Journal of Medicine and Life最新文献

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is widely used in nonscarring alopecia, yet the biological context accompanying measurable trichoscopic change in routine practice remains incompletely described. This study aimed to provide a complementary longitudinal analysis of the same real-world treatment cohort, focusing on within-subject trichoscopic change and paired biomarker trajectories rather than on baseline response stratification. In this ambispective observational cohort, participants underwent paired baseline (T1) and follow-up (T2) assessments after PRP, PRP + exosomes, PRP + nutricomplex, or nutricomplex alone. Total hair density (hairs/cm²) was summarized as absolute change (Δ) and percent change (%Δ). Longitudinal systemic profiling included complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammatory indices-neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI)-as well as selected soluble markers, including vitamin D, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). Paired changes were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, between-regimen differences in %Δ density with Kruskal-Wallis testing, and biomarker-change associations with Spearman correlation and FDR control. Among 129 participants, total hair density increased from T1 to T2, although the magnitude of improvement varied substantially across individuals. Regimen-level %Δ density showed numerical dispersion without statistically conclusive between-group separation. CBC-derived indices and soluble markers also displayed heterogeneous paired trajectories, and exploratory correlations suggested that selected biomarker change-scores tracked with %Δ density. This manuscript extends the cohort-level narrative by showing that early trichoscopic improvement under PRP-based care is accompanied by heterogeneous longitudinal biomarker modulation. Framed as a companion, trajectory-oriented analysis, the study supports interpreting response heterogeneity through paired clinical-biomarker dynamics rather than through a single summary endpoint alone.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, though they represent a small proportion of overall gastrointestinal malignancies. Originating from the interstitial cells of Cajal, GISTs exhibit a broad spectrum of clinical behavior, ranging from indolent lesions to aggressive malignancies that can arise throughout the gastrointestinal tract, most frequently in the stomach and small intestine, and rarely in extra-gastrointestinal sites such as the omentum, mesentery, or retroperitoneum. Surgical management, particularly for gastric GISTs, increasingly favors minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic techniques, while preserving oncologic safety. Complete surgical excision with negative margins remains the cornerstone of curative therapy for primary gastric GISTs. Indications for surgery are most often related to symptomatic gastric GISTs at initial presentation. Optimal patient care relies on a multidisciplinary strategy integrating surgical management, pathology, imaging, risk stratification, and targeted medical therapies, ensuring individualized treatment plans and improved outcomes.

The constrained disorder principle (CDP) defines all systems in the universe by their inherent variability and underlies their proper functioning. According to this principle, variability underlies every biological process and is fundamental to the proper functioning of systems. The CDP explains that internal and external noise is necessary for biological systems to function appropriately, provided it is kept within dynamic boundaries, enabling adaptation to perturbations. Many phenomena in biological systems are complex to describe using current rules, but can be explained by quantum effects. The paper discusses data on quantum randomness, which may be attributed to the CDP. It describes CDP-based second-generation artificial intelligence systems that introduce variability into biological systems to enhance their functionality. The paper outlines the potential of utilizing CDP-based quantum randomness for various applications, including leveraging quantifiable variables of quantum randomness to address malfunctions in biological processes and enhance the efficiency of biological systems.

Since their discovery in the 18^th century, artificial sweeteners have been an important part of modern-day nutrition. The same applies to sugar consumption, which has increased massively in the last few decades. That is why the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting free sugar intake to less than 10% of total daily energy intake, with additional benefits likely at levels below 5% per day. This high consumption led to the fact that diabetes is now one of the most frequent comorbidities in the world, with around 529 million people suffering from this disease. Patients need to be careful with their diet, which raises the question of whether artificial sweeteners should be mandatory in a diabetic nutrition plan. To answer this question, a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and a meta-analysis were conducted. Overall, 22 studies were included in this review. The results of the studies were ambivalent, and no general statement could thus be made. We found the same results in the meta-analysis, where Hedges' g was used as an effect size. Artificial sweeteners were associated with higher insulin (g = 0.50, 95% CI, 0.19-0.82) and higher HbA1c (g = 0.30, 95% CI, 0.06-0.54) in common-effects models; however, these associations were not relevant in random-effects models, and heterogeneity was substantial. No consistent effects were observed for other outcomes. Based on current evidence, the routine use of artificial sweeteners in diabetic diets cannot be recommended.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a glaze coating on the surface roughness and color stability of 3D-printed temporary crown resin materials before and after simulated toothbrushing. Nano-filled ceramic resin specimens were fabricated using a 3D printer (Dentafab) with standardized dimensions of 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. The specimens were divided into two groups: uncoated specimens serving as the control group and specimens coated with Optiglaze. Surface roughness and color measurements were recorded at baseline and after brushing simulation. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired-samples t-tests with StatPlus and JASP software, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. Specimens treated with the glaze coating exhibited lower surface roughness values than the uncoated control group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed within either group before and after brushing. Additionally, simulated brushing did not result in clinically perceptible color changes in either group. Applying a glaze coating to 3D-printed temporary crown resin materials improves surface smoothness while maintaining color stability, even after simulated toothbrushing.

