Rates of Reporting and Analyzing Race and Ethnicity in Athlete-Specific Sports Medicine Research: A Systematic Review.

Background: Race- and ethnicity-based differences in treatment access and outcomes have been reported in the orthopaedic sports medicine literature. However, the rate at which race and ethnicity are reported and incorporated into the statistical analysis of sports medicine studies remains unclear. Purpose: To determine the rate at which race and ethnicity are reported and analyzed in athlete-specific sports medicine literature. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, articles published by the 3 journals of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine between 2017 and 2021 were considered for inclusion. Original sports medicine research studies that focused on athletes were included. Outcome measures included reporting and analysis of patient demographics (age, sex, race, ethnicity). Studies that included demographic variables in a multivariate analysis or that performed a race-/ethnicity-based stratified analyses were considered to have analyzed that variable. Studies that reported and/or analyzed patient demographics were examined. Chi-square tests were performed to determine statistical significance. Results: A total of 5140 publications were screened, and 842 met the inclusion criteria. Age and sex were well reported (84.1% and 87.0%, respectively), while race (3.8%) and ethnicity (2.0%) were poorly reported. There was no difference in rates of reporting age, sex, race, or ethnicity between the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM), the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine (OJSM), or Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach (Sports Health). The rate of analysis was also calculated as a percentage of the studies that reported that variable. Of the studies that reported age, 38.5% analyzed age. Using this method, 26.2% of studies analyzed sex, 40.6% analyzed race, and 17.6% analyzed ethnicity. Although there was no difference in the overall rate at which studies from the 3 journals analyzed ethnicity, Sports Health studies analyzed age (P = .044), sex (P = .001), and race (P = .027) more frequently than studies published in AJSM and OJSM. Of the studies that analyzed race, most of those studies (8/13, 61.5%) found significant race-based differences in reported outcomes. Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrated that race and ethnicity are poorly reported and analyzed in athlete-specific sports medicine literature, despite the fact that a majority of studies analyzing race found significant differences between racial groups. Improved reporting of race and ethnicity can determine whether race- and ethnicity-based differences exist in patient interventions to ameliorate disparities in patient outcomes.

Undergoing Meniscectomy Within One Year Before Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Associated With Worse Postoperative Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) who have a history of meniscectomy have worse postoperative functional outcomes, increased rates of early postoperative complications, and higher revision rates. Despite knowing this, to the best of our knowledge, it has not been previously studied whether the timing of meniscectomy before TKA impacts functional outcomes after undergoing TKA. Compared to patients who underwent meniscectomy more than one year before TKA, do patients who have meniscectomy less than one year before TKA have significantly different postoperative outcomes? METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at an academic medical center. Patients who did not have a history of meniscectomy (controls) were matched in a 1:3 ratio with patients who underwent meniscectomy before primary TKA (cases) based on age, sex, race, body mass index, and non-age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients undergoing TKA from 2013 to 2020, with a minimum of one-year follow-up for Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (KOOS-JR). Exclusion criteria comprised patients undergoing revision or conversion TKA. There were 1,767 patients in the control cohort and 589 patients in the cases cohort who were included. RESULTS: Preoperative KOOS-JR scores did not significantly differ between the five cohorts, while postoperative KOOS-JR scores were significantly lower for patients who underwent meniscectomy less than six months before TKA, and between six months and one year before TKA. Patients undergoing meniscectomy within six months of TKA had a significantly higher rate of aseptic revision, while patients who had a history of meniscectomy at other timeframes did not have a significantly increased rate of aseptic revision. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing TKA who had a history of meniscectomy within one year of the TKA may experience worse postoperative functional outcomes, and patients undergoing meniscectomy within six months of TKA may have an increased risk of revision TKA.

The mutant STAY-GREEN (Cssgr) in cucumber interacts with the CSEP30 protein to elicit a defense response against Podosphaera xanthii.

