Tag: pubmed

J Pers Med. 2025 Feb 21;15(3):79. doi: 10.3390/jpm15030079.

ABSTRACT

Background and Aims: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) leads to the slow, progressive destruction of the small bile ducts with consecutive cholestasis and intrahepatic cholangitis. If this disease remains untreated, liver parenchyma will be damaged resulting in fibrosis and end-stage liver disease with the need for transplantation. The approval of the Farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid (Ocaliva; OCA) in early 2017 expanded the drug therapy options of PBC, which previously consisted primarily of the administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Patients and Methods: Included in our prospective pilot study were 16 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PBC who were treated with an add-on therapy with OCA (5 mg/d). None of the patients had an overlap to autoimmune hepatitis. Patients were investigated between 09/2022 and 09/2023. Results: The majority of patients was female (15/16, 93.75%), and the mean age was 57.63 ± 9.59 (43-77) years. OCA treatment led to a statistically significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST; AST baseline: 38.50 [26.25; 50.00] IU/L vs. AST 6-month follow-up: 23.50 [21.50; 44.25] IU/L, p = 0.0012), alanine aminotransferase (ALT; ALT baseline: 55.50 [28.75; 97.00] IU/L vs. ALT 6-month follow-up: 36.50 [28.00; 57.25] IU/L, p = 0.0035), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT; GGT baseline: 168.00 [100.30; 328.50] IU/L vs. GGT 6-month follow-up: 88.00 [44.50; 259.80] IU/L, p = 0.0063), while the decrease in alkaline phosphatase (AP) was not statistically significant (AP baseline: 197.00 [170.00; 253.30] IU/L vs. AP 6-month follow-up: 196.00 [134.00; 227.00] IU/L, p = 0.0915). In addition, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) showed a statistically significant decrease after six months of treatment with OCA (LSM baseline: 7.85 [5.55; 10.13] kPa vs. LSM 6-month follow-up: 5.95 [4.55; 8.225] kPa, p = 0.0001). However, the increase in enzymatic liver function measured by LiMAx failed to reach statistical significance, but showed a positive trend (LiMAx baseline: 402.50 [341.50; 469.80] μg/kg/h vs. LiMAx 6-month follow-up: 452.50 [412.50; 562.00] μg/kg/h, p = 0.0625). In none of our patients did therapy with obeticholic acid have to be stopped due to pruritus or poor tolerability. Conclusions: In patients with PBC without adequate response to UDCA, OCA is a promising alternative, which in our group of 16 patients led to a significant improvement of liver enzymes, the amelioration of liver fibrosis, and an increase in liver function capacity in a short-term clinical course.

PMID:40137395 | DOI:10.3390/jpm15030079

J Pers Med. 2025 Feb 20;15(3):78. doi: 10.3390/jpm15030078.

ABSTRACT

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with cardiovascular and endocrine diseases in a rural Ecuadorian parish population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 participants. Descriptive statistics were computed for glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Logistic regression estimated the odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of cardiovascular (hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke) and endocrine diseases (diabetes and other metabolic disorders) in relation to MetS biomarkers. Results: The study included 200 participants, with average glucose (123.09 mg/dL), cholesterol (229.58 mg/dL), and triglycerides (188.75 mg/dL) levels exceeding standard thresholds. Logistic regression analysis showed that glucose was the strongest predictor, increasing cardiovascular disease odds by 6.9% (OR = 1.069, p < 0.001) and endocrine disease odds by 11.8% (OR = 1.118, p < 0.001) after adjustment. Cholesterol and triglycerides also significantly contributed to the risk of both diseases. The models demonstrated a high predictive performance (AUC: 0.933 for cardiovascular disease and 0.993 for endocrine diseases). Conclusions: MetS was significantly associated with cardiovascular and endocrine disease risks in the rural population. Integrating personalized healthcare, such as tailored dietary counseling, culturally adapted interventions, and mobile health technologies, is crucial for improving the early detection and management of MetS in underserved communities.

PMID:40137394 | DOI:10.3390/jpm15030078

J Funct Biomater. 2025 Mar 20;16(3):113. doi: 10.3390/jfb16030113.

