Feature Papers in International Journal of Translational Medicine

Editor

Topical Collection Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Topical Collection entitled “Feature Papers in International Journal of Translational Medicine” aims to collect high-quality research articles, communications, and review articles in the cutting-edge field of translational medicine to provide space to those studies that start from a clinical question, address it by transitioning to the bench, and then translate the solution to the bedside. The topic collection includes, but is not limited to, the following topics: the clinical applicability of new biomaterials, biotechnologies, bioengineering, biomarkers, diagnostics, omics science, molecular medicine, bioinformatics, immunology, molecular imaging, drug discovery and development, population health, infectious disease, gene therapy, stem cells, cancer, cancer stem cells, and cardiovascular disease. We encourage Editorial Board Members of this section of the International Journal of Translational Medicine to contribute feature papers that reflect the latest progress in their research field or to invite relevant experts and colleagues to do so.

Dr. Joan Oliva
Collection Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the collection website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Translational Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (17 papers)

2024

Jump to: 2023, 2022

16 pages, 6170 KiB  
Article
Spatial Computational Hepatic Molecular Biomarker Reveals LSEC Role in Midlobular Liver Zonation Fibrosis in DILI and NASH Liver Injury
by Munish Puri
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2024, 4(2), 208-223; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm4020012 - 23 Mar 2024
Viewed by 248
Abstract
The liver is structurally organized into zonation, where Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells (LSECs) play a crucial role during chronic liver injury and the early stages of fibrosis. Fibrosis can be reversed if diagnosed early at the molecular level in zonation before progressing to [...] Read more.
The liver is structurally organized into zonation, where Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells (LSECs) play a crucial role during chronic liver injury and the early stages of fibrosis. Fibrosis can be reversed if diagnosed early at the molecular level in zonation before progressing to advanced stages like bridging fibrosis. This study identified zonation marker genes using scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics molecular profiling technologies in a normal and diseased fibrotic human liver. DGE analysis was performed over LSECs, and we identified the top 20 expressed genes in the periportal, perivenous, and intermediate acinar zones. Multi-omics and scRNA-seq analysis over Visium images and ECs liver cells showed OIT3, DNASE1L3, CLEC4G, LYVE1, FCN2, and CRHBP as commonly expressed mid-lobular zonation-specific genes. Also, this study detected STAB2, F8, AQP1, TEK, TIMP3, TIE1, and CTSL genes as expressed in DILI and NASH EC populations. The connection between LSEC marker genes in zone 2 and liver fibrosis holds significant promise for advancing our understanding in developing new therapeutic strategies for fibrosis reversal and designing computational molecular biomarkers in NASH and DILI fibrotic liver diseases. Full article
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39 pages, 2689 KiB  
Review
Dental Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Glycemic Control and the Scope of Clinical Translation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Pallavi Tonsekar, Vidya Tonsekar, Shuying Jiang and Gang Yue
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2024, 4(1), 87-125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm4010005 - 15 Jan 2024
Viewed by 706
Abstract
Background: The tooth is a repository of stem cells, garnering interest in recent years for its therapeutic potential. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to test the hypothesis that dental stem cell administration can reduce blood glucose and ameliorate polyneuropathy [...] Read more.