Disease-resistant plants activate immune responses by specifically recognition Candidate Secreted Effector Proteins (CSEPs) through resistance (R) proteins. In research on cucumber powdery mildew resistance breeding, several R genes and CSEPs have been identified; however, the specific interactions between R proteins and CSEPs are still largely unexplored. In this study, we used a luciferase reporter assay to identify six CSEPs from Podosphaera xanthii that potentially induce cell death in cucumber. Subsequent yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed that only the mature form of CSEP30 (CSEP30∆SP) interacted with the cucumber mutant STAY-GREEN (Cssgr), a gene previously recognized for its broad-spectrum resistance in genetic studies. This interaction was confirmed using pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Additionally, to determine if the interaction leads to phenotypic changes, Cssgr and CSEP30∆SP were transiently expressed in tobacco leaves. The infiltration of Cssgr in tobacco resulted in reduced chlorosis compared to the wild-type CsSGR. Co-infiltration of Cssgr with CSEP30∆SP induced distinct dry necrotic lesions, contrasting the effects observed when Cssgr and CSEP30∆SP were infiltrated separately. Additionally, after P. xanthii infection in moderately powdery mildew-resistant Gy14 cucumber, similar necrotic lesions and specific expression of Cssgr, as along with defense response-related genes (CsPR1 and CsLecRK6.1), were observed. This study suggests that the interaction between Cssgr and CSEP30∆SP could trigger cell death and defense response, offering new insights into the molecular function of Cssgr in disease resistance in Gy14 cucumber. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-024-01504-6.

Co-application of Parthenium biochar and urea effectively mitigate cadmium toxicity during wheat growth.

Environmental contamination by cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, poses significant health risks to plants and humans. Biochar has been effectively used to promote plant growth and productivity under Cd stress. This study presents an innovative application of biochar derived from the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus to promote plant growth and productivity under Cd stress. Our study includes detailed soil and plant analyses, providing a holistic perspective on how biochar and urea amendments influence soil properties, nutrient availability, and plant physiological responses. To address these, we established seven treatments: the control, Cd alone (5 mg kg-1), biochar alone (5 %), urea alone (3 g kg-1), biochar with Cd, urea with Cd, and a combination of biochar and urea with Cd. Cd stress alone significantly reduced plant growth indicators such as shoot and root length, fresh and dry biomass, chlorophyll content, and grain yield. However, the supplementation of biochar, urea, or their combination significantly increased shoot length (by 48%, 34%, and 65%), root length (by 73%, 46%, and 70%), and fresh shoot biomass (by 4%, 31%, and 4%), respectively. This improvement is attributed to enhanced soil properties and improved nutrient absorption. The biochar-urea combination also enhanced Cd tolerance by improving total chlorophyll content by 14 %, 13 %, and 16 % compared to the control, respectively. Similaly, these treatments significantly (p < 0.05) boosted the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase by 51 %, 30 %, and 51 %, respectively, thereby mitigating oxidative stress as a defensive mechanism. The Cd tolerance was improved by biochar, urea, and their combinations, which reduced Cd content in the shoots (by 60.5 %, 38.9 %, and 51.3 %), roots (by 47.5 %, 23.9 %, and 57.6 %), and grains (by 58.1 %, 30.2 %, and 38.3 %) relative to Cd stress alone, respectively. The synergistic effects of biochar and urea are achieved through improved soil properties, nutrient availability, activating antioxidant defense mechanisms, and minimizing the accumulation of metal ions in plant tissues, thereby enhancing plant defenses against Cd stress. Conclusively, converting invasive Parthenium weed into biochar and combining it with urea offers an environmentally friendly solution to manage its spreading while effectively mitigating Cd stress in crops.

α-Terpineol loaded, electron beam crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol/tapioca starch hydrogel sheets; fabrication, characterization and evaluation of wound healing potential on a full thickness acid burn wound.

