16456 research outputs found
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Sapropel-enriched sodium carboxymethyl cellulose gel systems : formulation approaches, stability and bioactive potential
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)Sapropel, a sediment rich in organic matter and bioactive compounds, has significant potential for pharma- ceutical and cosmetic applications. This study aimed to develop a stable, water-soluble hydrogel containing sapropel extract as a delivery platform for these bioactive compounds. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (Na-CMC) was used as a gelling agent in eight formulations, with or without sapropel extract, and buffer solutions (NaCl, MgSO4, MgCl2). The gels were evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, stability, and thermal resistance over a 2-year period under different storage conditions. All sapropel extract containing formulations exhibited a smooth, homogeneous and light-yellow appearance with good stability and spread ability. The pH levels ranged from 4.7 to 7.4, within the acceptable range for skin application, although formulations with MgCl2 showed greater pH fluctuations. Viscosity analyses revealed that sapropel extract decreased viscosity, particularly under fluctuating temperatures. MgSO4-buffered formulations exhibited the most stable viscosity over time. However, some formulations demonstrated decreased stability and viscosity after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures and UV light. Centrifugal and thermal tests confirmed the physical stability of the gels, with no phase separation observed. Overall, the study confirms the feasibility of incorporating sapropel extract into stable, water-soluble hydro- gels, making them suitable for potential therapeutic and cosmetic uses.Peer reviewe
Sudden onset orthostatic dysarthria as a presenting symptom of bulbar onset myasthenia gravis : a video case report
Full text linkMyasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that can present with various early clinical symptoms and signs. The diagnosis of MG with bulbar symptom onset can be clinically challenging for clinicians with limited experience with neuromuscular disorders. This case report presents an elderly patient with an abrupt onset of orthostatic dysarthria, in whom a high level of diagnostic suspicion leads to a short period until confirmation of diagnosis. This clinical case shows symptomatic treatment initiation on the 4th day after the onset of symptoms in a patient with bulbar onset MG. Serologic confirmation of MG was received on the 11th hospitalisation day. This case report contains a short video of the evaluation of orthostatic dysarthria. Orthostatic dysarthria is a rare presentation symptom for bulbar onset MG. Information on the evaluation of orthostatic dysarthria is sparse. Considering that bulbar onset MG can be a life-threatening condition, we would like to share our positive experience of rapid diagnosis and successful treatment.Peer reviewe
The significance of ultrasound parameters and clinical factors in predicting successful labor induction among nulliparous women
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.OBJECTIVES: To compare the values of ultrasound and clinical parameters for predicting outcomes of induction of labor (IOL) among healthy nulliparous women with a singleton, term cephalic pregnancy. METHODS: The cervical length, cervical strain elastography, posterior cervical angle, head-perineum distance, Bishop score, and maternal parameters were assessed before IOL with a combined method-Foley catheter and Misoprostol perorally. The main outcome was vaginal delivery. RESULTS: Variation in cervical tissue elasticity, represented by elasticity index (E), was significantly different between outcome groups-vaginal delivery and cesarean section (CS) in internal os, in the anterior lip near the cervical canal and the midpoint of the anterior and posterior lip ( p < 0.05). The E was higher-softer in the vaginal delivery group. The overall elasticity was significantly higher in the middle part of the cervix in the vaginal delivery group. However, other ultrasound metrics did not differ significantly across the outcome groups. Overall, women who delivered vaginally were taller and had a lower pre-pregnancy BMI ( p = 0.02 for both variables). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed maternal height was the significant independent predictor of CS (AOR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.98). The prognostic value for vaginal delivery, based on cervical length, maternal height, Bishop score, and parameters of cervical strain elastography, was poor (AUC < 0.7). CONCLUSION: The study underscores the importance of cervical tissue elasticity in predicting vaginal delivery outcomes, while also highlighting that maternal height is a significant independent predictor of cesarean delivery. However, evaluated metrics in the study have limited prognostic value for predicting vaginal delivery. This suggests a need for further research to identify more reliable predictors of delivery outcomes.Peer reviewe
Immunomodulatory tissue factors in the gallbladder walls of pediatric patients with chronic calculous cholecystitis