ABSTRACT

Nanoparticles are proposed as alternatives to traditional antimicrobial agents. By manipulating a nanoparticle’s core and surface coating, antimicrobial effects against various microbial populations can be customized, known as the “designer effect”. However, the antimicrobial properties of nanoparticle core-coating combinations are understudied; little research exists on their effects on diverse bacteria. The antimicrobial effects of surface-stabilized zero-valent iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) are particularly interesting due to their stability in water and ferromagnetic properties. This study explores the impact of FeNPs coated with three surface coatings on six diverse bacterial species. The FeNPs were synthesized and capped with L-ascorbic acid (AA), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using a bottom-up approach. Zone of inhibition (ZOI) values, assessed through the disc diffusion assay, indicated that AA-FeNPs and CTAB-FeNPs displayed the most potent antibacterial activity. Bacteria inhibition results ranked from most sensitive to least sensitive are the following: Bacillus nealsonii > Escherichia coli > Staphylococcus aureus > Delftia acidovorans > Chryseobacterium sp. > Sphingobacterium multivorum. Comparisons using ordinal regression and generalized linear mixed models revealed significant differences in bacterial responses to the different coatings and nanoparticle concentrations. The statistical model results are in agreement, thus increasing confidence in these conclusions. This study supports the feasibility of the “designer nanoparticle” concept and offers a framework for future research.

PMID:40137392 | DOI:10.3390/jfb16030113

J Funct Biomater. 2025 Mar 14;16(3):103. doi: 10.3390/jfb16030103.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pixel offset adjustments in digital light processing (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing on the marginal and internal fit and surface trueness of zirconia crowns. Zirconia crowns were designed using dental computer-aided design software (Dentbird; Imagoworks) and fabricated with a vat photopolymerization DLP 3D printer (TD6+; 3D Controls) under three pixel offset conditions (-1, 0, and 1). Pixel offset refers to the controlled modification of the outermost pixels in the XY plane during printing to compensate for potential dimensional inaccuracies. The marginal and internal fit was assessed using a triple-scan protocol and quantified using root mean square (RMS) values. Surface trueness was evaluated by measuring RMS, positive and negative errors between the designed and fabricated crowns. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis (α = 0.05). The Pixel offset had a significant effect on fit accuracy and surface trueness (p < 0.05). Higher pixel offsets increased marginal discrepancies (p = 0.004), with the marginal gap exceeding 120 µm at a pixel offset of 1 (114.5 ± 14.6 µm), while a pixel offset of -1 (85.5 ± 18.6 µm) remained within acceptable limits (p = 0.003). Surface trueness worsened with increasing pixel offset, showing greater positive errors (p < 0.001). Optimizing pixel offset in DLP 3D printing is crucial to ensuring clinically acceptable zirconia crowns. Improper settings may increase marginal discrepancies and surface errors, compromising restoration accuracy.

PMID:40137382 | DOI:10.3390/jfb16030103

J Funct Biomater. 2025 Mar 14;16(3):102. doi: 10.3390/jfb16030102.

ABSTRACT

This animal study compared the healing performance of a novel implant design characterized by a shift in thread geometry and core diameter with two different surfaces with that of an apically tapered implant. Test Bioactive (n = 9), Test Porous (n = 7) and Control (n = 8) implants were placed in the mandibles of minipigs. Following healing, bone samples were harvested for determining bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and marginal bone loss (MBL). Comparative statistics were based on Levene’s test, Shapiro-Wilk tests, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxon tests with Holm correction (α = 0.05). The mean undersizing of the osteotomy was 0.15 mm for Control, while in the test groups 0.33 mm and 0.34 mm were calculated. Insertion torques ranged from 61.5 Ncm (Control) to 76.1 Ncm (Test Bioactive). Maximum BIC was seen in Test Porous with 55.83%, while Test Bioactive showed only 48.11%. MBL was 4.1 mm in Test Bioactive, while Test Porous and Control exhibited 2.8 mm. No significant differences between the implant groups were observed (p > 0.05). Despite greater undersizing, the novel implant type performed comparably to the established Control implants. The rougher surface of the bioactive implants increased the insertion torque and led to more MBL.

