Inhibition of Endothelial Cell Tube Formation by Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/Anti-Angiopoietin-2 RNA Nanoparticles.

RNA nanoparticles, derived from the packaging RNA three-way junction motif (pRNA-3WJ) of the bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor, have been demonstrated to be thermodynamically and chemically stable, with promise as a nanodelivery system. : A previous study showed that RNA nanoparticles with antiangiogenic aptamers (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and anti-angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) aptamers) inhibited cell proliferation via WST-1 assay. To further investigate the antiangiogenic potential of these RNA nanoparticles, a modified three-dimensional (3D) spheroid sprouting assay model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was utilized in the present study.

Plant Resin Delivery by Nanovectors as an Emerging Approach to Boost Solubility, Permeability and Bioavailability.

Resins are complex mixtures of natural constituents containing non-volatile and volatile terpenes, in combination with gums and polyphenols, used since ancient times for their medicinal properties. Current research has evidenced their therapeutic value with a plethora of activities. The main limits of resins and their constituents for their clinical use are low water solubility, poor stability and bioavailability.

L-Threonine-Derived Biodegradable Polyurethane Nanoparticles for Sustained Carboplatin Release.

The use of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) in drug delivery systems offers the advantages of enhancing drug efficacy and minimizing side effects; In this study, L-threonine polyurethane (LTPU) NPs have been fabricated by water-in-oil-in-water emulsion and solvent evaporation using biodegradable and biocompatible LTPU. This polymer was pre-synthesized through the use of an amino acid-based chain extender, desaminotyrosyl L-threonine hexyl ester (DLTHE), where urethane bonds are formed by poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) (PLA-PEG-PLA) triblock copolymer and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). LTPU is designed to be degraded by hydrolysis and enzymatic activity due to the presence of ester bonds and peptide bonds within the polymer backbone.

Development of a Novel Co-Amorphous Curcumin and L-Arginine (1:2): Structural Characterization, Biological Activity and Pharmacokinetics.

Curcumin appears to be well tolerated and effective for managing chronic inflammatory pain, but its poor oral bioavailability has been a hurdle in its use as a therapeutic agent. The current study was performed to characterize a novel co-amorphous compound based on curcumin/L-arginine 1:2 (CAC12). : Stability, solubility and structural characterization of the CAC12 were carried out by spectrometry techniques and in vitro assays, whereas the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by CFA or carrageenan models.

Does Systematic Use of Small Doses of Vitamin D Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects and Effectively Correct Deficiency Among Healthy Adults?

Background: Calcitriol, beyond its well-established role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis, contributes to immunological processes. No known vitamin D dosage regimen effectively corrects the deficiency while accounting for immunoregulatory effects. Therefore, the purpose of this assessment was to determine whether regular administration of low doses of vitamin D might correct deficiency and have immunoregulatory effects.

Vitamins K2 and D3 Improve Long COVID, Fungal Translocation, and Inflammation: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Long COVID (LC) is characterized by persistent symptoms at least 3 months after a SARS-COV-2 infection. LC has been associated with fungal translocation, gut dysfunction, and enhanced systemic inflammation. Currently, there is no approved treatment for this condition.

Vitamin D: Evidence-Based Health Benefits and Recommendations for Population Guidelines.

Vitamin D offers numerous under-recognized health benefits beyond its well-known role in musculoskeletal health. It is vital for extra-renal tissues, prenatal health, brain function, immunity, pregnancy, cancer prevention, and cardiovascular health. Existing guidelines issued by governmental and health organizations are bone-centric and largely overlook the abovementioned extra-skeletal benefits and optimal thresholds for vitamin D.

Interrelation Between BMI, Dietary Habits, Self-Rated Health, and Body Image Perception Among Korean Adolescents: The Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2022).

Background/objectives: Adolescent obesity is highly likely to lead to adult obesity and is associated with dietary habits, subjective health, and body image perception. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between BMI, dietary habits, subjective health perception, and body image perception among Korean adolescents using data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in 2022 to explore strategies for reducing adolescent obesity rates.

Methods: Data from 50,427 participants were analyzed, including BMI, seven lifestyle factors (intake frequencies of water, milk, fruit, soft drinks, vegetables, breakfast, and late-night snacks), and responses to one item each for subjective health perception and body image perception.

