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Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Jun 2024The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) is part of the undergraduate dental curriculum. Online teaching has nowadays become common also in...
INTRODUCTION
The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) is part of the undergraduate dental curriculum. Online teaching has nowadays become common also in dentistry.
OBJECTIVE
To compare undergraduate students' self-assessed ability and satisfaction with learning DC/TMD Axis I between traditional and online learning and to evaluate the possible gains of online teaching.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Third-year undergraduate dental students in 2018 (traditional learning, Group 1, n = 43/50) and in 2019 (online learning, Group 2, n = 34/50) at the University of Oulu, Finland evaluated their self-assessed ability and satisfaction with learning DC/TMD clinical examination and diagnostics on a 10-point scale. Additionally, those participating in online courses answered to two open-ended questions; Group 2 (n = 50) and another group from the University of Eastern Finland in 2019 and 2020 (n = 75, Group 3). Total of 105/125 students (84%) responded. Content analysis was used to open-ended responses.
RESULTS
The online course reported significantly higher self-assessed ability in measurements (p = 0.004), identifying referred pain (p = 0.043) and statement for the diagnostics (p = 0.017) and also higher self-assessed satisfaction in measurements (p = 0.046). According to the content analysis, essential gains of online teaching were efficient learning, videos and exercises, and adjustability to own timetable.
CONCLUSION
The online learning course can be considered as a good option for traditional learning of the DC/TMD protocol.
Topics: Humans; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Education, Dental; Education, Distance; Finland; Male; Female; Curriculum; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38934339
DOI: 10.2340/aos.v83.40984 -
Heliyon Jun 2024The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) co-morbidity, as well as the number of individuals affected, is on the rise due to their shared...
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) co-morbidity, as well as the number of individuals affected, is on the rise due to their shared molecular and cellular factors. This study aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets and medicines for comorbid CD and RA.
METHODS
We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing, Mendelian randomization, and colocalization analysis results from public databases to analyse immune cell subgroups in CD and RA patients and identify candidate therapeutic targets. We further screened potential medicines for the identified candidate targets using the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations.
RESULTS
The proportion of CD8 effector memory T cells (Tem) was consistently elevated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of both CD and RA patients. MYBL1 had a causal effect on the onset of both CD (OR = 1.23; 95 % CI, 1.05-1.45; P = 0.046) and RA (OR = 1.45; 95 % CI, 1.14-1.85; P = 0.04). Four potential therapeutic molecules were retrieved from the CTD database, among which tretinoin (docking score: -6.3 kcal/mol) showed the best potential.
CONCLUSION
Our comprehensive analysis suggests that CD8 Tem cells are a key cell group in comorbid RA and CD and that MYBL1 has a causal effect. Tretinoin was identified as a potential targeted therapeutic drug, which is of great clinical research value.
PubMed: 38933947
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32406 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024Persistent infections caused by (), which are resistant to antibiotic treatment, pose a growing global public health concern. Biofilm formation is known to be...
BACKGROUND
Persistent infections caused by (), which are resistant to antibiotic treatment, pose a growing global public health concern. Biofilm formation is known to be associated with persistent infections due to its role in enhancing antimicrobial resistance and the tolerance of many pathogenic bacteria.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to evaluate the biofilm formation of clinical isolates of and its impact on antibiotic eradication.
METHODS
The thickness, morphology, and structure of biofilms derived from nine strains were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, the susceptibility of both planktonic and biofilm bacteria was assessed through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum biofilm eradication concentration for amoxicillin, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and tetracycline.
RESULTS
The results revealed varying biofilm thicknesses and densities among the strains, characterised by the presence of numerous filaments intertwining and connecting bacterial cells. Additionally, several cases exhibited susceptibility based on MIC measurements but resistance according to MBEC measurements, with MBEC indicating a higher resistance rate. Pearson Correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between biofilm thickness and MBEC results (0 < < 1), notably significant for amoxicillin ( = 0.801, = 0.009) and tetracycline ( = 0.696, = 0.037).
CONCLUSION
Different strains of exhibit variations in their capacity to release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and form biofilms. Biofilm formation can influence the effectiveness of amoxicillin and tetracycline in eradicating susceptible bacterial strains.
PubMed: 38933776
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S468126 -
Infection and Drug Resistance 2024To analyze the antibiotic resistance profile, virulence genes, and molecular typing of () strains isolated in skin and soft tissue infections at the First Affiliated...