The multifaceted challenges in treating full-thickness acid burn wounds including impaired tissue regeneration, increased risk of infection, and the pursuit of functional and aesthetically pleasing outcomes, highlights the need for innovative therapeutic approaches for their treatment. The exceptional biochemical and mechanical properties of hydrogels, particularly their extracellular matrix-like nature and their potential to incorporate functional ingredients positions them as promising materials for wound dressings, offering a potential solution to the complexities of full-thickness burn wound management. The current study has integrated functional ingredients (starch and α-terpineol), known for their angiogenic, fibroblast-adhesive, and anti-inflammatory properties into an α-terpineol loaded, electron beam crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol/tapioca pearl starch hydrogel. The hydrogel was then explored for its efficacy in treating full-thickness acid burns. The hydrogel sheets, fabricated using a 25 kGy electron beam, were characterized for structural and functional properties. Surface morphology, gel fraction, swelling ratio, moisture retention capacity and thermal stability were also evaluated. PVA/tapioca starch hydrogel demonstrated optimal macroporosity, mechanical strength, thermal stability, water retention, and moisturizing ability, making it ideal for the intended application. In vitro skin compatibility analysis of α-terpineol-loaded hydrogel confirmed its biocompatibility, demonstrating 90% fibroblast viability. In vivo sensitivity testing on normal rat skin showed no inflammatory response. Analysis of the full-thickness rat chemical burn wounds treated with the hydrogels demonstrated that α-terpineol (AT) loaded e-beam crosslinked PVA/tapioca starch hydrogels increased the rate of wound closure, promoted re-epithelialization, facilitated collagen deposition, stimulated angiogenesis, and promoted keratin deposition, ultimately leading to healing of both thick dermal and epidermal tissues, as well as partial restoration of skin appendages over a duration of 30 days as confirmed by the histological and immunohistochemistry staining. Collectively, this study indicates that α-terpineol (AT) loaded e-beam crosslinked PVA/tapioca starch hydrogel holds promise as a cost-effective and efficient wound dressing for expediting full thickness acid burn wound healing, thus expanding the practical applications of the natural polymer based sheet hydrogel dressings.

Driving low-carbon mechanisms through smart investments in renewable resources and green finance initiatives among G20 nations.

In light of the escalating concerns regarding climate change and environmental decline, major nations are actively exploring strategies to mitigate environmental harm and achieve future sustainability. The surge in economic expansion in developed economies is linked to an increase in CO2 emissions. Consequently, in their pursuit of carbon-neutral policies, these countries are increasingly turning towards renewable energy as a means to enhance resource conservation and efficiency. This research investigates the varied impacts of renewable energy investment, green finance, geopolitical risk, GDP growth, foreign direct investment, and gross fixed capital formation on the carbon emissions of G20 countries. The study uses the CUP-FM (Continuously Updated Fully Modified) and CUP-BC (Continuously Updated Bias-Corrected) estimators, which are sophisticated econometric approaches designed to handle non-stationary panel data and cross-sectional dependency, to produce robust long-term parameter estimates. The CUP-FM estimator adjusts for potential endogeneity and serial correlation, improving the accuracy of long-run relationships in panel data. The CUP-BC estimator provides bias-corrected estimates to further enhance the precision of these long-run connections.The long-term parameter estimates reveal a negative correlation between renewable energy investment, green finance, and carbon emissions. In contrast, foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, GDP growth, and geopolitical risk are positively associated with CO2 emissions. This suggests that financial stability often leads to investments in carbon-heavy economic ventures, thereby implicating economic growth as a contributing factor to environmental degradation in G20 countries.