Vitamin Metabolism and Its Dependency on Genetic Variations Among Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review for Precision Nutrition Strategies.

Background/objectives: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in precision nutrition and its potential for disease prevention. Differences in individual responses to diet, especially among populations of different ancestry, have underlined the importance of understanding the effects of genetic variations on nutrient intake (nutrigenomics). Since humans generally cannot synthesize essential vitamins, the maintenance of healthy bodily functions depends on dietary vitamin intake.

Molecular Dynamics Study of Polyacrylamide and Polysaccharide-Derived Flocculants Adsorption on Mg(OH) Surfaces at pH 11.

Brucite (Mg(OH)) is a typical precipitate in the mining industry that adversely affects processes such as flotation and thickening. Gaining insights into the physicochemical properties of this mineral is critical for developing strategies to mitigate these challenges and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, incorporating natural-origin polymers aligns with the shift toward more sustainable mining practices.

High-Yield Production of Polyhydroxybutyrate and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxyhexanoate) from Crude Glycerol by a Newly Isolated Species Oh_219.

Crude glycerol (CG), a major biodiesel production by-product, is the focus of ongoing research to convert it into polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). However, few bacterial strains are capable of efficiently achieving this conversion. Here, 10 PHA-producing strains were isolated from various media.

Ternary Epoxy Nanocomposites with Synergistic Effects: Preparation, Properties Evaluation and Structure Analysis.

The objective of the present work was to prepare hybrid epoxy composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties. The simultaneous use of two different modifiers in an epoxy resin was motivated by the expected occurrence of synergistic effects on the performance properties of the matrix. Such a hybrid composite can be used in more severe conditions and/or in broader application areas.

Cytotoxic Activity of Bisphosphonic Derivatives Obtained by the Michaelis-Arbuzov or the Pudovik Reaction.

Methylenebisphosphonic derivatives including hydroxy-methylenebisphosphonic species may be of potential biological activity, and a part of them is used in the treatment of bone diseases. Methylenebisphosphonates may be obtained by the Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction of suitably α-substituted methylphosphonates and trialkyl phosphites or phosphinous esters, while the hydroxy-methylene variations are prepared by the Pudovik reaction of α-oxophosphonates and different >P(O)H reagents, such as diethyl phosphite and diarylphosphine oxides. After converting α-hydroxy-benzylphosphonates and -phosphine oxides to the α-halogeno- and α-sulfonyloxy derivatives, they were utilized in the Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction with trialkyl phosphites and ethyl diphenylphosphinite to afford the corresponding bisphosphonate, bis(phosphine oxide) and phosphonate-phosphine oxide derivatives.

Leveraging Single-Cell Multi-Omics to Decode Tumor Microenvironment Diversity and Therapeutic Resistance.

Recent developments in single-cell multi-omics technologies have provided the ability to identify diverse cell types and decipher key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), leading to important advancements toward a much deeper understanding of how tumor microenvironment heterogeneity contributes to cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. These technologies are able to integrate data from molecular genomic, transcriptomic, proteomics, and metabolomics studies of cells at a single-cell resolution scale that give rise to the full cellular and molecular complexity in the TME. Understanding the complex and sometimes reciprocal relationships among cancer cells, CAFs, immune cells, and ECs has led to novel insights into their immense heterogeneity in functions, which can have important consequences on tumor behavior.

Comparison of Two Field Deployable PCR Platforms for SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A and B Viruses' Detection.

Background: Respiratory viral infections are a major public health challenge and the most diagnosed medical condition, particularly for individuals living in close proximity, like military personnel. We compared the sensitivity and specificity of the Biomeme Franklin and Truelab RT-PCR thermocyclers to determine which platform is more sensitive and specific at detecting SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A and B viruses.

Methodology: RNA extracted from nasopharyngeal swabs of infected and uninfected individuals was tested on the Biomeme Franklin at Lackland and the Truelab at Wright Patterson Air Force bases.

Time-Series Change Detection Using KOMPSAT-5 Data with Statistical Homogeneous Pixel Selection Algorithm.