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the antibiotic resistance profile, virulence genes, and molecular typing of () strains isolated in skin and soft tissue infections at the First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, to better understand the molecular epidemiological characteristics of .
METHODS
In 2023, 65 strains were isolated from patients with skin and soft tissue infections. Strain identification and susceptibility tests were performed using VITEK 2 and gram-positive bacteria identification cards. DNA was extracted using a DNA extraction kit, and all genes were amplified using polymerase chain reaction. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used for molecular typing.
RESULTS
In this study, of the 65 strains were tested for their susceptibility to 16 antibiotics, the highest resistance rate to penicillin G was 95.4%. None of the staphylococcal isolates showed resistance to ceftaroline, daptomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, teicoplanin, or vancomycin. was the most prevalent virulence gene (100%) in strains isolated in skin and soft tissue infections, followed by (98.5%). Statistical analyses showed that the resistance rates of methicillin-resistant isolates to various antibiotics were significantly higher than those of methicillin-susceptible isolates. Fifty sequence types (STs), including 44 new ones, were identified by MLST.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the high resistance rate to penicillin G and the high carrying rate of virulence gene and of S.aureus were determine, and 44 new STs were identified, which may be associated with the geographical location of southern Jiangxi and local trends in antibiotic use. The study of the clonal lineage and evolutionary relationships of in these regions may help in understanding the molecular epidemiology and provide the experimental basis for pathogenic bacteria prevention and treatment.
PubMed: 38933775
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S465951 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Intracapsular reconstruction (ICR) has long been recommended as a treatment for cranial cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD) in dogs, but it has fallen out of favor due...
Intracapsular reconstruction (ICR) has long been recommended as a treatment for cranial cruciate ligament deficiency (CCLD) in dogs, but it has fallen out of favor due to its inferior long-term functional outcomes. These outcomes may be attributed to the poor stiffness and strength of the graft in the early period before ligamentization is completed. Additional placement of extracapsular sutures to mechanically protect the graft during the ligamentization process may be a viable method to address this problem. However, the biomechanical effect of this combined surgical approach remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the 3D kinematics of the CCLD stifle in dogs in response to ICR and combined extra- and intracapsular reconstruction (CEICR). Twelve hindlimbs were collected from nine cadavers of mature dogs. The limbs were tested using a custom-made testing apparatus that reproduces their sagittal plane kinematics during the stance phase. Four statuses of stifle joints were tested, namely, (a) cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) intact; (b) CCLD; (c) CCLD stifle stabilized by CEICR; and (d) CCLD stifle stabilized by ICR only. Three-dimensional stifle kinematics at the 5 instances of the stance phase were measured with an optoelectronic system. The results showed that ICR marginally corrects the increased adduction, internal rotation, and caudodistal stifle joint center displacement that occur as a result of CCLD. CEICR led to better restoration of the stifle kinematics, especially with respect to the internal rotation and cranial translation stabilities. Furthermore, CEICR only resulted in minor excessive restraints on other motion components. The findings indicated that the additional lateral fabellotibial suture offers immediate stability to the stifle, consequently lowering the risk of graft over-elongation in the short term postoperatively. Considering the propensity for the extracapsular suture to degrade over time, further studies are warranted to explore the long-term effects of the CEICR procedure.
PubMed: 38933704
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1336797 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024W.T. Aiton is an outstanding herb with the homology of medicine and food. Its ripe fruits are traditionally used as an important tonic for kidneys and liver in China.... (Review)
Review
W.T. Aiton is an outstanding herb with the homology of medicine and food. Its ripe fruits are traditionally used as an important tonic for kidneys and liver in China. W.T. Aiton is rich in nutritional components and a variety of bioactive ingredients. A total of 206 compounds have been isolated and identified, they mainly include flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, iridoid glycosides, and triterpenoids. These compounds exert anti-osteoporosis, anti-tumor, liver protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. W.T. Aiton has been traditionally used to treat many complex diseases, including osteoporotic bone pain, rheumatic bone, cancer, related aging symptoms, and so on. In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, there are more than 100 prescriptions containing W.T. Aiton. Among them, some classical preparations including Er Zhi Wan and Zhenqi fuzheng formula, are used in the treatment of various cancers with good therapeutic effects. Additionally, W.T. Aiton has also many excellent applications for functional food, ornamental plants, bioindicator of air pollution, algicidal agents, and feed additives. W.T. Aiton has rich plant resources. However, the application potential of it has not been fully exploited. We hope that this paper provides a theoretical basis for the high-value and high-connotation development of W.T. Aiton in the future.