Improvements in Noise Symptoms, Forgotten Joint Scores, and Functional Outcomes With Greater Time Following Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an impactful procedure with goals that include pain reduction and improved function, with low levels of prosthesis awareness. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients reported prosthetic noise and noise-related symptoms diminished over the course of time after TKA. METHODS: This study was a single institutional, retrospective study of patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA from 2018 to 2021. The TKAs were performed by four high-volume, fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons. Patients had similar baseline characteristics. Patients completed a survey consisting of four Likert scale questions related to prosthetic noise generation, the Forgotten Joint Score, and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement. Data were compared between patients who had undergone TKA one to two years earlier (N = 305) and those who had TKA three to four years prior to evaluation (N = 177). RESULTS: After more time with TKA, patients had significantly lower reports of hearing noise (31.1 versus 43.6%; P = 0.009) and feeling prosthetic noise-related symptoms (28.2 versus 40.3%; P = 0.010). Furthermore, after more time from TKA, patients had significantly higher satisfaction regarding noise-generation (65.5 versus 50.2%; P = 0.012), postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Joint Replacement scores (80.9 versus 75.9; P = 0.005), and Forgotten Joint Scores (65.4 versus 53.8; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: As more time passes after TKA, patients observe less prosthetic noise generation and have lower levels of prosthesis awareness and greater satisfaction than those who had surgery more recently. It is unclear whether these differences represent real improvement or acclimation to noise over time.

Clopidogrel Versus Aspirin as Monotherapy Following Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Receiving a Drug-Eluting Stent: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of clopidogrel versus aspirin as monotherapy following adequate dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from database inception to September 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating the effectiveness or safety of clopidogrel versus aspirin as monotherapy following DAPT in patients with ACS who received a drug-eluting stent were included. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to compare risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and clinically relevant bleeding. RESULTS: Of 6242 abstracts identified, three unique studies were included: one RCT and two retrospective cohort studies. Studies included a total of 7081 post-percutaneous coronary intervention ACS patients, 4260 of whom received aspirin monotherapy and 2821 received clopidogrel monotherapy. Studies included variable proportions of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-STEMI, and unstable angina. From the meta-analysis, clopidogrel was associated with a 28% reduction in the risk of MACE compared with aspirin (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54, 0.98), with no significant difference in clinically relevant bleeding (HR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.68, 1.24). CONCLUSION: Despite the paucity of published evidence on the effectiveness and safety of clopidogrel versus aspirin in patients with ACS post-drug-eluting stent implantation, this meta-analysis suggests that clopidogrel versus aspirin may result in a lower risk of MACE, with a similar risk of major bleeding. The present results are hypothesis-generating and further large RCTs comparing antiplatelet monotherapy options in ACS patients are warranted.

Pharmacological activation of mesenchymal stem cells increases gene expression pattern of cell adhesion molecules and fusion with neonatal cardiomyocytes.

Cellular therapy is considered a better option for the treatment of degenerative disorders. Different cell types are being used for tissue regeneration. Despite extensive research in this field, several issues remain to be addressed concerning cell transplantation. One of these issues is the survival and homing of administered cells in the injured tissue, which depends on the ability of these cells to adhere. To enhance cell adherence and survival, Rap1 GTPase was activated in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as well as in cardiomyocytes (CMs) by using 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, and the effect on gene expression dynamics was determined through quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Pharmacological activation of MSCs and CMs resulted in the upregulation of connexin-43 and cell adhesion genes, which increased the cell adhesion ability of MSCs and CMs, and increased the fusion of MSCs with neonatal CMs. Treating stem cells with a pharmacological agent that activates Rap1a before transplantation can enhance their fusion with CMs and increase cellular regeneration.

