Journals
2025 EN
Çelebier Mustafa · Yazici Aybuke · Eneş Duygu
+6 more
ABSTRACT Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common congenital heart defect in preterm infants and is associated with significant morbidity. Early diagnosis is crucial but challenging due to nonspecific clinical symptoms. This study aims to identify potential metabolomic biomarkers for early detection of PDA using human cord blood. A prospective cross‐sectional study was conducted involving 45 preterm infants between 23 0/6 and 31 6/7 weeks of gestation. The diagnosis of hemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) was based on echocardiographic findings after 48 h, showing a left atrium‐to‐aortic root ratio > 1.5 and/or a ductus diameter > 1.5 mm. Untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed on cord blood plasma samples using quadrupole time‐of‐flight liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (Q‐TOF LC/MS). Data were processed for metabolites that differed between groups. Twenty infants with hsPDA formed the study group, 25 controls. Out of 4237 detected peaks, 40 showed statistically significant differences (fold change > 1.5, p < 0.05). Among these, 15 metabolites were potentially clinically relevant. Key findings included decreased levels of guanidino acetic acid, S ‐adenosylmethionine, and ceramides and increased levels of docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, and cholesterol‐related molecules in the PDA group. The study reveals significant metabolic alterations in lipid metabolism and oxidative stress‐related pathways in PDA infants. Further targeted metabolomics studies are warranted to validate and explore clinical applications.
Journals
2025 EN
Aimaiti Yisimayili · Tuerxun Kahaer · Wu YuanQuan
+5 more
ABSTRACT Hepatic cystic echinococcosis (HCE), a liver manifestation of hydatid disease, is among the 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) prioritized by the WHO for eradication by 2025. Although imaging and serological tests are currently the main diagnostic approaches for HCE, they have notable limitations in sensitivity and specificity. Here, we applied liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)–based metabolomic profiling to uncover differential metabolites and highlight disrupted metabolic pathways, aiming to identify candidate biomarkers for HCE diagnosis. Ten patients diagnosed with HCE were enrolled in the case group. Thirteen healthy individuals were included as controls. Serum metabolomic profiling was performed using LC‐MS/MS. Differences in metabolite profiles between the two groups were analyzed employing both univariate and multivariate statistical methods. A total of 20 differential metabolites were significantly altered in the HCE group compared to the controls ( p < 0.05, VIP > 1.0). Pathway and enrichment analyses revealed that these metabolites were mainly involved in 8 metabolic pathways, suggesting their potential as candidate biomarkers for HCE diagnosis. These findings enhance our understanding of the metabolic alterations associated with HCE and provide a foundation for further investigation into the disease's pathogenesis and the development of metabolite‐based diagnostic tools.
Journals
2025 EN
Buckley Christian · Ibrahim Rana · Giordano Felicia
+3 more
Abstract The fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have made astounding progress in recent years, evidenced by cutting‐edge 4D printing technologies, precise gene editing tools, and sustained long‐term functionality of engineered tissue grafts. Despite these fantastic feats, the clinical success of tissue‐engineered constructs so far remains limited to only those relatively simple types of tissues such as thin bilayer skin equivalents or avascular cartilage. On the other hand, volumetric tissues (larger than a few millimeters in all dimensions), which are highly desirable for clinical utility, suffer from poor oxygen supply due to limited dimensional diffusion. Notably, large, complex tissues typically require a vascular network to supply the growing cells with nutrients for metabolic demands to prolong viability and support tissue formation. In recognition, extensive efforts have been made to create vascular‐like networks in order to facilitate mass exchange through volumetric scaffolds. This review underlines the urgent need for continued research to create more complex and functional vascular networks, which is crucial for generating viable volumetric tissues, and highlights the recent advances in sacrificial template‐enabled formation of vascular‐like networks.
Journals
2025 EN
Dehghanidowlatabadi Soolmaz · Pallathadka Harikumar · Ismail Sayed M.
+3 more
ABSTRACT Purpose Marital intimacy is one of the significant factors determining life quality, which, along with interpersonal mindfulness, enables married individuals to experience greater levels of marital satisfaction. This study aimed to elucidate and confirm the moderating effects of interpersonal mindfulness in the relationship between marital conflict and marital intimacy. Method The participants of this study comprised 207 Iranian married individuals (ages 19 to 45 years, mean age: 30, SD: ±4.54). Participants completed online questionnaires which assess interpersonal mindfulness, marital conflict and marital intimacy needs questionnaire. Finding The results from structural equation modeling indicated that marital conflict negatively predicted marital intimacy ( β = −0.484, t = 6.74, p <0.001), and interpersonal mindfulness positively predicted marital intimacy ( β = 0.412, t = 5.14, p < 0.001). The findings from multigroup analysis demonstrated that interpersonal mindfulness moderated the relationship between marital conflict and marital intimacy in this study. Conclusions The results of this study showed that interpersonal mindfulness as a moderator reduces the negative effects of marital conflict and increases marital intimacy among Iranian married individuals.