Background: The tooth is a repository of stem cells, garnering interest in recent years for its therapeutic potential. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to test the hypothesis that dental stem cell administration can reduce blood glucose and ameliorate polyneuropathy in diabetes mellitus. The scope of clinical translation was also assessed. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for animal studies that were published in or before July 2023. A search was conducted in OpenGrey for unpublished manuscripts. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity among studies. The risk for publication bias was assessed by funnel plot, regression, and rank correlation tests. Internal validity, external validity, and translation potential were determined using the SYRCLE (Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation) risk of bias tool and comparative analysis. Results: Out of 5031 initial records identified, 17 animal studies were included in the review. There was a significant decrease in blood glucose in diabetes-induced animals following DSC administration compared to that observed with saline or vehicle (SMD: −3.905; 95% CI: −5.633 to −2.177; p = 0.0004). The improvement in sensory nerve conduction velocity (SMD: 4.4952; 95% CI: 0.5959 to 8.3945; p = 0.035) and capillary-muscle ratio (SMD: 2.4027; 95% CI: 0.8923 to 3.9132; p = 0.0095) was significant. However, motor nerve conduction velocity (SMD: 3.1001; 95% CI: −1.4558 to 7.6559; p = 0.119) and intra-epidermal nerve fiber ratio (SMD: 1.8802; 95% CI: −0.4809 to 4.2413; p = 0.0915) did not increase significantly. Regression (p < 0.0001) and rank correlation (p = 0.0018) tests indicated the presence of funnel plot asymmetry. Due to disparate number of studies in subgroups, the analyses could not reliably explain the sources of heterogeneity. Interpretation: The direction of the data indicates that DSCs can provide good glycemic control in diabetic animals. However, methodological and reporting quality of preclinical studies, heterogeneity, risk of publication bias, and species differences may hamper translation to humans. Appropriate dose, mode of administration, and preparation must be ascertained for safe and effective use in humans. Longer-duration studies that reflect disease complexity and help predict treatment outcomes in clinical settings are warranted. This review is registered in PROSPERO (number CRD42023423423). Full article
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2023

Jump to: 2024, 2022

20 pages, 4607 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Core Branching Density on Drug Release from Arborescent Poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) End-Grafted with Poly(ethylene oxide)
by Mosa Alsehli and Mario Gauthier
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(4), 496-515; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3040035 - 12 Dec 2023
Viewed by 657
Abstract
Amphiphilic dendritic copolymers of arborescent poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) (PBG) of generations G1 and G2, grafted at their chain ends with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) segments (PBG-eg-PEO) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as nanocarriers for doxorubicin (DOX). The copolymers were designed with hydrophobic PBG [...] Read more.
Amphiphilic dendritic copolymers of arborescent poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) (PBG) of generations G1 and G2, grafted at their chain ends with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) segments (PBG-eg-PEO) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated as nanocarriers for doxorubicin (DOX). The copolymers were designed with hydrophobic PBG cores having three different branching densities and were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements revealed that these amphiphilic molecules behaved like unimolecular micelles without significant aggregation in aqueous media such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), with diameters in the 13–29 nm range depending on the generation number and the core structure. Efficient encapsulation of DOX by these unimolecular micelles was demonstrated with drug loading capacities of up to 11.2 wt%, drug loading efficiencies of up to 67%, and pH-responsive sustained drug release, as determined by UV spectroscopy. The generation number of the copolymers and the branching density of the dendritic PBG core were found to have influenced the encapsulation and release properties of the micelles. Given the tailorable characteristics, good water dispersibility, and biocompatibility of the components used to synthesize the amphiphilic arborescent copolymers, these systems should be useful as robust nanocarriers for a broad range of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Full article
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9 pages, 717 KiB  
Article
Inhibition of Spontaneous Hepatocarcinogenesis by 4,5-Didehydrogeranylgeranoic Acid: Effects of Small-Dose and Infrequent Administration
by Masahide Omori, Yoshihiro Shidoji and Hisataka Moriwaki
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(4), 487-495; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3040034 - 28 Nov 2023
Viewed by 661
Abstract
Inhibitory effects of 4,5-didehydrogeranylgeranoic acid (dGGA) on the development of tumors were investigated in spontaneous hepatoma mice, C3H/HeNCrj. Experiment 1: Male mice at 8 weeks of age were raised on a basal diet, and then provided with a diet containing 0.02% dGGA from [...] Read more.
Inhibitory effects of 4,5-didehydrogeranylgeranoic acid (dGGA) on the development of tumors were investigated in spontaneous hepatoma mice, C3H/HeNCrj. Experiment 1: Male mice at 8 weeks of age were raised on a basal diet, and then provided with a diet containing 0.02% dGGA from 32 to 91 weeks of age. Experiment 2: dGGA was administered to the animals only once at different time points, from 2 months to 17 months after birth, respectively. Experiment 3: dGGA was administered twice to the mice at different time points: at 5 months and 11 months, and at 8 months and 11 months, respectively. When the inhibitory effects on tumor development were evaluated with the incidences of tumors, average numbers, and weight of tumors per mouse, there was a marked relationship between the time of single or dual dosing and the inhibitory effects of dGGA. The greatest inhibitory effects were observed in Experiment 3 in the group of animals given dGGA at the ages of 8 and 11 months, which were far superior to the results with a large dose of the compounds for a long time. These results might indicate that dGGA administered at the right time in the right amount effectively prevents the development of cancer. Full article
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8 pages, 1350 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Prognostic and Predictive Roles of Ki-67 in Endometrial Cancer
by Laura Paleari, Mariangela Rutigliani, Oriana D’Ecclesiis, Sara Gandini, Irene Maria Briata, Tania Buttiron Webber, Nicoletta Provinciali and Andrea DeCensi
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(4), 479-486; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3040033 - 01 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1066
Abstract
Background: Up to now, endometrial cancer (EC) treatments are mainly represented by surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The updated guidelines give a 2A recommendation for the use of hormone therapy only in advanced low-grade ECs, underlying the need for more data [...] Read more.
