Tag: pubmed

Int J Health Geogr. 2025 Apr 11;24(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12942-025-00394-x.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Emissions from wildfire plumes are composed of modified biomass combustion by-products, including carcinogens. However, studies of the association between wildland fires (WF; includes wildfires, prescribed burns, and resource management fires) exposure and lung cancer are scant. We evaluated geographic patterns in these exposures and their association with lung cancer mortality (LCM) rates across the conterminous United States (US).

METHODS: We extracted data from the Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity program (1997-2003) and derived county-level exposure metrics: WF density by area, WF density by population, the ratio between total burned land area and county area, and the ratio between total burned land area by population. We obtained sex-specific, county-level LCM rates for 2016-2020 from the National Center for Health Statistics. Counties with fewer than 10 cases were suppressed. To account for cigarette smoking, we first modeled residual values from a Poisson regression between cigarette smoking prevalence and sex-specific, age-adjusted LCM rates. We then used Lee’s L statistic for bivariate spatial association to identify counties with statistically significant (p < 0.05) associations between WF exposures and these residuals. In a sensitivity analysis, we applied a false discovery rate correction to adjust for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS: We observed geographic variation in bivariate associations between large WFs and subsequent LCM rates across US counties while accounting for ever cigarette smoking prevalence. There were positive (high WF exposures and high LCM rate) clusters for males and females in counties within the mid-Appalachian region and Florida, and modest differences across WF metrics in the cluster patterns were observed across the Western US and Central regions. The most positive clusters were seen between WF density by area and LCM rates among women (n = 82 counties) and a similar geographic pattern among men (n = 75 counties). Similar patterns were observed for males and females in the western US, with clusters of high WF exposures and low LCM rates. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, a positive cluster pattern among both sexes persisted in Kentucky and Florida with area-based exposure metrics.

DISCUSSION: Our analysis identified counties outside the western US with wildfires associated with lung cancer mortality. Studies with individual-level exposure-response assessments are needed to evaluate this relationship further.

PMID:40217528 | DOI:10.1186/s12942-025-00394-x

Acta Epileptol. 2024 Apr 3;6(1):10. doi: 10.1186/s42494-024-00154-7.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to evaluate the stigma and quality of life (QoL) in adult patients with epilepsy (PWEs) and explore the relationship between stigma and QoL.

METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-eight PWEs admitted to the Epilepsy Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University during September 2020 and March 2021 were enrolled in this study. All participants completed self-reported questionnaires including the Stigma Scale for Epilepsy and the Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31).

RESULTS: A total of 146 (49%) PWEs reported an experience of stigma. The total score of QOLIE-31 and the individual scores of seven subscales (worry about new seizures, emotion, well-being, energy and fatigue, cognitive impairment, medication effect, and social function) were significantly decreased in these patients (P < 0.001). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis showed that the annual household income per capita, the number of antiseizure medications and stigma had statistically significant effects on QoL (P < 0.05). Among them, stigma had the most significant negative effect.

CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of PWEs have experienced stigma. Stigma, lower household income per capita, and polypharmacy treatment are associated with poorer QoL. Stigma has the most obvious negative impact.

PMID:40217523 | DOI:10.1186/s42494-024-00154-7

J Act Sedentary Sleep Behav. 2023 Aug 1;2(1):15. doi: 10.1186/s44167-023-00024-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep are key components to health and well-being. Compositional data analysis of activity data overcomes the limitations of traditional statistical approaches and comprehensively assesses the association of all activities throughout a 24-hour day. Few studies have used compositional analysis to explore associations between movement behaviours and mental health. This study examined the association between 24-hour activity compositions and mental health in middle-aged Australian adults.

METHODS: This study used cross-sectional data from participants (n = 322; mean age 40.4 years; 58.1% female; 47.8% university degree; 84.8% partnered) in the longitudinal Annual Rhythms in Adults’ lifestyle and health study (Adelaide, Australia). Activity composition (sleep, sedentary behaviour, light physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) was derived using 24-hour Fitbit accelerometry from the first month of participation (December). Mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) were obtained from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21-item short-form (DASS-21). The associations between activity composition (conveyed as isometric log ratios) and DASS-21 scores were examined using compositional multi-level linear regression models with a random intercept for clustering of individuals within families. Using the compositional time reallocation model, expected differences in mental health were examined for hypothetical time reallocations between individual activities.

