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15 pages, 2183 KiB  
Article
Effective Endotoxin Reduction in Hospital Reverse Osmosis Water Using eBooster™ Electrochemical Technology
by José Eudes Lima Santos, Letícia Gracyelle Alexandre Costa, Carlos Alberto Martínez-Huitle and Sergio Ferro
Water 2025, 17(15), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152353 (registering DOI) - 7 Aug 2025
Abstract
Endotoxins, lipopolysaccharides released from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, pose a significant risk in healthcare environments, particularly in Central Sterile Supply Departments (CSSDs), where the delivery of sterile pyrogen-free medical devices is critical for patient safety. Traditional methods for controlling endotoxins in [...] Read more.
Endotoxins, lipopolysaccharides released from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, pose a significant risk in healthcare environments, particularly in Central Sterile Supply Departments (CSSDs), where the delivery of sterile pyrogen-free medical devices is critical for patient safety. Traditional methods for controlling endotoxins in water systems, such as ultraviolet (UV) disinfection, have proven ineffective at reducing endotoxin concentrations to comply with regulatory standards (<0.25 EU/mL). This limitation presents a significant challenge, especially in the context of reverse osmosis (RO) permeate used in CSSDs, where water typically has very low conductivity. Despite the established importance of endotoxin removal, a gap in the literature exists regarding effective chemical-free methods that can meet the stringent endotoxin limits in such low-conductivity environments. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of the eBooster™ electrochemical technology—featuring proprietary electrode materials and a reactor design optimized for potable water—for endotoxin removal from water, specifically under the low-conductivity conditions typical of RO permeate. Laboratory experiments using the B250 reactor achieved >90% endotoxin reduction (from 1.2 EU/mL to <0.1 EU/mL) at flow rates ≤5 L/min and current densities of 0.45–2.7 mA/cm2. Additional real-world testing at three hospitals showed that the eBooster™ unit, when installed in the RO tank recirculation loop, consistently reduced endotoxin levels from 0.76 EU/mL (with UV) to <0.05 EU/mL over 24 months of operation, while heterotrophic plate counts dropped from 190 to <1 CFU/100 mL. Statistical analysis confirmed the reproducibility and flow-rate dependence of the removal efficiency. Limitations observed included reduced efficacy at higher flow rates, the need for sufficient residence time, and a temporary performance decline after two years due to a power fault, which was promptly corrected. Compared to earlier approaches, eBooster™ demonstrated superior performance in low-conductivity environments without added chemicals or significant maintenance. These findings highlight the strength and novelty of eBooster™ as a reliable, chemical-free, and maintenance-friendly alternative to traditional UV disinfection systems, offering a promising solution for critical water treatment applications in healthcare environments. Full article
12 pages, 535 KiB  
Article
Real-World Effectiveness of Rosuvastatin–Ezetimibe Single Pill (Rovazet®) in Korean Dyslipidemia Patients
by Hack-Lyoung Kim, Hyun Sung Joh, Sang-Hyun Kim and Myung-A Kim
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(15), 5480; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14155480 - 4 Aug 2025
Viewed by 168
Abstract
Background: Fixed-dose combinations of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe are increasingly used in clinical practice, but real-world data on their effectiveness and safety in large populations remain limited. Methods: This prospective, single-group, open-label, non-interventional observational study was conducted in the Republic of Korea to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background: Fixed-dose combinations of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe are increasingly used in clinical practice, but real-world data on their effectiveness and safety in large populations remain limited. Methods: This prospective, single-group, open-label, non-interventional observational study was conducted in the Republic of Korea to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Rovazet® (a fixed-dose combination of rosuvastatin and ezetimibe). Patients were prospectively enrolled from 235 institutions (50 general hospitals and 185 private clinics) as part of routine clinical practice over a five-year period. Lipid profiles and medication compliance questionnaire results were collected at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of treatment. Results: A total of 5527 patients with dyslipidemia, the majority were men (53.0%), and the mean age was 60.4 years. Rovazet® significantly reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 23.5% at 12 weeks (from 117.47 ± 50.65 mg/dL to 81.14 ± 38.20 mg/dL; p < 0.0001) and by 27.4% at 24 weeks (from 117.47 ± 50.65 mg/dL to 74.52 ± 33.36 mg/dL; p < 0.0001). Total cholesterol was significantly reduced by 17.7% at 12 weeks and by 19.8% at 24 weeks. Rovazet® treatment reduced triglycerides by 4.1% at 12 weeks and by 7.2% at 24 weeks. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased by 4.5% at 12 weeks and by 7.9% at 24 weeks following Rovazet® treatment. These changes in lipid profiles were consistent, regardless of cardiovascular risk profiles. By 24 weeks of treatment with Rovazet®, 91.8% of patients had reached their target LDL-C goals. Adverse drug reactions were reported in 2.81% of patients, most of which were minor, indicating that Rovazet® was well tolerated. Conclusions: Rovazet® was effective in improving lipid profiles and well tolerated in Korean adults with dyslipidemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)
