BioMed Research International最新文献

Background: Blood donation plays a vital role in healthcare, especially in the Maldives, where a high prevalence of thalassemia creates a significant demand for regular blood transfusions. Despite this need, the country relies heavily on directed blood donations, with limited participation from voluntary nonremunerated donors (VNRDs). Addressing donor recruitment, retention, and knowledge gaps is essential to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply.

Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and motivations of voluntary blood donors registered at a tertiary care blood bank and at identifying strategies to enhance recruitment and retention of regular voluntary blood donors.

Method: A qualitative approach was adopted, with data collected through interviews with 12 voluntary blood donors. Thematic analysis was conducted to explore participants' knowledge, attitudes, and motivations and to identify challenges and potential solutions for improving voluntary blood donation rates.

Findings: The study revealed that while donors displayed positive attitudes toward blood donation, misconceptions about the safest type of donors persisted, with 25% believing family donors were safer than voluntary donors. Key barriers included a lack of structured recruitment programs, limited donor retention efforts, and an insufficient focus on donor recognition. Participants recommended awareness campaigns, improved donation facilities, personalized donor engagement, and enhanced recognition programs to encourage repeat donations.

Conclusion: Increasing voluntary blood donations in the Maldives requires a donor-centric approach, incorporating structured recruitment and retention strategies, robust awareness campaigns, and improved donor experiences. These findings provide actionable insights to strengthen the national blood transfusion system and ensure a sustainable and safe blood supply.

Objective: This study analyzes the relationship between family resilience, social support, and family function of elderly patients with COPD. It explores the mediating effect of family resilience between social support and family function and the influence path among them, so as to provide evidence for medical staff to formulate targeted intervention measures and improve family function of elderly patients with COPD.

Methods: Using a convenience sampling, 535 elderly patients with COPD were recruited in the respiratory and critical care departments of six tertiary hospitals in Ningxia, China from August 2022 to September 2023. The participants were assessed by general information questionnaire, family resilience assessment scale, social support assessment scale, family density, and adaptability scale. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between variables, and Model 4 in PROCESS 4.2 plugin was used to explore the mediating role of family resilience in the relationship between social support and family function.

Results: Pearson correlation analysis showed that family function was positively correlated with social support (r = 0.406, p < 0.001) and family resilience (r = 0.622, p < 0.001), and family resilience was also positively correlated with social support (r = 0.361, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis revealed that social support was directly associated with family function (β = 0.556, 95%CI = 0.371, 0.741). Additionally, social support can also indirectly associated with family function via the mediation of family resilience (β = 0.526, 95%CI = 0.378, 0.672). The direct effect accounts for 51.39% of the total effect and the indirect effect accounts for 48.61% of the total effect.

Conclusion: Family resilience plays a partial mediating role in social support and family function of elderly patients with COPD, and medical staff should pay attention to the integration of social support intervention and family resilience intervention to better improve family function of patients.

Introduction: Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of mortality, particularly among children under 5 years of age in developing countries. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance has complicated the search for effective treatments, highlighting medicinal plants as a promising source for novel therapeutic agents.

Aim: This systematic review is aimed at identifying plant species traditionally used to treat diarrhea in Mozambique and at documenting their ethnomedicinal characteristics.

Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to gather information on traditional plants used for diarrhea in Mozambique. Relevant publications up to 10 April 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, ScienceDirect, libraries, and online repositories. The review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines.

Results: In this study, a total of 174 plants were identified as being used for the treatment of diarrhea in Mozambique, including 12 identified only to the genus level, one variety, and three subspecies. An additional 10 species were reported solely by their vernacular names. Terminalia sericea was the plant most frequently cited species, appearing in 14 of the 38 studies. Roots were the commonly used plant part, accounting for 49.8% of reported uses, with decoction being the predominant method of preparation (45.8%). Oral administration was the most common route, although other methods were reported. Some species identified in this review are at risk of extinction, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts.

Conclusions: The study highlights the diverse range of plant traditionally used to manage diarrhea in Mozambique. These species represent promising candidates for future pharmacological and clinical research, offering potential solutions not only within Mozambique but also for addressing diarrheal diseases on a broader, global scale.