RESULTS: Favourable associations were observed when time (15 min) was reallocated to light physical activity from sleep (depression: -0.31 [95% CI=-0.57: -0.06]; anxiety: -0.20 [95% CI=-0.37: -0.03] and from sedentary behaviour (depression: -0.29 [95% CI=-0.46: -0.13]; anxiety: -0.14 [95% CI=-0.25: -0.03]; stress: -0.16 [95% CI=-0.31: -0.01]). Detrimental associations were observed when time was reallocated away from light physical activity to sleep (depression: 0.32 [95% CI = 0.07: 0.58]; anxiety: 0.20 [95% CI = 0.03: 0.37]) and to sedentary behaviour (depression: 0.30 [95% CI = 0.13: 0.48); anxiety: 0.15 [95% CI = 0.03: 0.26]; stress: 0.17 [95% CI = 0.01: 0.32]). There were no associations when time was allocated to or from moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

CONCLUSION: The way adults spend their time across a 24-hour day is associated with their mental health. Spending more time in light physical activity appears favourable if this time is taken from sleep and sedentary behaviour. These findings provide support for “move more, sit less” public health messages.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12619001430123) on the 16/10/2019.

PMID:40217512 | DOI:10.1186/s44167-023-00024-6

Exp Hematol Oncol. 2025 Apr 11;14(1):58. doi: 10.1186/s40164-025-00649-0.

ABSTRACT

We aimed to identify a profile of urine microRNAs (miRNAs) with diagnostic and stratification potential in the whole range of bladder cancer (BC) categories, to avoid current invasive, harmful and expensive procedures. We collected a first morning urine sample from the screening (35 BC patients and 15 age- and gender-matched controls) and validation cohorts (172 BC and 94 controls). In the screening stage we analyzed the expression level of 179 miRNAs by real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR in urine supernatants. miRNA levels in each sample were normalized by the levels of the previously identified and stably expressed miR-29c-3p. We performed an ordinal regression for each miRNA with False Discovery Rate (FDR) adjustment to identify dysregulated miRNAs, and an ordinal elastic net logistic regression model to identify a miRNA profile for BC diagnosis and stratification with the software R (v3.5.1). Next, we validated the most dysregulated miRNAs, and empirically identified the real miRNA targets in BC cells by miR-eCLIP immunoprecipitation and sequencing. We identified 70 dysregulated miRNAs in BC patients (p < 0.05 FDR-adjusted). With the expression level of 7 miRNAs in urine (miR-221-3p, miR-93-5p, miR-362-3p, miR-191-5p, miR-200c-3p, miR-192-5p, miR-21-5p) we could stratify BC patients and control subjects. To enable the global use of our model, we developed the free BladdermiRaCan online tool. Furthermore, we identified miR-21-5p, miR-425-5p and miR-99a-5p as follow-up markers for BC relapse, and miR-21-5p and miR-221-3p as markers for metastasis. These miRNAs were also dysregulated in BC tissue sections from a subgroup of patients from which urine samples were studied. In conclusion, we have validated and patented a 7-miRNAs urine profile able to diagnose and stratify BC patients; BladdermiRaCan will enable the global use of our model. The experimentally verified target proteins identified for these miRNAs may unravel novel therapeutic targets.

PMID:40217499 | DOI:10.1186/s40164-025-00649-0

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Apr 11;25(1):549. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05841-6.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the advent of clear aligner therapy and their increasing popularity across the orthodontic field, many software packages have been introduced that implement the concept of virtual setups and consequently, the fabrication of in-house aligners. The objective of the present study was to evaluate and compare the differences in the resultant tooth movements when the same tooth movement values of virtual setups are implemented into four different software packages for clear aligner treatment, in patients with various degrees of dental crowding.

METHODS: Forty-four stereolithography (STL) files of adult Invisalign^®-treated patients were included in this in silico study and were divided according to the amount of existent dental crowding into 2 groups; Moderate (2.5-5 mm), and Severe (> 5 mm). Initial STL files were imported into the other three tested software programs (Ortho Analyzer^®, Maestro 3D Ortho Studio^®, Blue Sky Plan^®), and the teeth were moved to replicate those performed in the virtual setup from ClinCheck^® Pro. The final outcome was then exported from the four software packages, with ClinCheck^® Pro STL files used as references, whereas those from the remaining software considered targets. Superimpositions were performed afterwards using Medit Link software between reference and target STL files to calculate the overall deviation.

RESULTS: Statistically significant deviation values were recorded between ClinCheck-Ortho Analyzer, and those recorded with both ClinCheck-Maestro and ClinCheck-Blue Sky in the moderate crowding group for the upper and lower models (p < 0.05). However, the differences in ClinCheck-Maestro and ClinCheck-Blue Sky deviation values were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In the severe crowding group, statistically significant variances were documented among the investigated software programs, in contrast to the benchmark (p < 0.05). As per the reported outcomes, the highest deviation was attributed to ClinCheck-Ortho Analyzer, followed by ClinCheck-Blue Sky and ClinCheck-Maestro (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: With the same tooth movement values provided, the four examined programs produced diverse final virtual tooth setups, with greater variance in cases of severe dental crowding. This deviation arises since every software operates using a distinct algorithm, with a different segmentation method and rotation center for the moving teeth.