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20 pages, 8914 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Low-Dose rhBMP-2 and Vacuum Plasma Treatments on Titanium Implants for Osseointegration and Bone Regeneration
by Won-Tak Cho, Soon Chul Heo, Hyung Joon Kim, Seong Soo Kang, Se Eun Kim, Jong-Ho Lee, Gang-Ho Bae and Jung-Bo Huh
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3582; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153582 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 301
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of low-dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) coating in combination with vacuum plasma treatment on titanium implants, aiming to enhance osseointegration and bone regeneration while minimizing the adverse effects associated with high-dose rhBMP-2. In vitro analyses demonstrated [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of low-dose recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) coating in combination with vacuum plasma treatment on titanium implants, aiming to enhance osseointegration and bone regeneration while minimizing the adverse effects associated with high-dose rhBMP-2. In vitro analyses demonstrated that plasma treatment increased surface energy, promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. Additionally, it facilitated sustained rhBMP-2 release by enhancing protein binding to the implant surface. In vivo experiments using the four-beagle mandibular defect model were conducted with the following four groups: un-treated implants, rhBMP-2–coated implants, plasma-treated implants, and implants treated with both rhBMP-2 and plasma. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and medical CT analyses revealed a significantly greater volume of newly formed bone in the combined treatment group (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation further confirmed superior outcomes in the combined group, showing significantly higher bone-to-implant contact (BIC), new bone area (NBA), and inter-thread bone density (ITBD) compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that vacuum plasma treatment enhances the biological efficacy of low-dose rhBMP-2, representing a promising strategy to improve implant integration in compromised conditions. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal clinical dosage. Full article
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25 pages, 1329 KiB  
Review
Research Progress and Prospects of Flavonoids in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Narrative Review
by Xingtong Chen, Jinbiao Yang, Yunyue Zhou, Qiao Wang, Shuang Xue, Yukun Zhang and Wenying Niu
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3103; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153103 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 540
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a disorder of human lipid metabolism or transport, primarily characterized by abnormally elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. It is a key factor contributing to the development of non-alcoholic fatty [...] Read more.
Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a disorder of human lipid metabolism or transport, primarily characterized by abnormally elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. It is a key factor contributing to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statistics show that the prevalence of dyslipidemia among Chinese adults is as high as 35.6%, and it has shown a trend of younger onset in recent years, posing a serious threat to public health. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia carry significant social significance. The pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia is complex and diverse, and currently used medications are often accompanied by side effects during treatment, making the research and development of new therapeutic approaches a current focus. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids, which are abundant in most medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables, exert effects on regulating lipid homeostasis and treating hyperlipidemia through a multi-target mechanism. These compounds have demonstrated significant effects in inhibiting lipid synthesis, blocking lipid absorption, promoting cholesterol uptake, enhancing reverse cholesterol transport, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal microbiota disorders. This article reviews the latest progress in the mechanisms of flavonoids in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, providing a theoretical basis for future research on drugs for hyperlipidemia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)
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15 pages, 4855 KiB  
Article
An Investigation of the Surface-Regulating Mechanism of Tungsten Alloys Using the Electrochemical Polishing Process
by Yachun Mao, Yanqiu Xu, Shiru Le, Maozhong An, Zhijiang Wang and Yuhan Zhang
Solids 2025, 6(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/solids6030039 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Tungsten and tungsten alloys are widely used in important industrial fields due to their high density, hardness, melting point, and corrosion resistance. However, machining often leaves processing marks on their surface, significantly affecting the surface quality of precision components in industrial applications. Electrolytic [...] Read more.