Stress and anxiety are interconnected, sharing both behavioural and neural foundations. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) helps reduce stress and anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a proprietary herbal extract of ashwagandha root (APB) in adult men and women with moderate stress and anxiety. This 8-week, randomized, double-blind, three-arm, placebo-controlled trial included 141 healthy men and women aged 18-65 years with stress and anxiety. Participants were randomized to receive either 300 mg of APB twice daily (n = 47), ashwagandha root extract (ARE, n = 47), or placebo (PL, n = 47) for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was a change in serum cortisol levels at week 8. Secondary endpoints were the mean changes in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Profile of Mood States (POMS), and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) scores. Safety was assessed through clinical adverse events (AEs) and laboratory parameters. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc test, and within-group changes were assessed using paired t-tests. At 8 weeks, all groups have shown a significant reduction in serum cortisol, and improvements in PSS (P < 0.0001), HAM-A (P = 0.001), and POMS domain scores (tension, depression, and anger, P < 0.0001). In addition, the APB showed significant differences compared with ARE and PL for PSS, HAM-A total score, OHQ, and POMS (P < 0.05). The proprietary herbal extract of ashwagandha root (300mg twice daily) is considered an effective and safe intervention for reducing stress and anxiety.

Mental disorders affect a substantial portion of the global population, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems due to high hospitalization costs and resource demands. This narrative review examines the economic impact of these disorders, with particular attention to hospitalization expenses, intervention effectiveness, and recent research outcomes. The main findings of recent studies highlight that mental disorders substantially increase hospitalization costs through frequent admissions, extended stays, and the need for specialized treatments. When physical comorbidities are also present, the burden grows even greater, further elevating both costs and resource utilization. While these challenges are considerable, they are not insurmountable. Integrated care models, early intervention, and preventive strategies show promise in reducing costs while improving patient outcomes. In conclusion, effective management of mental health disorders requires more than isolated treatment; it calls for comprehensive, integrated healthcare strategies addressing both mental and physical health. In this context, complex outpatient services and preventive care systems emerge as essential components of sustainable mental healthcare. Future research should aim to standardize methodologies, clarify the economic burden of mental health conditions, and provide guidance for future healthcare policies.

High-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) achieves plasma concentrations that are not attainable by oral administration and has been investigated as an adjunct in sepsis, oncology, and symptom management. To synthesize the evidence regarding the clinical benefits and risks of high-dose IVC, as well as the potential advantages of on-site infusion, a PRISMA-informed search of PubMed/PMC, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010-2025) was conducted, prioritizing randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and high-quality observational studies. Pharmacokinetic and mechanistic studies of IVC support plausible physiologic benefits through antioxidant effects, catecholamine biosynthesis, and immune modulation, with recent evidence showing down regulation of pro-inflammatory STAT1/PD-L1 pathways in experimental sepsis. Oncology phase I and II studies demonstrate safety and quality-of-life improvements; a randomized phase II pancreatic trial reported a promising survival benefit when combined with chemotherapy. Some of the major risks include oxalate nephropathy and hemolysis in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, especially with very large or repeated doses, suggesting pre-screening to avoid these risks. Furthermore, the literature on home infusion and IV therapies is limited; however, the expanding home infusion infrastructure offers an avenue for monitored IVC delivery. In conclusion, evidence does not support routine use of high-dose IVC in sepsis, and its role in oncology remains supportive and exploratory, with potential risks requiring caution. Furthermore, interest in home-based infusion services is increasing in several healthcare systems, although clinical outcome data specific to high-dose IVC in these settings remain limited.