Functional Imbalance Research Articles

New perspectives on facial asymmetries thanks to 3D vision

Modern orthodontics is undergoing a revolution with the advent of 3D imaging, offering unprecedented perspectives for the evaluation and treatment of facial asymmetries. These asymmetries, whether mandibular, maxillary, or dental, require a deeper understanding of their causes and their aesthetic and functional impact. Additionally, associated functional imbalances must be addressed for comprehensive management. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as 2D radiographs and plaster models, have significant limitations, now overcome by the use of 3D technologies (intraoral scanners, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, photogrammetry). This article aims to demonstrate how these technologies enhance the understanding and precise management of craniofacial anomalies. The clinical case presented involves a 28-year-old female. The results obtained using 3D imaging are compared with traditional methods and initial simulations, highlighting their advantages. 3D imaging opens promising perspectives in orthodontics, particularly in personalized treatments and innovative approaches such as mandibular kinetics (transition to 4D). Moreover, the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into diagnostic and treatment planning tools adds further value, streamlining decision-making and improving clinical efficiency. 3D imaging represents a turning point in the evaluation and treatment of facial asymmetries. By providing a clearer and more detailed view of anatomical structures, it allows orthodontists to design more precise and personalized treatment plans. These advancements lead to optimized clinical outcomes and improved patient compliance.

Functional Connectivity Imbalance Between Positive and Negative Networks in Mild Cognitive Impairment via Feature Selection

Functional Connectivity Imbalance Between Positive and Negative Networks in Mild Cognitive Impairment via Feature Selection

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Perturbs the Brain-Wide Excitation-Inhibition Balance: Associations with Microcircuit Organization, Clinical Parameters, and Cognitive Dysfunction.

Excitation-inhibition (E/I) imbalance is theorized as a key mechanism in the pathophysiology of epilepsy, with ample research focusing on elucidating its cellular manifestations. However, few studies investigate E/I imbalance at the macroscale, whole-brain level, and its microcircuit-level mechanisms and clinical significance remain incompletely understood. Here, the Hurst exponent, an index of the E/I ratio, is computed from resting-state fMRI time series, and microcircuit parameters are simulatedusing biophysical models. A broad decrease in the Hurst exponent is observed in pharmaco-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), suggesting more excitable network dynamics. Connectome decoders point to temporolimbic and frontocentral cortices as plausible network epicenters of E/I imbalance. Furthermore, computational simulations reveal that enhancing cortical excitability in TLE reflects atypical increases in recurrent connection strength of local neuronal ensembles. Mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses show stronger E/I ratio elevation in patientswith longer disease duration, more frequent electroclinical seizures as well as interictal epileptic spikes, and worse cognitive functioning. Hurst exponent-informed classifiers discriminate patients from healthy controls with high accuracy (72.4% [57.5%-82.5%]). Replicated in an independent dataset, this work provides in vivo evidence of a macroscale shift in E/I balance in TLE patients and points to progressive functional imbalances that relate to cognitive decline.

Gas-producing potential of intestinal microbiota representatives in patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis

Relevance. Analyzing the spectrum of gaseous signaling molecules (GSM) produced and consumed by the intestinal microbiota in patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis (PICS) is essential for understanding their potential role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications and for identifying strategies to address these conditions.Purpose. To investigate the prevalence and abundance of specific intestinal microbiota representatives isolated from patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis (PICS) and to examine the species diversity and concentrations of microbial gaseous signaling molecules in this population.Materials and methods. This case-control study involved the analysis of stool samples from 35 healthy individuals (14 men and 21 women) aged 45–60 years (mean age: 51.8 ± 4.8 [49; 56] years) and 34 patients with PICS (19 men and 15 women) aged 40–84 years (mean age: 64.5 ± 8.1 [53; 72] years). Gaseous signaling molecules (CO, CH₄, NO, H₂S) were quantified using gas chromatography.Results. Patients with post-infarction cardiosclerosis exhibited a functional microbial imbalance marked by disrupted production of gaseous signaling molecules (GSM) compared to healthy individuals. In the PICS group, Lactobacillus spp. were observed to exclusively absorb NO, whereas in healthy individuals, Lactobacilli produced NO at a statistically significant higher mean concentration of 5.283 µg/mL (p < 0.001). Additionally, Staphylococcus aureus in the PICS group produced CO at levels 880 times higher than those observed in healthy individuals, a difference that was also statistically significant (p < 0.001).Conclusion. Restoring the functional activity of the intestinal normal microbiota in patients with PICS is essential. Through the production of gaseous signaling molecules (primarily NO and CO), the normal microbiota can support neuromodulatory, cardiomodulatory, immunomodulatory, and other beneficial functions that are critical for the rehabilitation process.