Tungsten and tungsten alloys are widely used in important industrial fields due to their high density, hardness, melting point, and corrosion resistance. However, machining often leaves processing marks on their surface, significantly affecting the surface quality of precision components in industrial applications. Electrolytic polishing offers high efficiency, low workpiece wear, and simple processing. In this study, an electrolytic polishing method is adopted and a novel trisodium phosphate–sodium hydroxide electrolytic polishing electrolyte is developed to study the effects of temperature, voltage, polishing time, and solution composition on the surface roughness of a tungsten–nickel–iron alloy. The optimal voltage, temperature, and polishing time are determined to be 15 V, 55 °C, and 35 s, respectively, when the concentrations of trisodium phosphate and sodium hydroxide are 100 g·L−1 and 6 g·L−1. In addition, glycerol is introduced into the electrolyte as an additive. The calculated LUMO value of glycerol is −5.90 eV and the HOMO value is 0.40 eV. Moreover, electron enrichment in the hydroxyl region of glycerol can form an adsorption layer on the surface of the tungsten alloy, inhibit the formation of micro-pits, balance ion diffusion, and thus promote the formation of a smooth surface. At 100 mL·L−1 of glycerol, the roughness of the tungsten–nickel–iron alloy decreases significantly from 1.134 μm to 0.582 μm. The electrochemical polishing mechanism of the tungsten alloy in a trisodium phosphate electrolyte is further investigated and explained according to viscous film theory. This study demonstrates that the trisodium phosphate–sodium hydroxide–glycerol electrolyte is suitable for electropolishing tungsten–nickel–iron alloys. Overall, the results support the application of tungsten–nickel–iron alloy in the electronics, medical, and atomic energy industries. Full article
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13 pages, 1563 KiB  
Article
A Sensitive and Accurate Electrochemical Sensor Based on Biomass-Derived Porous Carbon for the Detection of Ascorbic Acid
by Yashuang Hei, Lisi Ba, Xingwei Shi, Huanhuan Guo, Sisi Wen, Bingxiao Zheng, Wenjie Gu and Zhiju Zhao
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 2980; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30142980 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 316
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA) is a vital biomarker for human metabolic processes, and many diseases are strongly linked to aberrant variations in its content. It is crucial to detect the levels of AA with sensitivity, speed, and accuracy. In this work, three-dimensional honeycomb-like porous [...] Read more.
Ascorbic acid (AA) is a vital biomarker for human metabolic processes, and many diseases are strongly linked to aberrant variations in its content. It is crucial to detect the levels of AA with sensitivity, speed, and accuracy. In this work, three-dimensional honeycomb-like porous carbons derived from discarded walnut (green) husks (DWGH-HCPCs) were synthesized using a process involving hydrothermal treatment, freeze-drying, and carbonization. The DWGH-HCPCs, with a high specific surface area of 419.72 m2 g−1, large pore volume of 0.35 cm3 g−1 and high density of defective sites, are used to fabricate the electrochemical sensor for the detection of AA. The electrochemical performance of the DWGH-HCPC-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (DWGH-HCPC/GCE) was investigated through chronoamperometry, differential pulse voltammetry, and cyclic voltammetry. Compared with the GCE, the DWGH-HCPC/GCE exhibits higher sensitivities (34.7 μA mM−1 and 22.7 μA mM−1), a wider linear range (10–1040 μM and 1040–3380 μM), and a lower detection limit (0.26 μM) for AA detection. Specifically, the real sample concentrations of AA in beverages and artificial urine were successfully identified by DWGH-HCPC/GCE. Additionally, the DWGH-HCPC/GCE demonstrated great feasibility in the simultaneous detection of AA, dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA). Therefore, as a green, eco-friendly, and low-cost electrode modifier, DWGH-HCPCs have broad prospects in the development of electrochemical sensing platforms for food and medical applications. Full article
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18 pages, 5258 KiB  
Article
Fusobacterium nucleatum Is Associated with Tumor Characteristics, Immune Microenvironment, and Survival in Appendiceal Cancer
by Christopher Sherry, Neda Dadgar, Hyun Park, Chelsea Knotts, Erin Grayhack, Rose Blodgett, Kunhong Xiao, Ashten N. Omstead, Albert D. Donnenberg, David L. Bartlett, Vera Donnenberg, Ajay Goel, Ali H. Zaidi and Patrick L. Wagner
Microorganisms 2025, 13(7), 1644; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13071644 - 11 Jul 2025
Viewed by 309
Abstract
Emerging evidence highlights the role of the tumor microbiome, including Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), in a wide range of gastrointestinal cancers. Fn purportedly contributes to tumorigenesis by activating oncogenic pathways and modulating immune responses. Although the prevalence and impact of Fn has been extensively [...] Read more.
