BioMed Research International最新文献

Additive manufacturing (AM) has gained significant traction in the dental field, yet its application in dental ceramics, specifically zirconia (ZrO₂), is still evolving. ZrO₂, a widely used biomaterial, has become popular in dental procedures due to its exceptional properties. Although subtractive technologies like milling and CAD/CAM are prevalent for ZrO₂ restorations, they have limitations. The integration of AM in ceramic restoration production is a burgeoning area of research and industry interest globally, requiring a comprehensive understanding among dental professionals. This review paper explores various AM technologies for ZrO₂ processing, discussing their advantages and future potential. The results indicate that while techniques like stereolithography and digital light processing can produce ZrO₂ restorations with improved surface quality and dimensional accuracy, challenges such as porosity, reduced mechanical strength compared to conventional milling, and variability in sintering outcomes persist. The findings show encouraging potential for AM in ZrO₂-based restorative, implant, and regenerative dentistry. Despite this, more refinements and substantiation are needed before it can be widely adopted in clinical settings.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/6035987.].

Background: Malaria remains a major public health concern, particularly among children under 5 years in the WHO African Region. Malarial anaemia is a common complication in this population. Factors that are associated with the development of malarial anaemia include haemolysis, dyserythropoiesis, erythrophagocytosis and bone marrow suppression, with studies reporting varying erythropoietin (epo) responses to severe anaemia. Studies on anti-epo antibodies being linked to malarial anaemia have yielded conflicting results, associated with malarial anaemia in pregnant women but not in children. This study sought to investigate anti-epo antibody production in children with malaria and explore their association with malarial anaemia.

Methodology: The study recruited 90 children aged 1-10 years in Tano North Municipality, Ghana. Of these, 60 children diagnosed with malaria (30 with anaemia and 30 without anaemia) formed the case group, while 30 healthy children served as the control group. Venous blood samples were collected into K₂EDTA (for full blood count, G6PD activity and malaria microscopy) and serum-separator tubes (SSTs) (sera for measurement of epo concentrations and anti-epo antibodies using ELISA kits).

Results: In all, anti-epo antibodies were detected in 5.6% of participants who had malaria, with none of the controls being positive for the antibodies. However, the difference in anti-epo antibody positivity between the two groups was not statistically significant. Within the subgroup of 30 malarial anaemia patients, 5.0% had anti-epo antibodies compared to 3.37% within the subgroup of malaria without anaemia (p = 0.640). Antibody positivity was significantly associated with elevated epo concentrations and younger age when compared to those with malaria who did not produce anti-epo antibodies.

Conclusion: Anti-epo antibody production is not linked to Plasmodium falciparum infection or malarial anaemia but is strongly associated with younger age and elevated epo levels in children.

Background: Vaccines constitute a fundamental component of public health interventions, preventing the transmission of numerous diseases. Nevertheless, vaccines remain underutilized in various regions globally, particularly in East African nations, where high mortality rates among children under 5 years of age are predominantly attributable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Consequently, this investigation is aimed at evaluating children's vaccination coverage and its associated determinants in East Africa utilizing Bayesian hierarchical modeling based on Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data (2019-2022).

Methods: This study analyzed nationally representative data from the DHS, a standardized cross-sectional household survey program that collects health and population data using stratified two-stage cluster sampling. Data were drawn from surveys conducted between 2019 and 2022 in five East African countries: Ethiopia (2019), Kenya (2022), Mozambique (2022), Rwanda (2019/20), and Tanzania (2022). A Bayesian hierarchical regression model was applied to identify factors influencing vaccination coverage, evaluating four candidate models using leave-one-out cross-validation to select the best fit. Statistical significance was assessed using 95% posterior credible intervals (CrIs) after confirming model convergence.

Results: A total of 15,703 weighted children aged 12-23 months were included, with an overall survey response rate of 97.2%. A substantial proportion of children (73.81%) were only partially immunized, highlighting a critical gap in achieving full vaccination coverage. The Bayesian hierarchical ordinal logistic regression showed that several factors were significantly associated with the odds of being in a higher vaccination category versus a lower one. Children residing in Kenya had 3.10 times higher odds of being in a higher vaccination category compared with those in Ethiopia (AOR = 3.10; 95% CrI: 2.49-3.86). Maternal media exposure (AOR = 1.25, 95% CrI: 1.15, 1.38), maternal education (secondary or above) (AOR = 1.42, 95% CrI: 1.21, 1.67), health facility delivery (AOR = 1.53, 95% CrI: 1.19, 1.96), postnatal care visit (AOR = 1.28, 95% CrI: 1.15, 1.43), skilled birth attendance (AOR = 1.61, 95% CrI: 1.24, 2.079), and antenatal care (ANC) visits (four and above) (AOR = 4.08, 95% CrI: 3.44, 4.84) were all positively associated with higher odds of being in a higher vaccination category.