For change detection in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery, amplitude change detection (ACD) and coherent change detection (CCD) are widely employed. However, time-series SAR data often contain noise and variability introduced by system and environmental factors, requiring mitigation. Additionally, the stability of SAR signals is preserved when calibration accounts for temporal and environmental variations.

Blockchain-Facilitated Cybersecurity for Ubiquitous Internet of Things with Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks: A Survey.

This article presents a systematic review on blockchain-facilitated cybersecurity solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) devices in space-air-ground integrated networks (SAGIN). First, we identify the objectives and the context of the blockchain-based solutions for SAGIN. Although, typically, the blockchain is primarily used to enhance the trustworthiness of some systems or operations, it is necessary to document exactly in what context the blockchain is used that is specific to the IoT and SAGIN.

Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinson Disease-A Narrative Review of Diagnosis and Management.

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) is a significant non-motor manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD), that substantially affects patient disability and has a powerful impact on the quality of life of PD patients, while also contributing to increased healthcare costs. This narrative review aims to summarize key insights into the diagnosis and management of NOH in individuals with PD. For diagnosing NOH, a recently introduced and valuable metric is the ΔHr/ΔSBP index.

Impact of Resistance Exercise and Nitrate Supplementation on Muscle Function and Clinical Outcomes After Knee Osteoarthritis Surgery in Middle-Aged Women with Sarcopenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Sarcopenia, characterized by reduced muscle mass and strength, is associated with osteoarthritis (OA), particularly in middle-aged women, and may worsen postoperatively. Resistance exercise (RE) can resolve sarcopenia; however, recovery is often suboptimal. Nitrate (NO) supplementation may enhance muscle recovery and complement RE.

Hospitalization Trends and Healthcare Resource Utilization for Fecal Impactions in Pediatric Patients with Functional Constipation.

: To analyze the clinical characteristics, trends in hospitalization, and healthcare resource utilization of pediatric patients with fecal impaction. : We utilized the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) databases, including the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and the Kids Inpatient Database (KID) datasets from 2011 to 2019, to include all hospitalizations of patients up to 18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of (1) fecal impaction or (2) a primary diagnosis of abdominal pain or constipation with a secondary diagnosis of fecal impaction. The study analyzed various comorbid factors and clinical characteristics of these patients.

Comparative Efficacy of Extracorporeal Versus Conventional Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Adult Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Study at a Single Center.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has the potential to improve neurological outcomes in patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), offering an alternative to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR). However, its effectiveness in OHCA remains controversial despite advancements in resuscitation techniques. This retrospective single-center study compared neurological outcomes and 30-day survival between ECPR and CCPR patients from January 2014 to January 2022.

Clinical Characteristics of COVID-19-Related Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Case Series.

Although reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a rare disease, the condition may occur with COVID-19 infection. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of RCVS through a systematic review of case reports and case series that reported on COVID-19-related RCVS. : A literature search was performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), SCOPUS, and Web of Science.

Perioperative Outcomes in Patients with and Without Chronic Preoperative Therapeutic Anticoagulation Undergoing Metabolic Surgery at an Academic Medical Center.

Patients on chronic anticoagulation undergoing metabolic surgery represent an increased risk of complications, including both bleeding and thrombotic events, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). The optimal perioperative management of patients who are receiving chronic anticoagulation therapy (CAT) is complex. In the colorectal surgery literature, patients on CAT have a 10% rate of peri-procedural bleeding and a 3% rate of thromboembolism.

Risk-Stratified Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Evaluation of an Institutional Approach.

: The optimal venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis approach after hip or knee total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains controversial. This study aimed to characterize antithrombotic-related complications associated with various chemoprophylaxis regimens after TJA and to assess our current institutional risk-stratified prescribing tool. : This retrospective case-control study and regression analysis included elective unilateral TJA patients at a single institution between 1 July 2015 and 31 December 2021.

The Impact of Fibular Fixation Method on Pilon Fracture Healing.

Pilon fractures are associated with high-energy injuries, and there is presently much debate as to optimal fixation strategies and timing of intervention. There is little evidence comparing the type of fibular fixation during pilon fracture fixation. The purpose of this study was to compare fibular fixation methods in complex pilon injuries as it relates to pilon union rates and development of post-traumatic arthritis.