Emerging evidence highlights the role of the tumor microbiome, including Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), in a wide range of gastrointestinal cancers. Fn purportedly contributes to tumorigenesis by activating oncogenic pathways and modulating immune responses. Although the prevalence and impact of Fn has been extensively studied in colorectal cancer, no previous systematic or in situ studies have been performed in appendiceal cancer (AC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and association of Fn density in AC with clinical factors and oncologic outcomes. Archival tissue from 54 patients with AC was assessed for Fn density using RNA in situ hybridization. Clinicopathological variables were obtained for each case through electronic medical record review, and the immune microenvironment was characterized in each case using immunohistochemistry to quantify CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and M1-/M2-like tumor-associated macrophages. In AC, Fn density was associated with patient age, tumor grade, and histologic subtype. Fn was negatively associated with CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and positively associated with M2-like TAMs in low-grade AC. Interestingly, tumor Fn content was associated with better overall and progression-free survival, even when controlling for tumor grade. In this exploratory study, we found that Fn is prevalent in AC. Fn is associated with a number of clinical, pathologic, immunologic, and prognostic variables in AC that are distinct from the corresponding observed associations in colorectal cancer. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanistic contributions of Fn to AC pathogenesis or immune response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Microbiome in Ecosystems)
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12 pages, 233 KiB  
Article
Effects of Personalized Nutrition Education on Lipid Profiles in Chinese Adults: A Medical Student-Implemented Community Intervention Study
by Hongli Wang, Tianyi Shen, Jingming Zhu, Jing Gao, Shaoxian Liang, Wanshui Yang and Zhuang Zhang
Nutrients 2025, 17(13), 2161; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17132161 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Background: Dyslipidemia affects over 30% of Chinese adults, with awareness rates below 20%. Promoting nutrition education programs in the general population is important, but few studies have investigated the specific strategies and their efficacy. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in a representative [...] Read more.
Background: Dyslipidemia affects over 30% of Chinese adults, with awareness rates below 20%. Promoting nutrition education programs in the general population is important, but few studies have investigated the specific strategies and their efficacy. Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in a representative sample of community-dwelling adults in Lu’an City, central-eastern China. After recruitment and propensity score matching, the personalized and conventional nutrition education groups included 306 and 612 participants, respectively. We provided standardized nutrition education based on the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022) for the conventional group, and personalized nutrition advice based on individual food intake and the guidelines for the personalized group. Serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipo-protein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TGs) were measured at baseline and again after follow-up. Results: Three years after the intervention, the average levels of TC, LDL-C, and TG in both groups all increased. After adjusting for covariates, an increase in HDL-C was greater in the personalized group than in the convention group, while the increment in TG was less pronounced. LDL-C changes were similar between the groups. The beneficial effect of personalized nutrition education on HDL-C levels was more pronounced in women (pinteraction < 0.05). Similar results were observed among participants with dyslipidemias and after excluding all lipid-lowering medication users. Conclusions: We conducted personalized nutrition education through medical students’ community practice projects among Chinese community residents, revealing that personalized nutrition education based on dietary surveys could significantly improve blood lipid profiles in general residents and individuals with dyslipidemias compared to conventional nutrition education. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Habits, Nutritional Knowledge, and Nutrition Education)
17 pages, 932 KiB  
Article
A Lymphocyte Subset-Based Prediction Model for Refractory Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Immunocompetent Patients
by Jingyuan Zhang, Xinyu Hu, Ailifeila Aili, Lei Pan, Xinying Xue and Xiaolan Chen