Journals
2025 EN
Zughayyar Ibrahim · Bauer Martin · Güttler Christopher
+7 more
ABSTRACT Purpose MRI‐based whole‐brain manual segmentation methods are considered the gold standard for brain volumetric analysis, but are time‐consuming and prone to human error. Automated segmentation tools like FreeSurfer can identify differences in brain volumes between healthy and non‐healthy individuals. Deep‐learning‐based segmentation tools, such as FastSurfer, offer faster processing times, but further validation is needed, particularly in pediatric cases. This study aims to compare FastSurfer with FreeSurfer in a pediatric cohort and compare the volume estimates with previously published reference values. Methods A multicenter cohort of 448 subjects aged 4–18 years from three centers was used to compare FastSurfer with FreeSurfer. Validation metrics, including the Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), relative volume differences (RVD), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), were computed. Hemispheric asymmetries were assessed by calculating a hemispheric asymmetry index. Findings The segmentation methods demonstrated high agreement, with a mean DSC across subjects and regions of interest of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.79; 0.95), RVD of 0.3% (95% CI: −7.6%; 7.4%), and ICC of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.52; 0.94). After a visual inspection, which led to the exclusion of 12 subjects with segmentation errors, growth charts for relative volume estimates of 15 anatomical brain regions were generated, revealing varying growth patterns across ages. A potential clinical application is illustrated by plotting a patient's data on these growth charts, showing a specific atrophy pattern. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the use of FastSurfer in volumetric analysis of a pediatric population. Our findings suggest that FastSurfer is a reliable segmentation tool for pediatric data and is particularly promising for clinical practice due to its high accuracy despite rapid processing times. The morphometric data, growth charts, and code are publicly accessible.
Journals
2025 EN
Fadul Alaa Abdallah Idris · Saees Mohammed Khalafalla · Amir Osman
ABSTRACT Aim To study the prevalence and characteristics of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) among Sudanese patients. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 70 patients with recent ischemic strokes at the National Center for Neurological Sciences of Ibrahim Malik Hospital and Omdurman Teaching Hospital in Khartoum from November 2019 to March 2020. Characteristics of ESUS patients were analyzed and compared with stroke of determined source (SDS) patients. Demographics were analyzed, alongside clinical history. Imaging findings from computed tomography (CT) scans, carotid Doppler ultrasound, and echocardiographic evaluations were also assessed. Results There were 18 (25.7%) cases in ESUS group and 52 (74.3%) cases in SDS group. ESUS group was significantly younger (44.3 ± 9.9 vs. 62.3 ± 17.7 years; p value < 0.001) with female predominance (66.7% vs. 46.2%; p value = 0.001) than SDS group. Risk factors such as hypertension (44.2%) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (35.6%) were prevalent in the SDS group. In electrocardiography (ECG) findings, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (ESUS = 16.7% vs. SDS = 7.7%) and bradycardia (ESUS = 5.6% vs. SDS = 0%) were common among ESUS patients, while, atrial fibrillation (AF) (ESUS = 0% vs. SDS = 15.4%), ischemic changes (ESUS = 11.1% vs. SDS = 32.7%), and left bundle branch block (LBBB) (ESUS = 0% vs. SDS = 7.7%) were common among SDS patients. Normal echocardiography (64.7% vs. 17.3%; p value = 0.003) as well as carotid ultrasonography (US) findings (61.1% vs. 36.5%; p value = 0.002) were more prevalent in the ESUS group than in the SDS group. Multivariate analysis identified female gender (OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.76–7.16; p value = 0.016), normal findings on echocardiography (OR = 8.19; 95% CI: 2.76–24.32; p value 0.003), normal carotid Doppler ultrasound (OR = 5.0; 95% CI: 1.87–32.7; p value = 0.023), and normal ECG findings (OR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.17–10.44; p value = 0.036) as significant predictors of ESUS. Conclusion The study underscores significant differences between ESUS and SDS patients, highlighting the need for tailored clinical approaches based on stroke classification.
Journals
2025 EN
Zeyrek İbrahim · Güney Esra · Özaslan Ahmet
+1 more
ABSTRACT Objective To explore the relationship between children's eating behaviors, parental feeding behaviors, and child temperament among Turkish preschoolers aged 3–6 years. Methods A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted between September 2021 and January 2022. Participants included 203 parents of preschool‐aged children (aged 3–6 years) attending nursery and kindergartens, as well as those seeking help from the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Analyses were performed utilizing IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0. Categorical variables are summarized in tables, showing counts and percentages in the descriptive statistics section. The association between continuous variables was assessed through Spearman correlation analysis. In this study, a significance level of p < 0.05 was established. Results Emotional feeding was positively associated with emotional overeating and a desire to drink in children ( r = 0.316, p < 0.01; r = 0.266, p < 0.01). Emotional overeating correlated negatively with instrumental feeding ( r = −0.158, p < 0.05) but positively with encouragement feeding ( r = 0.215, p < 0.01). The temperamental trait of surgency was positively associated with the desire to drink ( r = 0.177, p < 0.05) and satiety responsiveness ( r = 0.226, p < 0.01). Negative affect correlated negatively with enjoyment of food ( r = −0.255, p < 0.01) and food fussiness ( r = −0.225, p < 0.01) but positively with satiety responsiveness ( r = 0.347, p < 0.01) and slowness in eating ( r = 0.282, p < 0.01). Effortful control exhibited negative associations with emotional overeating ( r = −0.207, p < 0.01) and the desire to drink ( r = −0.141, p < 0.05). Conclusions This study identifies significant associations between specific parental feeding behaviors and children's eating habits, along with the influence of child temperament traits on these behaviors. Key findings highlight the positive relationship between emotional feeding and children's emotional overeating, along with the significant negative impacts of effortful control on emotional overeating and the desire to drink. Other noteworthy results include the strong negative association between negative affect and enjoyment of food, as well as its positive correlation with satiety responsiveness and slowness in eating. These results suggest that both parental feeding strategies and individual temperamental traits significantly influence preschoolers’ eating behaviors. Interventions tailored to enhance parental feeding styles while considering children's temperaments may promote healthier eating practices in young children.