PMID:40217478 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-05841-6

BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 Apr 11;17(1):79. doi: 10.1186/s13102-025-01125-2.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by disturbances in glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism, including dyslipidemia and dysregulation of metabolic peptides like spexin; however, the effects of combined interventions, such as aerobic training and nutritional intervention, on these parameters are not fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the influences of aerobic training (AT) and vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation on the lipid profile and spexin levels in a model of rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS: A total of 56 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: SHAM (non-diabetic control; n = 8) and diabetic (n = 48). The diabetic rats were further divided into six groups: AT with high doses of vitamin D (D + AT + HD; 10,000 IU/kg/week), AT with moderate doses of vitamin D (D + AT + MD; 5,000 IU/kg/week), high doses of vitamin D (D + HD; 10,000 IU/kg/week), moderate doses of vitamin D (D + MD; 5,000 IU/kg/week), AT receiving vehicle (sesame oil; D + AT + oil), and control (oil-receiving; D + C). To induce type 2 diabetes, rats were first fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks to induce obesity, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 110 mg/kg nicotinamide and 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Blood samples were collected 48 h after the last training session under anesthesia for measuring spexin levels, and lipid profile parameters. Statistical analyses were performed using the paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey post hoc test.

RESULTS: Compared to the SHAM rats, there were significant increases in body weight, BMI, FI, and WC in the diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant decrease in body weight, BMI, FI, and WC of the diabetic groups who received interventions, especially in D + AT + HD (body weight: -11.07%, BMI: -10.25%, FI: -19.16%, WC: -16.54%). The lipid profiles were significantly improved, with the lowest total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and the highest high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels being found in the D + AT + HD group compared with the D + C group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the D + AT + HD group had elevated spexin levels compared with the other diabetic groups, which may play a metabolic role.

CONCLUSION: AT and Vit D supplementation effectively normalized serum lipids and increased spexin levels in T2D rats. These findings suggest that AT and Vit D supplementation may serve as potential therapeutic strategies for managing T2D and its associated complications. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions in humans.

PMID:40217474 | DOI:10.1186/s13102-025-01125-2

BMC Gastroenterol. 2025 Apr 11;25(1):247. doi: 10.1186/s12876-025-03858-3.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Plasma lipid homeostasis is pivotal in maintaining intestinal health. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) as distinct subtypes, manifests unique metabolic signatures. However, the specific roles of lipids in the pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of IBD remain inadequately explored. This study aims to delineate the genetic influences of plasma lipids on IBD risk.

METHODS: We obtained genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics of lipidomes and IBD (including UC and CD) from published studies to perform two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Outliers were removed using radial MR, followed by the application of the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method to assess causal relationships. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to validate the robustness of the primary results of the MR analyses. Additionally, reverse MR analyses were performed to evaluate the potential for reverse causality.

RESULTS: The MR analysis identified fourteen lipid species significantly associated with IBD, four with UC, and ten with CD. Phosphatidylcholine (PC; P < 0 .05) and lysophosphatidylcholine (OR = 0.83, P < 0.001) were instrumental in UC, while in CD, alongside these, cholesterol ester (OR = 0.86, P < 0.001), diacylglycerol (OR = 1.21, P = 0.004), and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (OR = 1.30, P < 0.001) also demonstrated causal links. Reverse MR analysis revealed no significant associations between IBDs and 179 lipid species.

CONCLUSION: This bidirectional MR study has uncovered genetic evidence of a causal relationship between lipidome and IBD, identifying potential therapeutic targets for IBD treatment. The findings suggest that elevated partial phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, and cholesterol ester levels could reduce the risk of IBD, indicating a potential protective role for these lipid molecules. This study also underscores the critical role of lipidome variability in advancing our understanding of IBD’s pathogenic processes and in developing targeted therapies.

PMID:40217472 | DOI:10.1186/s12876-025-03858-3

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Apr 11;25(1):534. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05810-z.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To compare the effect of deglazing and aging on biaxial flexural strength (FS) of high translucent (HT) zirconia.

METHODS: 40 disc-shaped specimens (12 × 1.2 mm) of HT zirconia (3Y-PSZ, Upcera HT) were sintered after milling, glazed(G) and randomly assigned equally into 4 experimental groups: G) glazing; G-A) glazing, aging; DG-A) deglazing, aging; and NG-A) non-glazing, aging. A sequence of three methods was used for aging; hydrothermal, pH-cycling, and load cycling. FS(flexural strength) of all specimens was measured and one specimen from each group underwent X-ray diffraction (XRD) for assessment of phase transformation (t-m). Distribution of data was evaluated using the Kolmogorov -Smirnov test, and with respect to the confidence interval of 95%, data were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA with statistical software (IBM SPSS Statisticsv20.0) to compare the mean flexural strength values among the 4 groups. When significant differences were found, the mean values were compared using Tukey’s honest significant difference (HSD) test (α = 0.05).