Causal Effects of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases on the Risk of Kidney Stone Disease.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have been increasingly associated with kidney stone disease, posing significant health challenges globally. OBJECTIVE: This research sought to determine the causal relationship between kidney stone disease risk and inflammatory bowel disorders. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective cohort study included patients with IBDs, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, who were diagnosed at least 18 years of age. Information was gathered with an emphasis on patients having comprehensive medical histories and confirmed cases of kidney stone disease from January to December 2022. Medical records were retrospectively evaluated by trained staff to extract treatment information and clinical, radiological, and demographic data. To evaluate relationships, statistical analysis was carried out in SPSS software version 23 using Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The study included 320 patients diagnosed with IBDs, among which 198 (61.87%) had Crohn's disease, and 122 (38.13%) were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. The cohort consisted of 140 females (43.75%) and 180 men (56.25%), with a mean age of 45.5 years. Regarding smoking, 113 people (35.31%) reported being smokers, whereas 207 people (64.69%) did not smoke. Additionally, 18 (5.62%) of the population had an underweight BMI, 136 (42.50%) had a normal BMI, 119 (37.19%) had an overweight BMI, and 47 (14.69%) had an obese BMI. Of the patients, 86 (26.88%) had a prior history of kidney stone disease, while 194 (60.62%) did not. Aminosalicylates were the most often used therapy modality for IBD in 189 (58.97%) of cases, followed by corticosteroids in 117 (36.56%) and immunomodulators in 93 (28.94%). Radiological examinations showed that renal calculi were present in 60 (18.75%) of patients, and kidney stones occurred in 40 (12.50%) of patients throughout the research period. The smoking status (p=0.006) and prior history of kidney stones (p<0.001) were the corresponding p-values for the significant results. CONCLUSION: The study highlights an increased risk of kidney stone disease in IBD patients, particularly among smokers and those with a recurrent history of kidney stones. Of the 320 patients, 198 (61.87%) had Crohn's disease and 122 (38.13%) had ulcerative colitis, with a significant relationship found between kidney stones and both smoking (113 patients, 35.31%, p=0.006) and a prior history of kidney stones (86 patients, 26.88%, p<0.001). The findings emphasize the need for targeted preventive measures and close monitoring of these high-risk groups.

Management of Massive Flank Hernia After Lateral Lumbar Fusion: Preoperative Botulinum Toxin Injections and Open Repair - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND Incisional flank hernias represent a complication after lateral lumbar spine surgery. Given the increasing rate of lateral lumbar interbody fusions, the rate of incisional flank hernias will increase. Since there are no reports of open massive flank hernia repair utilizing preoperative botulinum injections, we sought to publish this technique to provide surgeons with an innovative method for preoperatively treating patients with massive flank hernias. CASE REPORT A 75-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and abdominal hernia repair presented for evaluation of left lateral abdominal and left lower back bulging for 5 months. The symptoms began after an L2-L4 lateral lumbar spinal fusion. Physical examination revealed a left posterior lateral flank bulge. Computed tomography (CT) showed a fat-containing left posterolateral abdominal hernia. The patient was scheduled for CT-guided lateral abdominal wall botulinum injections, followed by open flank hernia repair. He tolerated the surgery well, was admitted for pain control, and discharged on day 2. Repeat imaging with CT at 3 months showed no evidence of patient's prior hernia defect. CONCLUSIONS Open flank hernia repair, in conjunction with preoperative botulinum toxin injections, allows for optimal visualization and re-approximation of the myofascial components of flank hernia defects. Failure to achieve adequate myofascial and skin closure, along with mesh reinforcement, in open flank hernia repair can result in various surgical site complications, including incisional flank hernia recurrence. We recommend further investigation on the benefits of botulinum injections as an adjunct in management of massive flank hernias.

Estimated impact of guidelines-based initiation of dual antihypertensive therapy on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in 1.1 million individuals.