Conclusions: Vaccination coverage remains low across East Africa, with significant regional disparities. These results highlight the need for focused interventions in high-risk areas and addressing key determinants to improve childhood vaccination rates.

Background: Lipid droplet (LD) dynamics drive cancer cell proliferation, resistance, and aggressiveness. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferases (DGATs) and perilipins (PLINs) are key LD-associated genes implicated in cancer pathophysiology.

Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the expression and clinical significance of DGATs and PLINs in ovarian cancer (OC), focusing on their correlation with LDs and triglyceride (TG) levels, and to explore their diagnostic and prognostic implications.

Methods: LD and TG levels in ovarian cell lines and clinical samples were assessed using BODIPY staining, fluorometric, colorimetric assays, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Gene expression profiling of DGATs and PLINs in cell lines and tissue was conducted via RT-qPCR, ELISA, and bioinformatics analysis. Correlation analyses between gene expression, Ki67, and survival data were performed. ROC curve analysis evaluated diagnostic potential.

Results: LD accumulation was significantly higher in OC cell lines and tissues compared with normal controls. Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) and diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) were overexpressed in OC cell lines and tissues, particularly in advanced stages (III and IV). Elevated TG levels were observed in OC cell lines and clinical samples, correlating with LD abundance and the expression of DGAT1 and DGAT2. PLIN2 and PLIN3 were significantly upregulated in OC tissues. Bioinformatics analysis identified dysregulation of DGATs and PLINs in OC. Survival analysis indicated DGAT2 is a predictor of poor prognosis. Diagnostic assessments revealed DGAT2 as a potential biomarker for OC detection.

Conclusion: DGATs and PLINs are pivotal in LD metabolism and tumor progression in OC, with DGAT2 being a good candidate as prognostic and diagnostic marker. They present promising avenues for therapeutic targeting and diagnostic biomarkers, holding the potential to improve patient outcomes. Further exploration of their mechanistic roles and clinical implications is essential for advancing personalized cancer care.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigated the anticancer effects of γ-tocotrienol (γT3) and δ-tocotrienol (δT3) on the human CRC cell lines HCC2998, HCT116, SW48 and Caco2. The cytotoxic effects were evaluated via cell viability assays, gene expression analysis and flow cytometry-based apoptosis detection. The results demonstrated that both γT3 and δT3 exhibited potent antiproliferative activities across all cell lines, with δT3 generally showing lower IC₅₀ values. Gene expression analysis revealed cell line-specific responses, with HCT116 cells demonstrating significant upregulation of apoptosis-related genes, particularly in response to γT3 treatment. Flow cytometry confirmed the apoptosis-inducing capabilities of both compounds, with effects intensifying from 24-48 h of treatment. The response of HCT116 cells was the most pronounced, especially in response to δT3 treatment. Both γT3 and δT3, after 48 h of treatment, induced significant G₁ phase cell cycle arrest in HCC2998 cells, with δT3 exhibiting a more pronounced suppression of S phase progression. These findings contribute to the growing evidence supporting the potential of T3 as a therapeutic agent for CRC, highlighting its ability to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in multiple CRC cell lines. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action and evaluate the in vivo efficacy of these compounds.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/7020637.].