Background: Up to now, endometrial cancer (EC) treatments are mainly represented by surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The updated guidelines give a 2A recommendation for the use of hormone therapy only in advanced low-grade ECs, underlying the need for more data on the role of hormone therapy in the adjuvant setting. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 158 early-stage EC patients was retrospectively collected. A Ki-67 cut-off value of 40% was established based on literature data. Disease-free survival (DFS) and Overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: Results: Multivariate analysis of DFS and OS showed a significantly increased risk of progression in patients with >40% Ki-67 [HR = 3.13 (95% CI; 1.35–7.14); p = 0.007] and a significantly higher relative risk of death [HR = 3.70 (95% CI; 1.69–8.33); p = 0.001]. The predictive role of the Ki-67 index was highlighted by the clinical benefit of adjuvant hormone in patients with high Ki-67. Conclusions: Our results suggest a positive role of the Ki-67 index as a prognostic and potentially predictive marker in EC, although further studies are warranted to reach a definitive conclusion. Full article
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18 pages, 1072 KiB  
Review
A Review Concerning the Use of Etravirine and Darunavir in Translational Medicine
by Mariana Pereira and Nuno Vale
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(4), 461-478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3040032 - 27 Oct 2023
Viewed by 988
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores two antiretroviral drugs, Etravirine (ETV) and Darunavir (DRV), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and a protease inhibitor, that are commonly used in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection treatment, often in combination with each other. The pharmacokinetic properties of these [...] Read more.
This comprehensive review explores two antiretroviral drugs, Etravirine (ETV) and Darunavir (DRV), a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor and a protease inhibitor, that are commonly used in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection treatment, often in combination with each other. The pharmacokinetic properties of these drugs are covered as well as the clinical trials of these two drugs combined. This paper also delves into the possible repurposing of these two drugs for other diseases, with drug repurposing being a significant factor in addressing global health challenges. DRV was extensively studied for treating COVID-19, as well as other infections, such as candidiasis and cryptococcosis, while ETV proved to be efficient in hampering Zika virus brain infection. The focus on cancer repurposing is also explored, with the results revealing that ETV has a particular inhibitory effect on ovarian cancer in vitro and on cancer molecules, such as anterior gradient protein 2 homolog (AGR2) and casein kinase 1 (CK1ε), and that DRV has an in silico inhibitory effect on human lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and induces the in vitro and in vivo inhibition of pepsin, consequent laryngopharyngeal reflux, and possible laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas. The significance of fresh methods of drug development is emphasized in this work, as is the enormous potential for new therapeutic uses of the antiretroviral drugs ETV and DRV in viral and non-viral disorders. Full article
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26 pages, 2033 KiB  
Review
Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma Is a Multifaceted Cancer Testis Antigen with Diverse Roles as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target
by Mukulika Bose
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(3), 334-359; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3030024 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2005
Abstract
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer testis antigen (CTA) that is selectively expressed in certain somatic tissues, predominantly in the testis, and is overexpressed in various cancers. PRAME family proteins are leucine-rich repeat proteins that are localized in the nucleus [...] Read more.
Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer testis antigen (CTA) that is selectively expressed in certain somatic tissues, predominantly in the testis, and is overexpressed in various cancers. PRAME family proteins are leucine-rich repeat proteins that are localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm, with multifaceted roles in immunity, during gametogenesis and in the overall reproduction process. It is a widely studied CTA and has been associated with the prognosis and therapeutic outcomes in patients with epithelial and non-epithelial tumors. PRAME has also been studied extensively as a therapeutic target. Moreover, it has been found to play a role in most of the well-known cancer hallmarks. Interestingly, the role of PRAME in tumorigenesis is paradoxical. Over the last decade, PRAME has garnered substantial interest as a target for immunotherapy. There are multiple clinical trials and pre-clinical studies targeting PRAME alone or in combination with other tumor antigens. This review article is an attempt to update our knowledge and understanding of the context-dependent oncogenic functions of PRAME in various carcinomas, and the current immunotherapeutic strategies, challenges, and perspectives on developing newer strategies to target PRAME for a better outcome. Full article
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13 pages, 1930 KiB  
Article
Prostate Cancer, Treatment and Response of the Hematological System in Mexican Population
by Shaila Cejudo-Arteaga, Marco Antonio Ramírez-Reyes, Marco Antonio Badillo-Santoyo, Erika Martínez-Cordero, Felipe Farías-Serratos and María Maldonado-Vega
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(3), 286-298; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3030020 - 04 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1556
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the basis for the control of prostate cancer. High levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and high Gleason grade correlate, define the aggressiveness of the cancer in order to establish its treatment and prognosis. This work evaluated the response [...] Read more.
Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the basis for the control of prostate cancer. High levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and high Gleason grade correlate, define the aggressiveness of the cancer in order to establish its treatment and prognosis. This work evaluated the response of 910 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, separated into three groups according to their response to treatment by ADT: (1) sensitive (TSPC); (2) palliative and did not accept treatment, and (3) group with recurrence or treatment resistance (TRPC). All patients with prostate cancer treated with ADT, and regardless of whether or not they had undergone surgery or taken to radiotherapy, presented with anemia. The hematological response due to the leukocyte/lymphocyte index (L/L) is increased at the end of treatment, possibly due to inflammatory processes generated by cancer, and baseline overweight and obesity. Patients with biochemical relapse exhibit a higher platelet count, suggesting that these cells could participate in the recurrence process and in metastasis (78%) in these patients. The coagulation index (INR) could be an indicator of the platelet response to be considered during the treatment and monitoring of patients. Full article
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23 pages, 930 KiB  
Review
The Genetic Basis of Future Pharmacological Strategies for the Management of Comorbid Obesity and Depression: A Scoping Review
by Ravi Philip Rajkumar
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(1), 160-182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3010012 - 08 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1727
Abstract
Depression and obesity are highly comorbid with one another, with evidence of bidirectional causal links between each disorder and a shared biological basis. Genetic factors play a major role in influencing both the occurrence of comorbid depression and obesity, their courses, and their [...] Read more.
Depression and obesity are highly comorbid with one another, with evidence of bidirectional causal links between each disorder and a shared biological basis. Genetic factors play a major role in influencing both the occurrence of comorbid depression and obesity, their courses, and their response to existing treatments. The current paper is a scoping review of studies that have evaluated the contribution of specific genetic variants to the comorbidity between obesity and depression. Based on a search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases, 28 studies were included in this review, covering 54 candidate genes. Positive associations were identified for 14 genetic loci (AKR1C2, APOA5, COMT, DAT1, FTO, KCNE1, MAOA, MC4R, MCHR2, NPY2R, NR3C1, Ob, PCSK9, and TAL1). Replicated findings across two or more independent samples were observed for the FTO and MC4R genes. Many of these gene products represent novel molecular targets for the pharmacological management of obesity that interact with each other and are not pharmacologically influenced by existing anti-obesity or antidepressant medications. The implications of these associations for future drug development are discussed, with an emphasis on recent evidence on the polygenic architecture of comorbid depression and obesity and on a precision-medicine approach to these conditions. Full article
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40 pages, 8806 KiB  
Review
Radiation and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Dark Synergy
by Tom A. Gardiner, Desmond B. Archer, Giuliana Silvestri and Winfried M. Amoaku
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(1), 120-159; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3010011 - 07 Mar 2023
Viewed by 2060
Abstract
Exacerbation of the vascular pathology in radiation retinopathy as a result of pre-existing diabetes has been recognized for many years, as reflected by clinical reports and a few early experimental studies. However, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms for the synergistic interaction of radiation retinopathy [...] Read more.