Full text linkBackground: The rising rates of gallstones and cholecystectomy in pediatric populations underscore the increasing concern regarding chronic cholecystitis. However, the morphopathogenesis of pediatric calculous cholecystitis is still not well understood. This study aimed to determine the expression and distribution of immunomodulatory factors interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-13 (IL-13), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), sonic hedgehog protein (SHH), nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p65 subunit (NFkBp65), and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) in the gallbladder walls of pediatric patients with chronic calculous cholecystitis. Methods: In total, 11 gallbladder samples were collected from pediatric patients with calculous cholecystitis during cholecystectomy, while 5 healthy gallbladder samples served as controls. IL-12, IL-13, IL-1β, SHH, NFkBp65, and HSP60 were detected by immunohistochemistry. The number of positive structures in gallbladder wall epithelium, vasculature, and inflammatory infiltrate was assessed semi-quantitatively by microscopy. A Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient were calculated. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between patient and control samples in the expression of IL-1β, SHH, and NFkBp65 in the epithelium, as well as in the expression of IL-12, SHH, and HSP60 in the blood vessels. The expression of IL1β was stronger in the epithelium of controls, while other markers were more prominent in patient samples. Conclusions: An increased number of NFkBp65, IL-12, and HSP60 positive cells in patient gallbladder tissue suggests a significant role of these tissue factors in driving immune modulation and sustaining the inflammation in pediatric chronic calculous cholecystitis. The noticeable expression of SHH in patient gallbladder tissue indicates its part in tissue regeneration and repair processes, as well as in modulating inflammation and vascular responses in calculous cholecystitis. The significant positive correlations between the factors studied highlight the importance of their coordinated interaction and intricate crosstalk in the morphopathogenesis of calculous cholecystitis.Peer reviewe
How People in Eight European Countries Felt About the Safety, Effectiveness, and Necessity of COVID-19 Vaccination : A Cross-Sectional Survey
Full text linkBackground/objectives: Attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination vary globally, influenced by political and cultural factors. This research aimed to assess the views of people without a healthcare qualification in Europe on COVID-19 vaccination safety, effectiveness, and necessity as well as how well informed they felt. The secondary outcomes focused on how respondents’ views were affected by demographic and context factors and included a comparison by country of the level of feeling well informed. Methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional online survey in eight European countries, using convenience sampling. Results: A total of 1008 adults completed the survey, 60% of whom were female. While only 44.1% considered the vaccines safe, 43.5% effective, and 44.9% necessary, 80.0% had been vaccinated. Four in ten adults strongly agreed that they were well informed, while over a quarter did not answer the question. Younger respondents, well-informed individuals, and German respondents were more inclined to perceive COVID-19 vaccination as both effective and necessary. Conclusions: Motivations for vaccination included perceived health and social benefits, while concerns included a preference for “natural immunity”, the rapid development of the vaccine, and potential unknown long-term effects. A correlation existed between respondents feeling well informed about the different COVID-19 vaccines in their country and the likelihood of having been vaccinated.Peer reviewe
Should we be concerned about the use of non-fluoride toothpaste? : A survey study in two European countries
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.BACKGROUND: Toothpastes available in Europe contain a range of fluoride concentrations, with some meeting the recommended level for caries prevention (>1000 ppm fluoride (ppm)) and others containing low or no fluoride. This study evaluated toothpaste fluoride concentrations in Latvia and Lithuania to inform targeted public health strategies in regions with a high prevalence of dental caries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to May 2020, using a validated questionnaire in Latvia and Lithuania. Nationally representative samples (1309 families and 5436 members) provided data through a mixed-mode survey (paper and online) on sociodemographic information, toothpaste type, brand, and type. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (p < 0.05) were used for analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of families used non-fluoridated toothpaste and 12% used <1000 part per million (ppm) fluoride. In Latvia, 56.8% of preschoolers and 28.7% of schoolchildren used <1000 ppm or non-fluoride toothpaste, whereas in Lithuania, 47.2% of preschoolers and 29.1% of schoolchildren used <1000 ppm or non-fluoride toothpaste; 63% of adolescents and 73% of adults used toothpaste with optimal fluoride content (≥1000 ppm). Of the 228 registered toothpaste types, 62% contained more than 1000 ppm, which is optimal for caries prevention; 29% of Latvian and 24% of Lithuanian families used at least one non-fluoridated toothpaste. CONCLUSION: This study revealed significant gaps in the use of fluoride toothpaste among families in Latvia and Lithuania, especially among children. To effectively prevent dental caries, targeted interventions, and education must promote optimal fluoride toothpaste use, particularly among vulnerable populations.Peer reviewe
Amygdala Nuclei Atrophy in Cognitive Impairment and Dementia : Insights from High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025 by the authors.Background and Objectives: Cognitive impairment affects memory, reasoning, and problem-solving, with early detection being critical for effective management. The amygdala, a key structure in emotional processing and memory, may play a pivotal role in detecting cognitive decline. This study examines differences in amygdala nuclei volumes in patients with varying levels of cognitive performance to evaluate its potential as a biomarker. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study of 35 participants was conducted and classified into three groups: the normal (≥26), moderate (15-25), and low (≤14) cognitive performance groups based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging at 3.0 T scanner was used to assess amygdala nuclei volumes. Results: Significant amygdala atrophy was observed in multiple amygdala nuclei across cognitive performance groups, with more pronounced changes in the low-performance group. The right hemisphere nuclei, including the lateral and basal nuclei, showed more significant differences, indicating their sensitivity to cognitive decline. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of amygdala nuclei atrophy as a biomarker for cognitive impairment. Additional research with larger sample sizes and longitudinal designs is needed to confirm these findings and determine their diagnostic value.Peer reviewe