AIMS: Guidelines recommend initiation of dual combination antihypertensive therapy, preferably single-pill combination (SPC), in most patients with hypertension. Evidence on narrowing gaps in clinical practice relative to guidelines is limited. METHODS AND RESULTS: Monte Carlo simulation was applied to 1.1 million patients qualifying for dual combination therapy from a previously conducted retrospective analysis of clinical practice, hospital statistics, and national statistics in the UK. We provide 10-year Kaplan-Meier event rates for the primary endpoint representing a composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), nonfatal heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death. Cox model results from a previously conducted study were utilized to estimate baseline risk, together with evidence on risk reduction from the Blood Pressure Lowering Treatment Trialists' Collaboration (BPLTTC) meta-analysis and published evidence on BP-lowering efficacy of antihypertensive therapies. In the overall population, estimated 10-year event rates for the primary endpoint in patients with 100% persistence in monotherapy were 17.0% for irbesartan (I) and 17.6% for ramipril (R). These rates were only modestly better than that observed in clinical practice (17.8%). In patients with 100% persistence in dual therapy, estimated event rates were 13.6% for combinations of Irbesartan + Amlodipine (ARR = 8.7% compared to untreated) and 14.3% for Ramipril + Amlodipine (ARR = 8.0% compared to untreated). The absolute risk of the primary endpoint was reduced by 15.9% in patients with ASCVD and 6.6% in those without ASCVD. Similarly, the absolute risk was reduced by 11.7% in diabetics and 7.8% in those without diabetes. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first to investigate guidelines-based treatment in hypertensive patients and demonstrates the opportunity for considerable risk reduction by ensuring recommended dual therapy in clinical practice, particularly in the form of SPC with high persistence, relative to no treatment or monotherapy.

Alpha terpineol preconditioning enhances regenerative potential of mesenchymal stem cells in full thickness acid burn wounds.

Regeneration of full thickness burn wounds is a significant clinical challenge. Direct stem cell transplantation at the wound site has a promising effect on wound regeneration. However, stem cell survival within the harsh wound environment is critically compromised. In this regard, preconditioning of stem cells with cytoprotective compounds can improve the efficiency of transplanted cells. This study evaluated the possible effect of alpha terpineol (αT) preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (αT-MSCs) in full thickness acid burn wound. An optimized concentration of 10 µM αT was used for MSC preconditioning, followed by scratch assay analysis. A novel rat model of full thickness acid burn wound was developed and characterized via macroscopic and histological examinations. Treatment (normal and αT-MSCs) was given after 48 h of burn wound induction, and the healing pattern was examined till day 40. Skin tissues were harvested at the early (day 10) and late (day 40) wound healing phases and examined by histological grading, neovascularization, and gene expression profiling of healing mediators. In scratch assay, αT-MSCs exhibited enhanced cell migration and wound closure (scratch gap) compared to normal MSCs. In vivo findings revealed enhanced regeneration in the wound treated with αT-MSCs compared to normal MSCs and untreated control. Histology revealed enhanced collagen deposition with regenerated skin layers in normal MSC- and αT-MSC treated groups compared to the untreated control. These findings were correlated with enhanced expression of α-SMA as shown by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, αT-MSC group showed reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhanced regeneration, as witnessed by a decrease in IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, and Bax and an increase in BCL-2, PRDX-4, GPX-7, SOD-1, VEGF, EGF, FGF, MMP-9, PDGF, and TGF-ß gene expression levels at early and late phases, respectively. Overall findings demonstrated that αT exerts its therapeutic effect by mitigating excessive inflammation and oxidative stress while concurrently enhancing neovascularization. Thus, this study offers new perspectives on managing full thickness acid burn wounds in future clinical settings.

Implications of Microbiota and Immune System in Development and Progression of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent type of liver disease worldwide. The exact pathophysiology behind MASLD remains unclear; however, it is thought that a combination of factors or "hits" act as precipitants for disease onset and progression. Abundant evidence supports the roles of diet, genes, metabolic dysregulation, and the intestinal microbiome in influencing the accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes and subsequent progression to inflammation and fibrosis. Currently, there is no cure for MASLD, but lifestyle changes have been the prevailing cornerstones of management. Research is now focusing on the intestinal microbiome as a potential therapeutic target for MASLD, with the spotlight shifting to probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. In this review, we provide an overview of how intestinal microbiota interact with the immune system to contribute to the pathogenesis of MASLD and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We also summarize key microbial taxa implicated in the disease and discuss evidence supporting microbial-targeted therapies in its management.

Impact of energy imports, renewable electricity production, alternative, and nuclear energy sources on natural gas resource rents.