Exacerbation of the vascular pathology in radiation retinopathy as a result of pre-existing diabetes has been recognized for many years, as reflected by clinical reports and a few early experimental studies. However, the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms for the synergistic interaction of radiation retinopathy (RR) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) have not been compared and evaluated for insight on this phenomenon. The present work draws attention to the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) as common mediators of both conditions and sources of ongoing cellular injury in the radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Chronic hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and depleted antioxidant defense in diabetes, together with impaired DNA damage sensing and repair mechanisms, were identified as the primary elements contributing to the increased severity of RR in diabetic patients. We conclude that apart from strategic genetic mutations affecting the DNA damage response (DDR), diabetes represents the most significant common risk factor for vascular injury as a side effect of radiotherapy. Full article
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12 pages, 1560 KiB  
Article
Paclitaxel—A Valuable Tool for Inducing Visceral Pain in Preclinical Testing?
by Corina Andrei, Anca Zanfirescu, Dragoș Paul Mihai and Simona Negreș
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(1), 108-119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3010010 - 27 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1954
Abstract
Visceral pain is a unique clinical entity that lacks an effective and safe treatment. Proper preclinical models are essential for assessing new drugs developed for the treatment of this pathology. Few studies report that paclitaxel, an antineoplastic agent, can be used to induce [...] Read more.
Visceral pain is a unique clinical entity that lacks an effective and safe treatment. Proper preclinical models are essential for assessing new drugs developed for the treatment of this pathology. Few studies report that paclitaxel, an antineoplastic agent, can be used to induce visceral pain in laboratory animals. Our purpose was to investigate the reproducibility of these studies and to develop an animal method that would allow assessing consistent visceral pain. In this study, we used four doses of paclitaxel (3 mg × kg−1; 5 mg × kg−1; 10 mg × kg−1 and 15 mg × kg−1). Visceral pain was evaluated using a scale of abdominal pain immediately after the administration of a single dose of paclitaxel to rats. Tactile and thermal hypersensitivity were assessed using von Frey filaments and the tail flick test initially, at 24 h and 48 h after administration. Rats experienced visceral pain and mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity 24 h after the administration of paclitaxel. The intensity of the pain was increased in a dose-dependent manner with the highest intensity of effect being observed after the administration of a dose of 15 mg × kg−1. Paclitaxel induces visceral pain. The dosage varies depending on the employed strain of rat. This method allows for assessing the efficacy of analgesics to be useful against visceral pain if the paclitaxel dose is adjusted accordingly to the animal strain. Full article
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11 pages, 1158 KiB  
Communication
Co-Occurrence of Filifactor alocis with Red Complex Bacteria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects with and without Chronic Periodontitis: A Pilot Study
by Hawaabi F. M. Shaikh, Pratima U. Oswal, Manohar S. Kugaji, Sandeep S. Katti, Kishore G. Bhat and Vinayak M. Joshi
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(1), 97-107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3010009 - 09 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1415
Abstract
The periodontal disease etiology has been a demesne of scrupulous research, with a myriad of bacterial phylotypes inhabiting the periodontal pockets. The aim of our study was to assess the frequency of Filifactor alocis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) subjects having a [...] Read more.
The periodontal disease etiology has been a demesne of scrupulous research, with a myriad of bacterial phylotypes inhabiting the periodontal pockets. The aim of our study was to assess the frequency of Filifactor alocis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) subjects having a healthy periodontium (DH) or chronic periodontitis (DCP) and its correlation with clinical parameters and red complex bacteria. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out for the detection of F. alocis and red complex bacteria from subgingival plaque samples. The data were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact Test and Pearson’s chi-square test. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. F. alocis was detected at considerably higher levels in DCP (p < 0.05). F. alocis presence was also positively correlated with T. forsythia detection and the clinical parameters PD and CAL (p < 0.05). Subjects with good glycemic control showed a considerably lower detection of F. alocis as compared to fair- and poor-glycemic-control subjects. This is the first paper reporting the co-occurrence of F. alocis and T. forsythia in diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis. These findings show that F. alocis can play an important role in establishing synergistic collaborations with other pathogenic oral microorganisms and speeding up the course of periodontal disease in diabetics. Full article
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15 pages, 8551 KiB  
Article
Anatomical Distribution of Ultraviolet Radiation Depends on Phototherapy Unit Design and on Personal Height and Body Mass
by Hans Christian Wulf, Peter A. Philipsen and Jakob Heydenreich
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(1), 66-80; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3010006 - 20 Jan 2023
Viewed by 1897
Abstract
Phototherapy using ultraviolet radiation (UVR) treatment units of various designs is common in dermatology. The anatomical distribution of UVR should be even, regardless of individual body shapes. Using electronic dosimeters, we measured the irradiance at 31 body sites on 12 persons of different [...] Read more.