Background/objectives: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) has emerged as a promising biomarker of oxidative burden and cardiovascular risk. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of ubiquinol supplementation, a potent lipophilic antioxidant, on oxLDL levels in prediabetic patients.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study of 20 adults with impaired fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Participants were randomized to receive either ubiquinol (100 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Plasma oxLDL levels were measured at baseline and Week 12.

Results: After 12 weeks, the ubiquinol group demonstrated a significant within-group reduction in plasma oxLDL compared with baseline (p = 0.049), whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group (p = 0.237). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: Daily ubiquinol (100 mg/day) for 12 weeks was associated with a significant within-group decrease in plasma oxLDL among prediabetic participants; however, the between-group difference versus placebo was not significant.

Trial registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry: TCTR20250512008.

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of potentially malignant mesenchymal tumor, thought to arise from the interstitial cells of the gut. More than half of all GIST cases occur primarily in the stomach. Currently, radical resection remains the only curative treatment for this disease. This review is aimed at summarizing recent advances in surgical management and operative techniques for resectable gastric GISTs.

Summary: Risk stratification of small gastric GISTs is expected to resolve ongoing debates regarding their management, while artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted imaging shows promise for early detection. In tumors located at unfavorable sites, R1 resection has been shown to achieve oncological outcomes comparable to those of R0 resection, thereby expanding surgical options. The principles of en bloc resection and avoidance of tumor rupture remain critical in intraperitoneal surgery. However, their applicability in endoscopic resection (ER) remains uncertain. Clinical studies have confirmed the long-term oncological safety and superior short-term outcomes of laparoscopic resection (LR), even for tumors larger than 5 cm. For LR in challenging locations, expert centers, robotic assistance, and laparoscopic intragastric surgery represent viable alternatives. Innovations and integration of endoscopic techniques have improved the efficiency and feasibility of ER for gastric GISTs, while also reducing complication rates. As an emerging approach, laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) combines the advantages of both LR and ER, offering reliable oncological control with a lower incidence of complications.

Aim: Our study is aimed at identifying circulating extracellular vesicles associated with liver regeneration in humans and mice, exploring their roles, and evaluating their content as potential biomarkers of regeneration.

Methods: Plasma samples were collected from 12 human liver transplant recipients and 22 mice at distinct time points postsurgery, corresponding to regenerating and nonregenerating phases. Small extracellular vesicles were isolated from plasma, and miRNA was extracted for analysis using NanoString technology. To understand the role of miRNAs in liver regeneration, we utilized bioinformatics tools, including mirDIP and STRING, to identify target genes involved in regenerative signaling pathways, focusing on the Hippo and cell cycle pathways.

Results: Twenty-five differentially expressed miRNAs were identified from human patient plasma samples and 30 from mouse plasma samples. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a significant overlap between the predicted target genes of these miRNAs and genes involved in critical regenerative pathways, such as the cell cycle and Hippo signaling, suggesting that these miRNAs play important regulatory roles during liver regeneration.

Conclusions: The miRNA profiles associated with small extracellular vesicles have the potential to serve as noninvasive biomarkers for liver regeneration. Further validation of these miRNA-based biomarkers could advance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for liver injury and posttransplant recovery.

Fibroblasts are crucial in tissue engineering because of their ability to synthesize the extracellular matrix (ECM) and secrete growth factors. Orbital fibroblasts (OFs) from patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) exhibit enhanced fibroblastic properties, making them ideal candidates for regenerative medicine in ocular tissue. In the present study, we investigated the effect of nanoperlite on TED OFs. Nanoperlite, with its unique properties including high silica (SiO₂) content, holds promise for enhancing fibroblast functions. Nanoperlite was prepared and characterized in terms of particle size and chemical composition. A sample of orbital adipose tissue was taken from a TED patient during orbital decompression surgery and OFs were expanded in vitro. The cells were then treated with nanoperlite at concentrations of 1 and 10 μg/mL for 24 h, and gene expression related to the fibrogenesis process was assessed using real-time PCR. Nanoperlite at 1 μg/mL significantly increased the expression of TGF-β, CD90, α-SMA, ZEB1, β-Catenin, and Snail genes in OFs. However, at 10 μg/mL, this effect was not observed. This study highlights nanoperlite's potential to enhance fibroblast activity specifically at the concentration of 1 μg/mL. This effect can potentially aid tissue engineering strategy for periorbital tissue repair and eyelid reconstruction. However, further research is needed to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and safety profile.