RESULTS: FS of glazed specimens (1092.78 ± 175.40 MPa^a) did not decrease after aging (1141.11 ± 117.43 MPa, P = 0.872^a). FS of DG-A (1338.22 ± 175.13 MPa^b) and NG-A (1320.44 ± 77.44 MPa^b) groups was significantly higher than that of G and GA groups (P < 0.005). XRD revealed monoclinic phase in DG-A (4.23%) and NG-A (7.63%) groups.

CONCLUSION: Loss of glaze layer and no glazing had no significant effect on FS of high translucent Y-PSZ after aging.

PMID:40217464 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-05810-z

BMC Oral Health. 2025 Apr 11;25(1):544. doi: 10.1186/s12903-025-05849-y.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Residual root canal filling material might inhibit the efficacy of irrigation materials, medicaments and sealers during the endodontic non-surgical retreatment. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the XP Endo Retreatment file with other retreatment systems on removing the root canal filling materials by using Micro-CT during the endodontic retreatment.

METHODS: Sixty human mandibular molars with mesial root curvature between 20° and 40° were included in the study. Mesiobuccal canals of specimens were prepared with the ProTaper Next file and filled with gutta percha and AH Plus sealer. Samples were scanned with Micro-CT and they were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups. Root canal treatments were removed with the following systems. Group PTUR: Root canal filling was removed using ProTaper Universal Retreatment System. Group Rec25: Reciproc R25 file was used to remove the root canal filling. Group RE: Retreatment of specimens were performed using R-Endo Retreatment System. Group XPER: Root canal filling was removed using XP Endo Retreatment System. Group HF: Hand files and Gates Glidden burs was used to remove the root canal filling. The time (second) from the use of the first file to reach the WL (T1) and the time (second) to remove all obturation material (T2) were recorded. Micro-CT images were obtained from the samples after removing the root canal filling and the volume of the residual root canal filling was calculated. The data was statistically analyzed (P < 0.05).

RESULTS: The residual root canal filling volume and the percentage of residual root canal filling material (%) in the RE and Rec25 groups were statistically higher than the PTUR, XPER, and HF groups. T1 and T2 values were the highest in the HF and time values were the lowest in the XPER.

CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, all tested methods could not completely remove filling material from the root canal. PTUR, XPER, and HF removed the root canal filling more efficiently than Rec25, and RE. It was concluded that the XP-Endo group was the fastest retreatment system among the tested groups.

PMID:40217457 | DOI:10.1186/s12903-025-05849-y

Cell Mol Biol Lett. 2025 Apr 11;30(1):45. doi: 10.1186/s11658-025-00724-8.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor affecting pediatric and adolescent individuals. However, despite the passage of three decades, there has been no notable enhancement in the overall survival rate of patients with osteosarcoma. In recent years, CD155 has been reported to exhibit abnormal amplification in a range of tumors, yet the precise underlying mechanism remains elusive. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of CD155 in osteosarcoma, and to identify drugs that specifically target this molecule, thereby offering a novel direction for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

METHODS: The prognosis of patients with osteosarcoma with high and low expression of CD155 was verified by immunohistochemistry. CCK-8 and colony formation assays were used to detect cell proliferation and drug resistance. Transwell experiments were used to detect cell migration and invasion. The sphere formation experiment was used to evaluate the stemness of tumor cells. Additionally, in vivo animal models were utilized to assess the functional role of CD155 in a biological context. RNA-seq and co-immunoprecipitation methods were used to search for downstream target molecules and signaling pathways of CD155. Finally, virtual screening was used to find drugs targeting CD155.

RESULTS: In this study, we have established the significant amplification of CD155 in osteosarcoma. Utilizing a comprehensive array of experimental methods, including CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, and in vivo animal models, we unequivocally demonstrate that CD155 significantly potentiates the malignancy of osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, our findings reveal that CD155 promotes osteosarcoma stemness by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Advanced molecular techniques, such as RNA sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation, have been instrumental in elucidating the mechanism of CD155 in activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via the SRC/AKT/GSK3β signaling axis, thereby enhancing the stem-cell-like properties of osteosarcoma cells. To explore targeted therapeutic options, we conducted virtual screening and identified troxerutin as a promising CD155 inhibitor.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that troxerutin effectively inhibits CD155, attenuates the SRC/AKT/GSK3β signaling cascade, diminishes the nuclear localization of β-catenin, and consequently mitigates osteosarcoma stemness. These discoveries position troxerutin as a promising candidate for targeted osteosarcoma therapy.

PMID:40217455 | DOI:10.1186/s11658-025-00724-8