Diagnostics 2025, 15(13), 1627; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15131627 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Refractory community-acquired pneumonia (r-CAP) has become a thorny issue in clinical practice, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, even in immunocompetent patients, as conventionally defined. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for immunocompetent patients with r-CAP. Methods: This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Refractory community-acquired pneumonia (r-CAP) has become a thorny issue in clinical practice, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, even in immunocompetent patients, as conventionally defined. In this study, we aimed to identify the risk factors for immunocompetent patients with r-CAP. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study. In total, we collected clinical data from 82 patients with r-CAP in whom the first-line antibiotic therapy failed and 82 patients with general CAP (g-CAP) who recovered with first-line antibiotics, matched at a ratio of 1:1, admitted to Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 1 January 2022, to 31 December 2023. The differences between the two groups (clinical characteristics, peripheral blood cell count, lymphocyte subsets, and regular laboratory indicators) were analyzed using paired t, paired Wilcoxon, Chi-square, or Fisher’s exact tests, and univariate and multivariate logistics regression analyses were conducted to identify the independent risk factors. A model for predicting indicators with statistical significance was established and proved with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Warm season, a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, longer time from onset to admission (TO-A), higher percentages of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and double-negative T (DNT) lymphocytes, as well as higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C), serum sodium ion (Na+), and free-calcium ion (FCa2+) were regarded as independent risk factors, while T lymphocyte percentage (T%) and total cholesterol (TC) were identified as protective factors. The combined multivariate model using all the above factors proved to be sensitive and specific (AUC = 0.8711, p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.4235), and thus better than the respective univariate models. Conclusions: Increased CD4+ T%Lym, CD8+ T%Lym, and DNT%Lym, warm season, a history of COPD, longer TO-A, and increased levers of CRP, LDL-C, Na+, and FCa2+ potentially cause CAP to be refractory, while the T lymphocyte count, namely, the overall cellular immunity, was impaired in r-CAP patients, and increased TC levels could be beneficial to pneumonia recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease)
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24 pages, 3624 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Urban Flood Resilience Under a Novel Framework and Method: A Case Study of the Taihu Lake Basin
by Kaidong Lu, Yong Liu, Yintang Wang, Tingting Cui, Jiaxing Zhong, Zijiang Zhou and Xiaoping Gao
Land 2025, 14(7), 1328; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071328 - 22 Jun 2025
Viewed by 576
Abstract
Urban flooding poses escalating threats to socioeconomic stability and human safety, exacerbated by urbanization and climate change. While urban flood resilience (UFR) has emerged as a critical framework for flood risk management, existing studies often overlook the systemic integration of post-disaster recovery capacity [...] Read more.
Urban flooding poses escalating threats to socioeconomic stability and human safety, exacerbated by urbanization and climate change. While urban flood resilience (UFR) has emerged as a critical framework for flood risk management, existing studies often overlook the systemic integration of post-disaster recovery capacity and multidimensional interactions in UFR assessment. This study develops a novel hazard–vulnerability–exposure–defense capacity–recovery capacity (HVEDR) framework to address research gaps. We employ a hybrid game theory combined weight method (GTCWM)-TOPSIS approach to evaluate UFR in China’s Taihu Lake Basin (TLB), a region highly vulnerable to monsoon- and typhoon-driven floods. Spanning 1999–2020, the analysis reveals three key insights: (1) weight allocation via GTCWM identifies defense capacity (0.224) and hazard (0.224) as dominant dimensions, with drainage pipeline density (0.091), flood-season precipitation (0.087), and medical capacity (0.085) ranking as the top three weighted indicators; (2) temporal trends show an overall upward trajectory in UFR, interrupted by a sharp decline in 2011 due to extreme hazard events, with Shanghai and Hangzhou exhibiting the highest UFR levels, contrasting Zhenjiang’s persistently low UFR; (3) spatial patterns reveal stronger UFR in southern and eastern areas and weaker resilience in northern and western regions. The proposed HVEDR framework and findings provide valuable insights for UFR assessments in other flood-prone basins and regions globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Building Resilient and Sustainable Urban Futures)
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17 pages, 2172 KiB  
Article
Beneficial Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on the Reduction of Prediabetes—Results of the Bialystok PLUS Study
by Magdalena Zalewska, Małgorzata E. Zujko, Jacek Jamiołkowski, Małgorzata Chlabicz, Magda Łapińska and Karol A. Kamiński
Nutrients 2025, 17(12), 2034; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17122034 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 901
Abstract
Background: The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest and safest diets for preventing chronic diseases. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the occurrence of prediabetes in a representative population [...] Read more.