The deviated nasal septum is the most common cause of nasal airway obstruction, frequently diagnosed by otolaryngologists in clinical practice. Reports displayed that this condition affects 70%-80% of the population. The etiology of this upper airway problem is mainly related to intrinsic deformity or quadrangular cartilage dislocation from its bony borders, which can finally confer different disorders, such as breathing problems, sinus infections, snoring, headaches, exacerbating sleep apnea, and sleep disturbances. One of the most common methods for correcting a deviated nasal septum is septoplasty. However, this procedure still requires significant improvements to enhance its effectiveness and reduce the risk of surgery-related complications, particularly nasal septal perforation and the recurrence of deviation in adolescents and adults. In recent years, numerous strategies have been proposed to enhance septoplasty outcomes and reduce surgery-related complications. Many of these approaches focus on improving pain management, restoring olfactory function, alleviating symptoms, and enhancing clinical nasal outcomes. Additionally, they are aimed at promoting healing of the nasal mucosa and close septal perforations following surgery. This narrative review critically appraises the latest advancements in septoplasty, contrasting high-level evidence from large multicenter trials with promising but preliminary findings from novel techniques aimed at enhancing outcomes and reducing complications.

Increasing evidence suggests a link between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the precise mechanisms by which DM contributes to AD remain unclear. This study is aimed at elucidating the potential role of DM in the early stages of AD. Accordingly, a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic 5 × familial AD (FAD) mouse model was established. Immunohistochemistry and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning were performed to examine amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition in the brain. The integrity of the colonic epithelium was assessed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence staining. Microbial diversity analysis was conducted for 5 × FAD mice with and without STZ-induced DM to determine shifts in intestinal flora profiles. After oral administration of butyrate to STZ-treated 5 × FAD mice, we observed that Aβ deposition in the brain was decreased, and the intestinal flora improved. Immunohistochemistry and PET/CT findings revealed a marked increase in Aβ formation in the brains of 5 × FAD mice treated with STZ. qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining revealed severe intestinal barrier dysfunction in these mice. Gut microbiota sequencing indicated significant dysbiosis in STZ-treated 5 × FAD mice, characterized by a reduction in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing species. After oral administration of butyrate, Aβ deposition in the brains of STZ-treated 5 × FAD mice was significantly reduced, and beneficial changes occurred in the intestinal flora, including increases in bacteria associated with SCFA production and neurological function. Dysregulation of the gut microbiome may exacerbate cerebral amyloidosis during AD pathogenesis. Microbes associated with SCFA production may play a beneficial role in AD treatment, and butyrate supplementation can significantly delay AD progression.

Aim: The study is aimed at modifying the surface of nickel-titanium (NiTi) wire with novel coating techniques of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) for reduction in friction and improving antibacterial activity.

Materials and methods: NiTi orthodontic wires were coated with ZnO NPs by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and polymer composite coating. Physicochemical properties of ZnO NPs were assessed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Besides, the surface characterization of NiTi substrates was analyzed with atomic force microscopy (AFM). The antibacterial activity of the coated samples against Streptococcus mutans was assessed using the colony count method.

Results: Polymer coating method demonstrated the most durable and well-adhered ZnO coating among the groups with a relatively high antibacterial activity (reduction in cell viability [R %] = 89%). The polymer composite coating group showed the highest reduction in frictional forces in 0° wire/bracket angle. The highest R % (98%) belonged to the CVD group, but unfortunately, the reduction in friction was not satisfying.

Conclusion: All the coated wires represented antibacterial activity. Among the groups, the polymer coating sample obtained the highest reduction in friction and could be an attractive choice for the clinician for safer and faster orthodontic treatment.