PMID:40137381 | DOI:10.3390/jfb16030102

J Funct Biomater. 2025 Mar 13;16(3):99. doi: 10.3390/jfb16030099.

ABSTRACT

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a fibrous connective tissue that anchors the tooth-root surface to the alveolar bone with specific orientations. It plays a crucial role in functional restoration, optimal position stabilities, biomechanical stress transmission, and appropriate tissue remodeling in response to masticatory loading conditions. This pilot study explored spatial microarchitectures to promote PDL orientations while limiting mineralized tissue formation. A computer-designed perio-complex scaffold was developed with two parts: (1) PDL-guiding architectures with defined surface topography and (2) a bone region with open structures. After SEM analysis of micropatterned topographies on PDL-guiding architectures, perio-complex scaffolds were transplanted into two-wall periodontal defects in the canine mandible. Despite the limited bone formation at the 4-week timepoint, bone parameters in micro-CT quantifications showed statistically significant differences between the no-scaffold and perio-complex scaffold transplantation groups. Histological analyses demonstrated that the PDL-guiding architecture regulated fiber orientations and facilitated the functional restoration of PDL bundles in immunohistochemistry with periostin and decorin (DCN). The perio-complex scaffold exhibited predictable and controlled fibrous tissue alignment with specific angulations, ensuring spatial compartmentalization for PDL tissues and bone regenerations. These findings highlighted that the perio-complex scaffold could serve as an advanced therapeutic approach to contribute periodontal tissue regeneration and functional restoration in tooth-supporting structures.

PMID:40137378 | DOI:10.3390/jfb16030099

J Funct Biomater. 2025 Mar 10;16(3):96. doi: 10.3390/jfb16030096.

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the changes in the mechanical and surface properties of the transition zone in multilayered translucent monolithic zirconia subjected to long-term hydrothermal aging. A total of 360 disk-shaped specimens (diameter: 15.0 mm; thickness: 1.2 mm) were prepared using conventional (3Y-TZP in LT; ZL, 4Y-TZP in MT; ZM) and multilayered translucent zirconia (5Y-TZP in MT Multi; ZT, 3Y/5Y-TZP in Prime; ZP) among IPS e.max ZirCAD blocks. Specimens were divided into three groups (n = 30) and aged in the autoclave at 134 °C under 0.2 MPa for 0 h (control group), 5 h (first aged group), and 10 h (second aged group). The mechanical and surface properties of the transition zone in the multilayered translucent zirconia were investigated, followed by statistical analysis (α = 0.05). Before and after aging, ZL (1102.64 ± 41.37 MPa) and ZP (1014.71 ± 139.86 MPa) showed the highest biaxial flexural strength (BFS); ZL showed the highest Weibull modulus (31.46) and characteristic strength (1121.63 MPa); and ZT exhibited the highest nanoindentation hardness (20.40 ± 1.80 GPa) and Young’s modulus (284.90 ± 20.07 GPa). After aging, ZL (116.75 ± 9.80 nm) exhibited the highest surface roughness (Ra); the monoclinic phase contents in ZL and ZP increased; and surface uplifts, microcracks, and irregular defects caused by phase transformation appeared on ZL and ZP surfaces. The 3Y/5Y-TZP transition zone exhibited flexural strength, Vickers hardness, phase distribution changes, and surface microstructure changes similar to those of 3Y-TZP before and after aging; however, the surface roughness was lower than that of 3Y-TZP and higher than those of 4Y-TZP and 5Y-TZP after aging. The mechanical and surface characteristics, excluding BFS and Vickers hardness, were influenced by the yttrium oxide content in each zone and the aging process.

