual-channel perfusion system. We describe a model for studying endothelial-macrophage interactions during atherogenesis in human aortic endothelial cells and human macrophages using qPCR and secretome analysis, fluorescence microscopy, and flow cytometry.

miR-449a/miR-340 reprogram cell identity and metabolism in fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma, arises in skeletal muscle and remains in an undifferentiated state due to transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators. Among its subtypes, fusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS) accounts for the majority of diagnoses in the pediatric population. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that modulate cell identity via post-transcriptional regulation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs).

Dropping out of a peripartum depression mHealth study: participants' motives and suggestions for improvement.

Background: Peripartum depression is a common but potentially debilitating pregnancy complication. Mobile applications can be used to collect data throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period to improve understanding of early risk indicators.

Aim: This study aimed to improve understanding of why women drop out of a peripartum depression mHealth study, and how we can improve the app design.

Organisational quality and hospital pharmacists' roles of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in Belgian hospitals: a national survey.

Objectives: Implementation of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), also known as intravenous (IV) antimicrobial treatment at home, has increased in recent years. Ensuring OPAT quality is crucial to achieve positive patient outcomes. However, data on the Belgian quality of OPAT organisation is lacking.

Mitochondrial HMG-CoA synthase deficiency.

Mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) deficiency is a rare, potentially life-threatening autosomal recessive disorder resulting from mutations in the HMGCS2 gene, leading to impaired ketogenesis. We systematically reviewed the clinical presentations, biochemical and genetic abnormalities in 93 reported cases and 2 new patients diagnosed based on biochemical findings. Reported onset ages ranged from 3 months to 6 years, mostly before the age of 3.

Simultaneous activation of different subtypes of dopamine receptors may lead to activation of homeostatic sleep regulatory mechanisms.

Dopaminergic system gains importance in homeostatic sleep regulation, but the role of different dopamine receptors is not well-defined. 72 h rat electrocorticogram and sleep recordings were made after single application of dopaminergic drugs in clinical use or at least underwent clinical trials. The non-selective agonist apomorphine evoked short pharmacological sleep deprivation with intense wakefulness followed by pronounced sleep rebound.

Maternal postpartum mental health negatively affects infants' health related quality of life.

Objectives: To assess the association of early and late postpartum maternal mental health with infants' health related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods: The study was embedded within the POST-UP trial (n = 1843). Infants' HRQoL was assessed with the Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire Short Form-47 at ages 1 month (1 m), and 12 m.

The relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aim: Frailty is frequently observed in end-stage liver disease of various etiologies, but its role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains incompletely understood. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association and prevalence of frailty in NAFLD.

Methods: A systematic review of PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus was performed.

The Evidence-Based Medicine Management of Endometriosis Should Be Updated for the Limitations of Trial Evidence, the Multivariability of Decisions, Collective Experience, Heuristics, and Bayesian Thinking.

: The diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis should be based on the best available evidence. Emphasising the risk of bias, the pyramid of evidence has the double-blind, randomised controlled trial and its meta-analyses on top. After the grading of all evidence by a group of experts, clinical guidelines are formulated using well-defined rules.

A Case of Application of Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing Technology and Extended Reality Surgical Assistance to Marginal Mandibulectomy.

Mandibular gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common oral cancer after tongue cancer. As these carcinomas often invade the mandible early, accurately defining the resection extent is important. This report highlights the use of preoperative virtual surgery data, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, surgical guidance, and extended reality (XR) support in achieving highly accurate marginal mandibulectomy without recurrence or metastasis.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Newly Diagnosed Head-and-Neck Cancer Patients.

Background: Head-and-neck cancer (HNC) can cause oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD). Early identification of OD in newly diagnosed HNC patients is important to better prepare patients for their cancer treatment trajectory. The aim of this study is (1) to assess the prevalence of OD in HNC patients within three weeks before the start of cancer treatment and (2) to investigate which demographic and oncological characteristics may be risk factors associated with the risk of OD at baseline.

Effects of High-Intensity Motor Learning and Dietary Supplementation on Motor Skill-Related Physical Fitness in Thin Ethiopian Children Aged 5 to 7 Years: An Exploratory Pilot Cluster-Randomized Trial.