Journals
2025 EN
Elgharabawi Abdelrahman · Moawad Mostafa Hossam El Din · Wagih Reham M.
+10 more
ABSTRACT Background Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the role of preceding intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with sizable ischemic core infarcts remains unclear. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of bridging therapy (IVT followed by EVT) versus EVT alone in this specific high‐risk subgroup. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify studies comparing bridging therapy (IVT + EVT) with EVT alone in patients with large ischemic cores. Primary efficacy outcomes included favorable functional status, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 0–1 and 0–2 at follow‐up. Primary safety outcomes were rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Secondary outcomes assessed successful reperfusion and mortality. Data were pooled using random‐effects models and reported as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Seven cohort studies met the inclusion criteria. No significant differences were observed between the two treatment strategies in achieving mRS 0–1 ( RR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.52–1.19; p = 0.25) or mRS 0–2 ( RR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.46–1.08; p = 0.11). Similarly, rates of sICH ( RR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.67–1.28; p = 0.64), any ICH ( RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.79–1.04; p = 0.15), successful recanalization ( RR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.83–1.03; p = 0.14), and mortality ( RR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.96–1.21; p = 0.20) were comparable between groups. Conclusion In patients with large ischemic core infarcts, administering IVT prior to EVT does not confer significant clinical or procedural advantages over EVT alone. These findings underscore the need for further randomized controlled trials to inform optimal treatment approaches for this challenging patient population.
Journals
2025 EN
Chen Lanzhen · Yousef Obai · Elrosasy Amr
+7 more
ABSTRACT Background Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) who require mechanical ventilation face an even higher risk of adverse outcomes, including increased mortality. Effective management in ICUs is crucial to improve patient outcomes. Aim This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to synthesize existing evidence on the risk factors associated with mortality in stroke patients admitted to any form of critical care units. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, up to July 9, 2024. Studies were included if they evaluated mortality risk factors in adult stroke patients admitted to critical care units. Data were extracted and analyzed using a random‐effects model to account for heterogeneity. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for various risk factors. Results Eighteen studies involving 20,442 patients were included in the meta‐analysis. Age was significantly associated with increased mortality (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.04). Lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores were linked to higher mortality (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.01), though not statistically significant ( P = 0.08). Higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores showed a significant association with increased mortality (OR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.09), ( p < 0.0001). Mechanical ventilation and higher body temperature (≥37.5°C) were associated with a higher risk of death (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.65, 2.18) and (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.56, 2.66) respectively. Atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.34) significantly contributed to mortality risk, while a higher body mass index (BMI) was not associated with a reduced risk of mortality (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.02). Conclusion This study highlights the critical importance of early identification and targeted management of high‐risk stroke patients in critical care settings. Age, neurological status, respiratory support needs, and specific comorbidities are key factors that clinicians should consider improving survival outcomes. Further research is needed to refine these findings and optimize care strategies for critically ill stroke patients.
Journals
2025 EN
Sapaloglu Ibrahim · Ajas İpek İlkkaracan · Yıldırım Nihan
ABSTRACT The European Green Deal (EGD), introduced in 2019, aims to achieve net‐zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The mandate to transition to a circular economy (CE) across the supply chain constitutes a major pillar of EGD. This shift impacts both EU member states and countries exporting to the EU. The textile and ready‐to‐wear sector, known for its significant environmental footprint, has been identified as a priority industry requiring urgent reforms. Against this background, this paper assesses the key barriers to CE transition for Türkiye's textile industry and proposes a structured and validated roadmap. Key barriers to circularization, identified through a Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) method, include lack of awareness, short‐term priorities, limited management support, inadequate culture, low demand for circular products, and ineffective legislation. In‐depth expert interviews validated and provided additional insights on the barriers and their interlinkages from the FCM analysis, as well as the action items for the roadmap corresponding to barriers and their time horizons. The study underscores the need to plan collaborative actions of stakeholders in line with the 9 political patterns in the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, to align the Turkish textile and ready‐to‐wear industry with the EGD objectives, while protecting its competitiveness in global markets.