The world faces several problems related to natural gas resource rents and energy production from renewable sources. One of the main problems is the influence of energy imports, manufacturing exports, and alternative energy sources on natural gas and electricity production from renewable sources. Energy imports, manufacturing exports, and alternative energy sources can impact natural gas and electricity production. This paper examines natural gas resource rents and electricity production from renewable sources nexus from 1971 to 2021, using energy imports, manufacturer's exports, and alternative energy sources in China. Electricity production from renewable sources and manufacturing exports are negatively associated with natural gas resource rents. Energy imports and alternative energy sources positively relate to natural gas resource rents in China. These results suggest that the energy sector in China is highly interconnected and that policies that seek to promote renewable energy sources and other alternatives can positively affect natural gas resource rents. China needs to develop an energy policy considering the policy implications of energy imports and natural gas resource rents. Such a policy should focus on increasing domestic production, reducing energy imports, and ensuring adequate revenue from natural gas resource rents. Additionally, regulations could be implemented that support the development of alternative energy sources, such as requiring utilities to purchase a certain percentage of their power from renewable sources.

Surgeons Experience Greater Physiologic Stress and Strain in the Direct Anterior Approach Than the Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterior approach (PA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have advantages and disadvantages, but their physiologic burden to the surgeon has not been quantified. This study was conducted to determine whether differences exist in surgeon physiological stress and strain during DAA in comparison to PA. METHODS: We evaluated a prospective cohort of 144 consecutive cases (67 DAA and 77 PA). There were 5, high-volume, fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons who wore a smart-vest that recorded cardiorespiratory data while performing primary THA DAA or PA. Heart rate (beats/minute), stress index (correlates with sympathetic activations), respiratory rate (respirations/minute), minute ventilation (L/min), and energy expenditure (calories) were recorded, along with patient body mass index and operative time. Continuous data was compared using t-tests or Mann Whitney U tests, and categorical data was compared with Chi-square or Fischer's exact tests. RESULTS: There were no differences in patient characteristics. Compared to PA, performing THA via DAA had a significantly higher surgeon stress index (17.4 versus 12.4; P < .001), heart rate (101 versus 98.3; P = .007), minute ventilation (21.7 versus 18.7; P < .001), and energy expenditure per hour (349 versus 295; P < .001). However, DAA had a significantly shorter operative time (71.4 versus 82.1; P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons experience significantly higher physiological stress and strain when performing DAA compared to PA for primary THA. This study provides objective data on energy expenditure that can be factored into choice of approach, case order, and scheduling preferences, and provides insight into the work done by the surgeon.

Expansion of human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine.

BACKGROUND: Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that possess the potential for self-renewal with the capacity to differentiate into multiple lineages. In humans, their limited numbers pose a challenge in fulfilling the necessary demands for the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues or organs. Studies suggested that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), necessary for repair and regeneration via transplantation, require doses ranging from 10 to 400 million cells. Furthermore, the limited expansion of MSCs restricts their therapeutic application. AIM: To optimize a novel protocol to achieve qualitative and quantitative expansion of MSCs to reach the targeted number of cells for cellular transplantation and minimize the limitations in stem cell therapy protocols. METHODS: Human umbilical cord (hUC) tissue derived MSCs were obtained and re-cultured. These cultured cells were subjected to the following evaluation procedures: Immunophenotyping, immunocytochemical staining, trilineage differentiation, population doubling time and number, gene expression markers for proliferation, cell cycle progression, senescence-associated ß-galactosidase assay, human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression, mycoplasma, cytomegalovirus and endotoxin detection. RESULTS: Analysis of pluripotent gene markers Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog in recultured hUC-MSC revealed no significant differences. The immunophenotypic markers CD90, CD73, CD105, CD44, vimentin, CD29, Stro-1, and Lin28 were positively expressed by these recultured expanded MSCs, and were found negative for CD34, CD11b, CD19, CD45, and HLA-DR. The recultured hUC-MSC population continued to expand through passage 15. Proliferative gene expression of Pax6, BMP2, and TGFb1 showed no significant variation between recultured hUC-MSC groups. Nevertheless, a significant increase (P < 0.001) in the mitotic phase of the cell cycle was observed in recultured hUC-MSCs. Cellular senescence markers (hTERT expression and ß-galactosidase activity) did not show any negative effect on recultured hUC-MSCs. Additionally, quality control assessments consistently confirmed the absence of mycoplasma, cytomegalovirus, and endotoxin contamination. CONCLUSION: This study proposes the development of a novel protocol for efficiently expanding stem cell population. This would address the growing demand for larger stem cell doses needed for cellular transplantation and will significantly improve the feasibility of stem cell based therapies.