Background: Malnutrition has extensive consequences, affecting multiple levels of functioning, including motor skill impairments. However, current interventions have mainly focused on dietary treatment, often neglecting motor impairments and relying solely on clinical and anthropometric indicators to assess treatment response. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the combined effect of ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF) and high-intensity motor learning (HiML) on motor skill-related physical fitness in children with moderate thinness (MT).

Heteroaryl-Fused Triazapentalenes: Synthesis and Aggregation-Induced Emission.

A pyridine-fused triazapentalene shows weak fluorescence in solution and is readily accessible via nitrene-mediated cyclization. In this study, a modified Cadogan reaction was used to synthesize . Palladium-catalyzed reactions have been used as post-functionalization methods.

Telomere Length in Neonatal Dairy Calves in Relation to Lifetime Parameters.

Telomere length (TL) has gained attention as a biomarker for longevity and productivity in dairy cattle. This study explored the association between neonatal TL in Holstein calves and lifetime parameters (lifespan, milk production, and reproduction). Blood samples were collected from 210 calves (≤10d old) across four dairy farms in Flanders, Belgium.

Behavioural Profile Differences Between Cats in Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) and Non-AAS Cats Using the Fe-BARQ in Flanders.

The engagement of cats in animal-assisted services (AAS) is increasing. This is surprising given that feline behavioural needs have been perceived as contradictory to conditions associated with AAS engagement, leading to the assumption that cats as a species are not suitable for AAS. However, important within-species variability in behavioural traits nuancing this assumption has not been addressed.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: Key considerations in the multidisciplinary team approach.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a recurrent inflammatory disease associated with several comorbidities and a significant disease burden for patients. Treatments include corticosteroids and sinonasal surgery, but these can be associated with the risk of adverse events and nasal polyp recurrence. Biologic treatments such as mepolizumab can be used as an add-on treatment and are effective at reducing surgery and corticosteroid use.

The pentose phosphate pathway controls oxidative protein folding and prevents ferroptosis in chondrocytes.

Bone lengthening and fracture repair depend on the anabolic properties of chondrocytes that function in an avascular milieu. The limited supply of oxygen and nutrients calls into question how biosynthesis and redox homeostasis are guaranteed. Here we show that glucose metabolism by the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is essential for endochondral ossification.

Impedance mapping with high-density microelectrode array chips reveals dynamic heterogeneity of in vitro epithelial barriers.

Epithelial tissues in vitro undergo dynamic changes while differentiating heterogeneously on the culture substrate. This gives rise to diverse cellular arrangements which are undistinguished by conventional analysis approaches, such as transepithelial electrical resistance measurement or permeability assays. In this context, solid substrate-based systems with integrated electrodes and electrochemical impedance monitoring capability can address the limited spatiotemporal resolution of traditional porous membrane-based methods.

Small-molecule-induced ERBB4 activation to treat heart failure.

Heart failure is a common and deadly disease requiring new treatments. The neuregulin-1/ERBB4 pathway offers cardioprotective benefits, but using recombinant neuregulin-1 as therapy has limitations due to the need for intravenous delivery and lack of receptor specificity. We hypothesize that small-molecule activation of ERBB4 could protect against heart damage and fibrosis.

Dent disease: Clinical Practice Recommendations.

Dent disease is a rare X-linked tubulopathy that is characterized by low-molecular-weight (LMW) proteinuria associated with hypercalciuria, which may lead to nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and kidney failure between the 3rd and the 5th decades of life in 30-80% of affected males. The disease is most often associated with various manifestations of proximal tubular dysfunction. Affected individuals may present nephrotic range proteinuria which may be misinterpreted and cause diagnostic delay.

Unveiling the role of artificial intelligence applied to clear aligner therapy: A scoping review.

Objectives: To conduct a scoping review on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in clear aligner therapy and to assess the extent of AI integration and automation in orthodontic software currently available to orthodontists.

Data And Sources: A systematic electronic literature search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Also, grey literature resources up to March 2024 were reviewed.