Phototherapy using ultraviolet radiation (UVR) treatment units of various designs is common in dermatology. The anatomical distribution of UVR should be even, regardless of individual body shapes. Using electronic dosimeters, we measured the irradiance at 31 body sites on 12 persons of different heights and body mass (BMI). Five different treatment unit designs were tested: cabinet units with standing patients, units with patients lying down, and a unit where patients rotated in front of flatly arranged UVR tubes. In treatment units with short tubes, persons taller than 170 cm received low irradiance on the face, neck, and shoulders. In cabinet-type units, higher BMI lowered the irradiance on the chest and belly. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of irradiance was smallest for the rotating unit, and for the unit with patients lying down while irradiated from above only. A higher RSD was found in the unit designs where patients stood inside cabinets, and where patients lay down and were simultaneously irradiated from both sides. In general, longer tubes lower the overall RSD. The irradiance of the different body areas is about 60% of the measured calibration values, but to avoid provoking any erythema, the treatment dose can only be increased by 10%. Full article
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9 pages, 307 KiB  
Article
Improving Sleep Quality to Prevent Perinatal Depression: The Obstetric Nurse Intervention
by Ana Filipa Poeira and Maria Otília Zangão
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(1), 42-50; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3010004 - 05 Jan 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1930
Abstract
Throughout their life, women should pay attention to their mental health. Evidence indicates that poor sleep quality is related to depressive symptoms in pregnancy, justifying the intervention of health professionals in improving sleep quality to promote the mental health of pregnant women. The [...] Read more.
Throughout their life, women should pay attention to their mental health. Evidence indicates that poor sleep quality is related to depressive symptoms in pregnancy, justifying the intervention of health professionals in improving sleep quality to promote the mental health of pregnant women. The objective of our study is to analyze the relationship between sleep quality and perinatal depression, and to identify the obstetric nurse’s intervention in improving sleep quality in the perinatal period. A total of 53 pregnant women between the 28th week of pregnancy and the 7th day after delivery completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Women were also asked about the strategies used by the obstetric nurse to improve their quality of sleep. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 25.0. The Mann–Whitney-U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were carried out. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The median PSQI score was 10 (±3.63), and 9.2% (n = 9) had good quality sleep. The median EPDS score was 12 (±4.43), and 27 participants (50.9%) had probable depression. The women with likely depression had worse sleep quality (p = 0.016). Most participants reported that the obstetric nurse showed no interest in their sleep quality during pregnancy. Women of other nationalities have a higher risk of depression (p = 0.013). Based on our results, it is crucial to assess sleep quality in the perinatal period to promote women’s health during the prenatal and postnatal periods, and more action is needed since we are facing one of the most significant challenges of this century, preventing depression. Full article

2022

Jump to: 2024, 2023

15 pages, 741 KiB  
Article
Association between Peer Victimization (PV) in Childhood/Adolescence and Personality Disorders among Adult Patients
by Rafael Fernández-Martínez, Carlos Fernández-Pereira, Daniel Pérez-Rodríguez, Angel Salgado-Barreira, Cesar Veiga García, Sara Teso-Cuesta, Jose María Prieto-González, José Manuel Olivares Díez and Roberto Carlos Agís-Balboa
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2023, 3(1), 12-26; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm3010002 - 26 Dec 2022
Viewed by 2435
Abstract
Peer Victimization (PV) or being bullied in childhood/adolescence has been associated with several negative outcomes in mental health conditions beyond the time of its occurrence. However, its possible association with personality disorders has been slightly explored. In the present study we have compared [...] Read more.