PubMed: 38933667
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1330732 -
Nature and Science of Sleep 2024Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with cognitive impairment through unclear mechanisms. We examined the relationship between sleep electroencephalogram (EEG)...
PURPOSE
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with cognitive impairment through unclear mechanisms. We examined the relationship between sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) power and attention level in MDD.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Forty-seven untreated patients with MDD and forty-seven age- and sex-matched controls were included. We examined relative EEG power during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep by fast Fourier transform. The Attention Network Test (ANT) was performed to evaluate attention levels.
RESULTS
Compared to controls, patients with MDD had lower theta power during NREM ( = 0.018) and REM ( = 0.002) sleep, while higher beta power ( = 0.050) during NREM sleep and delta power ( = 0.018) during REM sleep. Regarding attention level, patients with MDD had lower levels of accuracy ( = 0.021), longer mean reaction time ( < 0.001), poorer manifestations of the alerting effect ( = 0.038) and worse executive control ( = 0.048). Moreover, decreased theta power during NREM sleep was correlated with worsened accuracy ( = 0.329, = 0.040), decreased theta power during REM sleep was correlated with worsened alerting effect ( = 0.355, = 0.020), and increased delta power during REM sleep was correlated with longer mean reaction time ( = 0.325, = 0.022) in patients with MDD. No association between ANT performance and other frequency bands was observed in patients with MDD.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that patients with MDD manifest impaired selective attention function that is associated with decreased theta power during NREM/REM sleep and increased delta power during REM sleep.
PubMed: 38933526
DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S464055 -
Frontiers in Plant Science 2024, widely used in clinical practice as a medicinal herb, belongs to the genus in the family Ephedraceae. However, the presence of numerous varieties and variants...
OBJECTIVE
, widely used in clinical practice as a medicinal herb, belongs to the genus in the family Ephedraceae. However, the presence of numerous varieties and variants requires differentiation for accurate identification.
METHODS
In this study, we employed headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), and global natural products social molecular networking (GNPS) for chemical component identification. Chemometric analysis was used to analyze the differential components. Metabolic analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment were utilized to explore the synthesis pathways of different components.
RESULT
A total of 83 volatile and 79 non-volatile components were identified in species. Differential analysis revealed that among the eight stems, 18 volatile and 19 non-volatile differential compounds were discovered, whereas roots exhibited 21 volatile and 17 non-volatile markers. Volatile compounds were enriched in four synthetic pathways, while non-volatile components were enriched in five pathways among the differentiated components.
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to conduct a comparative analysis of chemical components in different species and parts. It provides a foundational reference for authenticating herbs, evaluating medicinal resources, and comparing quality in future studies.
PubMed: 38933459
DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1421008 -
Materials Today. Bio Jun 2024In tumor treatment, the deposition of nanoenzymes in normal tissues and cause potential side effects are unavoidable. Here, we designed an intelligent biomimetic...
In tumor treatment, the deposition of nanoenzymes in normal tissues and cause potential side effects are unavoidable. Here, we designed an intelligent biomimetic nanoenzymes carrier platform (MSC) that endows the carrier platform with "wisdom" by introducing Affibody-Notch(core)-VP64-GAL4/UAS-HSV-TK artificial signal pathways to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This intelligent nanoenzymes carrier platform is distinguished from the traditional targeting tumor microenvironment or enhancing affinity with tumor, which endue MSC with tumor signal recognition capacity, so that MSC can autonomously distinguish tumor from normal tissue cells and feedback edited instructions. In this study, MSC can convert tumor signals into HSV-TK instructions through artificial signal pathway after recognizing Her2 (+) tumor. Subsequently, the synthesized HSV-TK can rupture MSC under the mediation of ganciclovir, and release the preloaded Cu/Fe nanocrystal clusters to kill the tumor accurately. Meanwhile, MSC without recognizing tumors will not initiate the HSV-TK instructions, thus being unresponsive to GCV and blocking the release of nanoenzymes in normal tissues. Consequently, MSC is the first intelligent biomimetic nanoenzymes carrier platform, which represents a new biomimetic nanoenzymes targeting mode.
PubMed: 38933416
DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101105 -
Fundamental Research Sep 2023
PubMed: 38933296
DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2023.07.001