Despite the reported antidiabetic potential of Carpobrotus edulis, there is still a dearth of information on its modulatory role on the genes and signaling pathways implicated in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study evaluated the gene-compound-pathways to lend scientific credence to the antidiabetic molecular mechanism of action of C. edulis using network pharmacology method. The results revealed that 11 metabolites of C. edulis that displayed oral drug-likeness properties presented a network of 34 common genes with T2DM. While the gene ontology analysis revealed negative regulation of apoptotic, plasma membrane, and protein kinase as the biological parameters involved, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis identified endocrine resistance (ER) signaling pathway as the most significant functional parameter. The ER signaling pathway had estrogen receptors 1 and 2 (ESR1 and ESR2) as the most enriched genes implicated in T2DM relative to C. edulis. Interestingly, the top ranked C. edulis metabolites displayed higher binding affinities (ranging from -39.98 to -49.67 kcal/mol for ESR1 and -33.21 to -58.59 kcal/mol for ESR2) than the standard drugs (metformin and tamoxifen [-14.21 and -12.34 kcal/mol for ESR1 and -20.65 and -47.92 kcal/mol for ESR2, respectively]), with catechin (-49.67 kcal/mol) and epicatechin (-58.59 kcal/mol) specifically displaying the highest binding free energies for ESR1 and ESR2, respectively. The greater binding interactions, stability, and structural orientation exhibited by C. edulis metabolites further substantiated their modulatory role on the genes. Overall, the significant binding affinities, stabilities, and interactions observed with the top ranked C. edulis metabolites, especially catechin and epicatechin with the two hub genes, suggest that C. edulis possibly elicits antidiabetic activity via enhancement of cellular glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. However, further preclinical and clinical studies on the potential of C. edulis metabolites as potential drug candidates against T2DM are encouraged.

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate whether stochastic whole-body vibration (WBV) can improve dexterity and manipulative capacity in healthy individuals using a conventional squat position over a short period (1 week). Introduction: Many pathologies specifically affect fine motor dexterity. Numerous therapies are aimed at improving upper extremity functionality. In this context, WBV appears to represent a significant breakthrough in the field of rehabilitation. The mechanical vibration signals activate sensory receptors (muscle spindles), triggering reflex muscle activation like the tonic vibration reflex. The random mechanoreceptor stimulation maintains continuous brain activation, increasing corticospinal excitability. Methods: Thirty-eight healthy young volunteers were randomized to the WBV group (N = 19; 6 men, 13 women) or the control group (N = 19; 6 men, 13 women). The subjects in the WBV group performed one series of five consecutive repetitions of 60-s unsynchronized WBV (Zeptoring, Scisen GmbH, Germany; mechanical vibration of 4 Hz and amplitude of 3 mm) with a 1-min pause between administrations, three times a week. Baseline and 5 min after the intervention, preferred hand (PH), nonpreferred hand (NPH), both hands (BH), and assembly (A) of the Purdue Pegboard test were performed. Results: Student's t-test showed a significant advantage in favor of the WBV group for NPH and BH compared to the control group. Among all variables, the NPH showed the most substantial improvement, with an increase of approximately 12% (p < 0.02), while BH improved by 8% (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Acute low-frequency WBV in a squat position improves manual dexterity in healthy subjects. Future studies with larger sample sizes and diagnostic methods are needed to support these findings. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03289689.

Background and Objectives: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections pose significant challenges in managing transplant patients and necessitate rapid and precise diagnostic methods due to their immunosuppressed state. This study designed and evaluated the performance of an in-house multiplex real-time PCR for simultaneous detection of these viruses. Materials and Methods: Plasma samples from 270 transplant patients were tested using an in-house multiplex real-time PCR assay specifically designed for HSV, VZV, and EBV. Analytical specificity and the assay's limit of detection (LOD) were determined. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the agreement between the in-house assay and the reference kit. Results: The method had a specificity of 98% for HSV, 97% for VZV, and 95% for EBV, alongside 100% sensitivity for all three viruses. No cross-reactivity was observed with other viral or bacterial DNA. The LOD for the in-house assay was determined to be 6.25, 25, and 25 copies/mL for HSV, VZV, and EBV, respectively. Additionally, precision analysis showed low CV values in both intra-assay and interassay evaluations (HSV: 1.5%-1.8%; VZV: 2.3%-2.6%; and EBV: 3.7%-3.9%), confirming the assay's robust analytical precision. Bland-Altman analysis showed mean differences of 1.35, -3.29, and 1.75 for HSV, VZV, and EBV, respectively. This multiplex real-time PCR method enables detection at lower concentrations. Cross-reactivity testing confirmed no interaction with DNA from other viruses or nontarget microorganisms. Bland-Altman and linear regression analyses also showed a strong agreement between commercial and in-house methods. Conclusion: These findings, compared to Altona diagnostic kits, highlight the value of designing and applying advanced diagnostic assays in managing viral infections in transplant patients.