Allele-Specific CG/CCWGG Methylation of the PSA Promoter Discriminates Aggressive, Indolent, and Benign Prostate Cell Lines and is Involved in the Regulation of PSA Expression
Full text linkProstate-specific antigen remains a cornerstone biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and management. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating its expression, particularly through DNA methylation, are not fully understood. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of allele-specific CpG and CCWGG methylation in the proximal PSA promoter across aggressive (PC3), indolent (LNCaP), benign (BPH1), and normal (HPrEpiC) prostate cell lines and provide insights into the unique methylation patterns associated with these states. Our findings reveal that PC3 cells, representing an aggressive PCa phenotype, exhibit complete biallelic methylation of the PSA promoter, leading to PSA gene silencing. Conversely, LNCaP cells display a fully unmethylated promoter with biallelic PSA expression. Interestingly, BPH1 cells display a monoallelic CG/CCWGG methylation pattern, yet fail to express PSA, suggesting imprinting defects or RNA decay mechanisms. Notably, acquisition of biallelic PSA promoter methylation status in PC3 was accompanied by upregulation of DNMT1, whereas unmethylated PSA promoter state in LNCaP was associated with downregulation of DNMT1. These findings highlight distinct methylation patterns in the PSA promoter that differentiate between aggressive, indolent, and benign prostate states. Translating this epigenetic insight into clinical diagnostics could enhance the precision of PSA-based diagnostics, addressing limitations such as false negatives in PSA testing for aggressive PCa. Further exploration of CCWGG methylation's role in imprinting and monoallelic expression is warranted, particularly in patient-derived samples.Peer reviewe
Functional and Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Cognitive Tests and Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Levels
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025 by the authors.Background and Objectives: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The disease can manifest and progress with both physical and cognitive symptoms, affecting the patient’s daily activities. The aim of our study was to investigate the correlation between functional status, cognitive functions, and neurofilament light chain levels in plasma in MS patients. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, MS patients with a relapsing–remitting course (according to McDonald’s criteria, 2017) (n = 42) from Riga East University Hospital and a control group (n = 42) were included. In the MS group, the functional status was determined using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and neurofilament light chain levels in plasma (pNfL) were detected using single molecule array (Simoa) technology. The symbol digit modalities test (SDMT), brief visuospatial memory test—revised (BVMT-R), and the nine-hole peg test (9-HPT) were performed on the MS and control groups, dividing the groups by education level. Results: On the SDMT spreading speed, the MS group performed worse than the control group. The median score for the control group was 94.0, and for the MS group, it was 81.3. Slower performance on the SDMT also correlated with a higher EDSS in the MS group. Cognitive processing speed and memory were better in the control group and among individuals with higher education in both groups. For the BVMT-R, we found no difference between the two groups; both groups were able to learn the task equally well, but we found a weak correlation between age and learning in both groups, which could be related to the normal aging process. Execution reaction speed on the 9-HPT with the dominant hand was slower in the MS group (24.1 s) than in the control group (19.4 s). In the MS group, we observed a trend between SDMT performance and pNfL levels: higher pNfL levels were found in individuals who performed more slowly on the SDMT. Conclusions: Cognitive and fine motor dysfunction correlates with neurological impairment and plasma neurofilament light chain levels in MS patients.Peer reviewe
A 5-transcript signature for discriminating viral and bacterial etiology in pediatric pneumonia
Full text linkPublisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s)Pneumonia stands as the primary cause of death among children under five, yet current diagnosis methods often result in inadequate or unnecessary treatments. Our research seeks to address this gap by identifying host transcriptomic biomarkers in the blood of children with definitive viral and bacterial pneumonia. We performed RNA sequencing on 192 prospectively collected whole blood samples, including 38 controls and 154 pneumonia cases, uncovering a 5-transcript signature (genes FAM20A, BAG3, TDRD9, MXRA7, and KLF14) that effectively distinguishes bacterial from viral pneumonia (area under the curve (AUC): 0.95 [0.88–1.00]). Initial validation using combined definitive and probable cases yielded an AUC of 0.87 [0.77–0.97], while full validation in a new prospective cohort of 32 patients achieved an AUC of 0.92 [0.83–1.00]. This robust signature holds significant potential to enhance diagnostics accuracy for pediatric pneumonia, reducing diagnostic delays and unnecessary treatments and potentially transforming clinical practice.Peer reviewe