Peer Victimization (PV) or being bullied in childhood/adolescence has been associated with several negative outcomes in mental health conditions beyond the time of its occurrence. However, its possible association with personality disorders has been slightly explored. In the present study we have compared the frequency of DSM IV personality disorders among adult patients with (N = 28) or without (N = 418) a reported history of PV. For this purpose, axis II was evaluated with the Self-Report Checklist for Preliminary Items for Major Categories, whereas self-esteem and self-assessment of functioning were evaluated with single questions. Patients with PV history have met the diagnostic criteria of the avoidant (60.7% vs. 12.2%), depressive (28.5% vs. 5.2%) and paranoid (17.9% vs. 5%) personality disorders more frequently than patients without history of PV. Moreover, these patients with antecedents of being bullied have also reported lower self-esteem (2 vs. 3) and in the assessment of social functioning (4 vs. 5). Our study indicated that there is a clear association between PV and avoidant, depressive and paranoid personality patterns. These results suggest that the stress related with the experience of PV threatens a basic psychobiological need such as social acceptance with implications for the beginning of long-term dysfunctional personality trajectories. Full article
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10 pages, 743 KiB  
Article
Variations in Urinary Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone Component Concentrations in Paediatric IgA Vasculitis Nephritis
by Andrew J. Chetwynd, Julien Marro, Sarah J. Northey, Daniel J. Hughes and Louise Oni
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2022, 2(4), 597-606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm2040045 - 02 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1205
Abstract
IgA Vasculitis (IgAV) is the most common form of vasculitis in children, and 1–2% of patients develop chronic kidney disease. In other forms of glomerulonephritis, there is strong evidence to support the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS); however, data are lacking in [...] Read more.
IgA Vasculitis (IgAV) is the most common form of vasculitis in children, and 1–2% of patients develop chronic kidney disease. In other forms of glomerulonephritis, there is strong evidence to support the role of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS); however, data are lacking in IgAV nephritis. This study evaluated urinary RAAS components in children with IgA vasculitis, both with nephritis (IgAVN) and without nephritis (IgAVwoN). Urinary concentrations of renin, angiotensinogen and aldosterone were quantified using ELISAs. In total, 40 patients were included: IgAVN n = 9, IgAVwoN n = 17, HC n = 14, with a mean age of 8.3 ± 3.3 years. Urinary renin demonstrated no trend with nephritis. Urinary angiotensinogen was statistically significantly elevated in IgAV (1.18 ± 1.16 ng/mmol) compared to HC (0.28 ± 0.27 ng/mmol, p = 0.0015), and IgAVN (2.00 ± 1.22 ng/mmol) was elevated compared to IgAVwoN (0.74 ± 0.89 ng/mmol, p = 0.0492) and HC (p = 0.0233). Urinary aldosterone levels were significantly elevated in IgAV (1236 ± 1438 pg/mmol) compared to HC (73.90 ± 65.22 pg/mmol, p < 0.0001); this was most increased in IgAVwoN patients (1793 ± 1507 pg/mmol; IgAVN 183.30 ± 111.30 pg/mmol, p = 0.0035, HC p < 0.0001). As expected, the RAAS system is activated in patients with IgAVN and, more surprisingly, even in those without active nephritis. Further studies are needed to fully understand the role of the RAAS system in IgA vasculitis. Full article
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Article
Effects of Phototherapy on Free Vitamin D Levels in Ten Patients with Atopic Dermatitis
by Andrea Elmelid, Amra Osmancevic, Martin Gillstedt and Mikael Alsterholm
Int. J. Transl. Med. 2022, 2(4), 586-596; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijtm2040044 - 01 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1570
Abstract
The role of vitamin D in atopic dermatitis (AD) is controversial. Conflicting data could be due to the use of inadequate markers for assessing vitamin D status. So far, directly measured free 25(OH)D concentrations have not been reported in AD patients. Ten adults [...] Read more.
The role of vitamin D in atopic dermatitis (AD) is controversial. Conflicting data could be due to the use of inadequate markers for assessing vitamin D status. So far, directly measured free 25(OH)D concentrations have not been reported in AD patients. Ten adults with AD were treated with narrow band ultraviolet light B (NB-UVB) for 10–12 weeks. SCORing atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess disease severity before and after NB-UVB therapy. Total and free 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D serum levels were analyzed before and after treatment. Free 25(OH)D concentrations were measured with a two-step immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The majority of patients had sufficient levels of 25(OH)D before treatment (mean 76.4 nmol/L). Mean free 25(OH)D was 11.9 pmol/L and mean 1,25(OH)2D was 108.9 pmol/L. Median SCORAD decreased from 37.1 to 19.8 and VAS improved significantly after phototherapy. Total and free 25(OH)D increased in all subjects. No correlations between disease severity and vitamin D levels were found. There was no correlation between total and free 25(OH)D levels. Larger studies are needed to test the applicability of the free hormone hypothesis in AD pathogenesis. Full article
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