PMID:40137375 | DOI:10.3390/jfb16030096

J Funct Biomater. 2025 Mar 10;16(3):95. doi: 10.3390/jfb16030095.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the guided tissue regeneration (GTR) of periodontal infrabony defects using the frozen radiation-sterilized allogenic bone graft (FRSABG) versus deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) 5 years after treatment. The association between patients’ compliance and periodontitis recurrence with 5-year outcomes was also evaluated. Thirty infrabony defects in 15 stage III/IV periodontitis patients were randomly allocated to the FRSBAG group (tests) or the DBBM group (controls). Between 1 and 5 years, one patient was lost to follow-up and one tooth was extracted due to root fracture. No tooth was extracted for periodontal reasons. Consequently, 13 teeth in test sites and 14 teeth in control sites were available for the 5-year analysis. The clinical attachment level gain (CAL-G, primary outcome), probing pocket depth (PPD), radiographic defect depth (DD), and linear defect fill (LDF) were examined at baseline and 5 years post-surgically. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in all evaluated clinical and radiographic parameters at 5 years, with insignificant intergroup differences. CAL-Gs were 4.46 ± 2.07 mm in the FRSBAG group, and 3.86 ± 1.88 mm in the DBBM group (p = 0.5442). In six (43%) patients, we observed periodontitis recurrence, among whom two (33.33%) participated regularly in supportive periodontal care (SPC) and the other four (66.7%) did not take part in SPC. A regression analysis revealed that periodontitis recurrence was a significant predictor of CAL loss and DD increase. FRSBAG and DBBM were both equally effective 5 years after the GTR of infrabony defects. Within the limitations of the present study, its outcomes advocate that both grafts may be considered as a viable option based on patient preferences and clinical considerations.

PMID:40137374 | DOI:10.3390/jfb16030095

J Funct Biomater. 2025 Mar 4;16(3):87. doi: 10.3390/jfb16030087.

ABSTRACT

There is continuing interest in using biologics in root coverage procedures. The aim of the present study was to explore the 2-year outcomes following multiple gingival recessions (GRs) coverage using the application of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) in combination with modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) together with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). Adopting a split-mouth design, 266 GRs were randomly allocated to either a test (MCAT + SCTG + HA) or control group (MCAT + SCTG). The main outcome variable was the stability of the obtained mean root coverage from 6 months to 24 months. Twenty-four patients were evaluated at the 2-year follow-up. Comparisons between test and control sides at the same time points were evaluated using the t-test for independent variables. The changes in time were compared by one-way analysis of variance with the Tukey post hoc test separately for the test and control groups. The study protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05045586). At 2 years, around ninety percent of recessions showed complete root coverage (87.02% of the test group and 91.90% of the control group). Mean root coverage did not differ between the two sides, with 81.37 ± 37.17% (test) and 84.63 ± 35.33% (control), respectively. Significant improvements in the reduction of gingival recession height, clinical attachment level gain, gingival thickness increase, and the root esthetic score were found in both groups after 2 years, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. The adjunctive application of HA significantly improved soft tissue texture (STT, 0.94 ± 0.23 for the test group vs. 0.71 ± 0.46 for the control group). Treatment of multiple gingival recessions with MCAT + SCTG with or without HA yielded marked and comparable 2-year clinical outcomes, which could be maintained over a period of 24 months. The clinical relevance of the demonstrated significant difference in STT between groups may be minimal.

PMID:40137366 | DOI:10.3390/jfb16030087

Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2025 Mar 25. doi: 10.1139/cjpp-2024-0221. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The lack of polygenic scores (PGSs) developed for body-mass index (BMI) in children may be problematic because the genetic architecture characterizing BMI changes throughout life. This study aims to describe the genetic susceptibility to obesity in children and to compare two PGSs based on data from adults and children and their association with BMI and discrimination of obesity. The study sample comprises 717 participants aged 4 to 13. Adult- and child-based PGS were evaluated by examining 1) mean BMI across polygenic score risk categories, 2) the capacity to identify obesity with logistic regression and 3) the linear association with BMI z-scores using linear regression. Increases in one standardized unit of adult-based PGS were related to a stronger increase in BMI z-score (β=0.24-0.39) than PGS derived in children (β=0.21-0.30). The association between obesity and the child score was higher (OR = 1.75-2.33) than for the adult score (OR = 1.74-2.06) for the age group 4-7 years. The inverse was observed for the age group 8-13 years (ORchild 1.56-1.79 vs. ORadult 1.78-2.54). Both adult- and child-based PGS show strong associations with BMI and risk of obesity, with the adult-based score standing out from 8 years old.

PMID:40132211 | DOI:10.1139/cjpp-2024-0221