Background: The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest and safest diets for preventing chronic diseases. The primary objective of this study was to assess the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the occurrence of prediabetes in a representative population of Bialystok, Poland. Prediabetes is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range, indicating an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Methods: The study participants were selected into healthy control (HC) and prediabetic (PreD) groups based on age and gender. Biochemical measurements included total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, blood pressure, handgrip strength, anthropometric parameters, and body composition were measured. Information on patients’ social data, medical history, and lifestyle history was collected using questionnaires developed for this study. A standardized questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), was used to assess life satisfaction. Dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and dietary total polyphenol intake (DTPI) were determined using a 3-day nutritional interview and appropriate databases containing information on polyphenols and the antioxidant potential of food products. To assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet recommendations, a 9-item Mediterranean Diet Index (MDI) was used. Results: It was found that the mean MDI for the entire group was low (3.98 ± 1.74), and the HC was characterized by a significantly higher MDI compared to the PreD. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between MDI and HDL-C, whereas a negative correlation was found between MDI and FG, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), IL-6, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference, visceral fat mass, android/gynoid fat ratio. Conclusions: Abdominal obesity was shown to significantly reduce life satisfaction. In model 3, after adjusting for age, sex, dietary energy intake, alcohol consumption, and smoking, each additional MDI point indicated a 10% lower risk of prediabetes. Full article
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13 pages, 1005 KiB  
Article
Ex Vivo Osteoclastogenesis from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Is Unchanged in Adults with Phenylketonuria, Regardless of Dietary Compliance
by Beatrice Hanusch, Anne Schlegtendal, Thomas Lücke and Kathrin Sinningen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(12), 5776; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26125776 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 401
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene can result in phenylalanine (Phe) accumulation leading to phenylketonuria (PKU; OMIM #261600), a metabolic disease diagnosed in newborn screening. Early treatment with a Phe-restricted diet prevents severe mental retardation. Next to several other health complaints, patients [...] Read more.
Pathogenic variants in the phenylalanine hydroxylase gene can result in phenylalanine (Phe) accumulation leading to phenylketonuria (PKU; OMIM #261600), a metabolic disease diagnosed in newborn screening. Early treatment with a Phe-restricted diet prevents severe mental retardation. Next to several other health complaints, patients with PKU present with low bone mineral density (BMD) more often than the general population. The etiology of the phenotype is not yet fully understood, and current research focuses on improving special medical foods and changes in osteoclasts (OC) and osteoblasts. Analysis of osteoclastic and oxidative stress control gene expression next to the simple number of OC developing from peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) in association with dietary compliance and BMD was therefore part of our analysis. PBMCs were obtained from 17 adults with PKU and 17 age- and sex-matched controls on the same day. PBMCs were differentiated into osteoclasts (OC, Trap-positive multi-nucleated cells (≥3 nuclei)) for 14 days by adding human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB Ligand (RANKL). Subsequently, quantitative real-time PCR was performed on OC function and oxidative stress control. Data on dietary compliance during the previous 12 months and 5 years and BMD were collected. PBMCs from adults with PKU and controls were differentiated into comparable numbers of OC (PKU: 53 [17–87] vs. controls: 39 [19–52], p = 0.381) without differences in mRNA expression of genes related to OC function and oxidative stress control. Dietary compliance in short-term and mid-term was not associated with OC number or mRNA expression, but CTSK negatively correlated with BMD T-Score in the hips of adults with PKU (Spearman r = −0.518, p = 0.040). Osteoclastogenesis was not changed in adult patients with PKU, nor were most mRNA expressions of OC marker genes or those of oxidative stress control. However, 44% of patients presented with BMD below −1 in their hips, and the OC of these tended to express higher CTSK (above −1: 0.2 [0.2–0.8] vs. below −1: 0.9 [0.6–3.4], p = 0.055). Thus, alternative regulatory mechanisms of OC activity may play a role in the development of low BMD in patients with PKU. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Musculoskeletal Involvement in Rare Diseases)