Comprehensive characterization of genomic features and clinical outcomes following targeted therapy and secondary cytoreductive surgery in OCCC: a single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is associated with chemoresistance. Limited data exists regarding the efficacy of targeted therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and bevacizumab, and the role of secondary cytoreductive surgery (SCS). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed genomic features and treatment outcomes of 172 OCCC patients treated at our institution from January 2000 to May 2022. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed where sufficient archival tissue was available. RESULTS: 64.0% of patients were diagnosed at an early stage, and 36.0% at an advanced stage. Patients with advanced/relapsed OCCC who received platinum-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab followed by maintenance bevacizumab had a median first-line progression-free survival (PFS) of 12.2 months, compared with 9.3 months for chemotherapy alone (hazard ratio=0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.33, 1.45). In 27 patients who received an ICI, the overall response rate was 18.5% and median duration of response was 7.4 months (95% CI=6.5, 8.3). In 17 carefully selected patients with fewer than 3 sites of relapse, median PFS was 35 months (95% CI=0, 73.5) and median overall survival was 96.8 months (95% CI=44.6, 149.0) after SCS. NGS on 58 tumors revealed common mutations in ARID1A (48.3%), PIK3CA (46.6%), and KRAS (20.7%). Pathogenic alterations in PIK3CA, FGFR2, and NBN were associated with worse survival outcomes. Median tumor mutational burden was 3.78 (range, 0-16). All 26 patients with available loss of heterozygosity (LOH) scores had LOH <16%. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates encouraging outcomes with bevacizumab and ICI, and SCS in select relapsed OCCC patients. Prospective trials are warranted.

Single dose human perinatal stem cells accelerate healing of cold-induced rat burn wound.

Temporal phases of wound healing and their corresponding healing factors are essential in wound regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) accelerate wound healing via their paracrine secretions by enhancing cell migration, angiogenesis, and reducing inflammation. This study evaluated the local therapeutic effect of human umbilical cord MSCs (hUCMSCs) in the healing of cold-induced burn wounds. An in vitro wound (scratch) was developed in rat skin fibroblasts. The culture was maintained in the conditioned medium (CM) which was prepared by inducing an artificial wound in hUCMSCs in a separate experiment. Treated fibroblasts were analyzed for the gene expression profile of healing mediators involved in wound closure. Findings revealed enhanced cell migration and increased levels of healing mediators in the treated fibroblasts relative to the untreated group. Cold-induced burn wounds were developed in Wistar rats, followed by a single injection of hUCMSCs. Wound healing pattern was examined based on the healing phases: hemostasis/inflammation (Days 1, 3), cell proliferation (Day 7), and remodeling (Day 14). Findings exhibited enhanced wound closure in the treated wound. Gene expression, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses further confirmed enhanced wound regeneration after hUCMSC transplantation. Temporal gene expression profile revealed that the level of corresponding cytokines was substantially increased in the treated wound as compared with the control, indicating improvement in the processes of angiogenesis and remodeling, and a substantial reduction in inflammation. Histology revealed significant collagen formation along with regenerated skin layers and appendages, whereas immunohistochemistry exhibited increased neovascularization during remodeling. Leukocyte infiltration was also suppressed in the treated group. Overall findings demonstrate that a single dose of hUCMSCs enhances wound healing in vivo, and their secreted growth factors accelerate cell migration in vitro.