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22 pages, 8042 KiB  
Article
Assessing Flood Risks of Small Reservoirs in Huangshan, Anhui Province, China
by Ning Yang, Gang Wang, Minglei Ren, Qingqing Sun, Rong Tang, Liping Zhao, Jintang Zhang and Yawei Ning
Water 2025, 17(12), 1786; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17121786 - 14 Jun 2025
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Based on the regional disaster system theory, this study constructed a comprehensive flood risk indicator system for small reservoirs, covering the entire flood disaster process from three dimensions: hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method (EW) were [...] Read more.
Based on the regional disaster system theory, this study constructed a comprehensive flood risk indicator system for small reservoirs, covering the entire flood disaster process from three dimensions: hazard, vulnerability, and exposure. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method (EW) were used to determine indicator weights, and a risk assessment was conducted for small reservoirs in Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China. The results indicate that most reservoirs exhibit medium–low overall risk, yet distinct localized high-risk zones exist. High-economic-density areas such as Tunxi District, the central–eastern parts of Huangshan District, and the central and eastern parts of Qimen County have become high-risk clusters due to prominent exposure indicators (numbers of villages and medical facilities). Reservoirs in western and northern regions exhibit higher hazard levels, primarily driven by rainfall and catchment areas. Dam height and reservoir capacity are the main factors affecting vulnerability, with no significant spatial clustering for high-vulnerability reservoirs. Through the decoupling of three-dimensional indicators, this study reveals the differentiated driving mechanisms of “hazard–vulnerability–exposure,” providing a scientific basis for optimizing flood control engineering (e.g., reservoir capacity expansion, dam reinforcement) and risk zoning management (e.g., emergency evacuation planning in high-exposure areas) for small reservoirs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flood Risk Assessment on Reservoirs)
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12 pages, 1106 KiB  
Article
Machine Learning Analysis of Lipid and Metabolic Profiles in Adults with Adenoid Hyperplasia
by Mansur Doğan, Merve Çiftçi and Yusuf Yeşil
Medicina 2025, 61(6), 1018; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61061018 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 475
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The nasopharynx, unlike other pharyngeal regions, includes an important part of the immune system, called the adenoid (nasopharyngeal tonsil); its posterior wall contains lymphoid tissue belonging to Waldeyer’s ring. Nasopharyngeal posterior wall thickness is often associated with adenoid hyperplasia [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The nasopharynx, unlike other pharyngeal regions, includes an important part of the immune system, called the adenoid (nasopharyngeal tonsil); its posterior wall contains lymphoid tissue belonging to Waldeyer’s ring. Nasopharyngeal posterior wall thickness is often associated with adenoid hyperplasia in adults. The current study aimed to compare the blood lipid and metabolic profiles of adult patients with increased nasopharyngeal posterior wall thickness to those of the healthy population. Materials and Methods: This study included a cohort of 98 patients, 52 in the control group and 46 diagnosed with increased nasopharyngeal posterior wall thickness due to adenoid hyperplasia. Clinical and biochemical data were collected from medical records at Sivas Cumhuriyet University and Erbaa State Hospital between January 2024 and March 2025. The dataset consisted of the following 11 features: age, sex, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Results: HDL was significantly lower in the adenoid hyperplasia group (mean = 48.68, SD = 21.87) compared to the control group (mean = 51.31, SD = 11.80; Kruskal–Wallis H = 4.750, p = 0.029), with a small effect size (Cohen’s d = −0.156). ALT was higher in the adenoid hyperplasia group (mean = 26.35, SD = 16.93 vs. 20.88, SD = 11.42; permutation test p = 0.082), suggesting a trend toward significance. HbA1C had a higher mean in the adenoid hyperplasia group (7.88, SD = 9.82 vs. 6.18, SD = 1.18; p = 0.852), with high variability. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study identified HDL, HbA1C, and ALT as potential biomarkers for nasopharyngeal adenoid hyperplasia, with XGBoost and SHAP providing valuable insights despite dataset constraints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Endocrinology)
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Article
Correlations Between Coronary Artery Calcium Scores and Vitamin A, the Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio, and Glycated Hemoglobin in At-Risk Individuals in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Study
by Thamir Al-khlaiwi, Ayman Alsaleh, Fatimah Alghamdi, Farah Abukhalaf, Maryam Alghannam, Shahad Alzaid, Rahaf Alslimah, Reena Alsadouni and Hessah Alshammari
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(11), 3645; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14113645 - 22 May 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Given the conflicting results and limited published data on the correlation of vitamin A, E, and D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio, and glucose levels with the coronary artery calcium score [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Given the conflicting results and limited published data on the correlation of vitamin A, E, and D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein (TG/HDL) ratio, and glucose levels with the coronary artery calcium score (CAC score) in individuals at risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), this relationship requires extensive investigation. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the correlations between the aforementioned metrics and the CAC score in individuals at risk of CAD in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between November 2024 and April 2025, targeting patients at risk of CAD. After recruiting patients from cardiology and primary care clinics, data regarding blood vitamin A, E, and D and PTH and TSH levels and CAC scores were collected from each patient’s electronic medical records. A score of 10 points was used as a cutoff between low and high CAC scores. Results: Our sample size was 172 patients. The majority of the patients were male (62.2%), and 37.8% were female. The mean age of the sample was 59.98 ± 9.26 years, with an age range spanning 40 years. Serum vitamin A levels had a significant negative correlation with CAC scores, (odds ratio (OR) = 0.147, p-value = 0.002), whereas vitamin D and E, PTH, and TSH levels did not correlate with this score. The TG/HDL ratio was positively and significantly correlated with CAC scores (OR = 1.654, p-value = 0.030). The analysis model showed that a patient’s mean serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level positively and significantly influenced their odds of having a high CAC score (OR = 1.364, p-value = 0.018). Patient ethnicity was not significantly associated with the CAC score (CAC ≥ 10 points) (p = 0.749). Similarly, BMI did not correlate with the CAC score (p = 0.722). However, male patients were 3.42 times more likely than females to have a high CAC score (CAC ≥ 10 points), a statistically significant difference (p = 0.005). No significant differences were observed between males and females in terms of their mean vitamin A (1.74 ± 0.58 vs. 1.80 ± 0.52, p = 0.633), vitamin E (41.41 ± 15.99 vs. 37.61 ± 11.78, p = 0.189), or vitamin D levels (80.35 ± 31.07 vs. 77.16 ± 26.15, p = 0.479). Additionally, the patient’s age was significantly positively associated with the likelihood of having a high CAC score, with OR = 1.102 times (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings of our study indicate the strong impact of vitamin A, the TG/HDL ratio, and HbA1c on CAC scores, among other factors affecting CAC scores, and they need more concern and attention. Understanding the cellular mechanism of vitamin A correlation with calcification is of great clinical value. The TG/HDL ratio is emerging as a novel index for CVD when compared to other lipid profile parameters. Intensive large-scale studies are needed to explore the interpretations as well as cutoff values of this valuable index. Males are more prone to CVD due to their high correlation with CAC scores. Therefore, vitamin A administration and strict HbA1c and TG/HDL ratio monitoring could help as prophylactic measures to prevent cardiovascular disease in these patients. These findings could influence specific preventive measures or screening strategies for cardiovascular disease in high-risk populations. A lifestyle medicine approach that involves caregivers as well as patients should be implemented to minimize the incidence and complications of detrimental diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cardiology)
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