OSV-MPC for Harmonic and Zero-Sequence Compensation in Four-Wire Off-Grid Microgeneration Systems Based on SEIG

This paper proposes a finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) strategy to address voltage regulation in isolated four-wire microgeneration systems based on self-excited induction generators. The FCS-MPC approach enables a simpler and more functional imbalance controller design. The controller determines the optimal switching vector through a cost function that employs a weighting factor for the different control variables. It effectively tracks distorted current references and prevents voltage imbalance, even in a system without frequency regulation. The employed inverter is a four-leg voltage source inverter, also known as a distribution static synchronous compensator, which provides the necessary reactive power and compensates for harmonic content along with the zero-sequence component, ensuring balanced three-phase voltages at the point of common coupling, even with unbalanced loads. The proposed control leverages the instantaneous power theory for synchronization, thereby replacing methods such as the phase-locked loop. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach and assess the performance of the system in accordance with power quality standards.

Obesity Treatment from the Unique Perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine

This paper aims to develop the value and significance of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of obesity in the context of the globalization of contemporary obesity, and to explore the causes and treatment methods of obesity. By examining the historical origins of traditional Chinese medicine principles, in conjunction with the teachings of the Emperor's Neijing, as well as the concepts of yin and yang, and qi and blood theory, this paper conducts an analysis on the traditional Chinese medicine perspective on obesity. Specifically, it explores the perception of imbalance in energy and organ function. This paper emphasizes the holistic nature of the human body and argues that treating obesity should not only focus on weight loss, but also on regulating internal organ function and balancing qi, blood, Yin, and Yang to improve overall health. At the same time, the effect of TCM dietary advice on weight loss was studied, and the role of herbal medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of obesity was explained, so as to provide new ideas and methods for the comprehensive treatment of obesity.

Case report of 2-year-old child with congenital torticollis and crossbite treated with functional orthopedics of the jaws

Satisfactory chewing is performed by an alternating bilateral pattern that depends on occlusal balance, the absence of occlusal interference or premature contacts, stability, good functioning of the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and neuromuscular maturation. If mandibular functional imbalances occur, discrepancies in maxillomandibular development and future facial asymmetries may occur. The objective of this work was to remove dental interferences that cause anterior and posterior crossbite, as well as those that prevent the good execution of symmetrical lateroprotrusive movements (right side/left side), through occlusal adjustment and subsequent correction of maxillary asymmetry using the device; encapsulated. Clinical case report of a two-year-old female patient, with unilateral crossbite on the right side (anterior/posterior), diagnosed with congenital torticollis, difficulty breastfeeding and difficulty performing alternating lateral movements. with follow-up until the complete deciduous dentition. The treatment was divided into three stages. The first step was to correct the unilateral crossbite (anterior and posterior), on the right side, by making occlusal adjustment using a grid, and later with the addition of Planas Direct Tracks resin. The second stage used an encapsulated device to correct maxillary asymmetry. The third stage was completed after the eruption of the deciduous second molars with the functional analysis of lateral movements plus occlusal adjustments using a grid. Correction of unilateral crossbite (anterior and posterior) on the right side, symmetrization of the maxilla and better execution of lateroprotrusive movements. The results obtained in this case report suggest that the occlusal adjustment removed the dental interferences that caused the anterior/posterior crossbite on the right side; the maxilla was symmetrized with the distalization of sector 63-65, and the removal of dental interferences that prevented lateral movements made it possible to perform lateroprotrusive movements (right/left side) after the complete eruption of the primary teeth.

Shared and disorder-specific large-scale intrinsic and effective functional network connectivities in postpartum depression with and without anxiety.

Postpartum depression and postpartum depression with anxiety, which are highly prevalent and debilitating disorders, become a growing public concern. The high overlap on the symptomatic and neurobiological levels led to ongoing debates about their diagnostic and neurobiological uniqueness. Delineating the shared and disorder-specific intrinsic functional connectivities and their causal interactions is fundamental to precision diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we recruited 138 participants including 45 postpartum depression, 31 postpartum depression comorbid with anxiety patients, and 62 healthy postnatal women with age ranging from 23 to 40years. We combined independent component analysis, resting-state functional connectivity, and Granger causality analysis to reveal the abnormal intrinsic functional couplings and their causal interactions in postpartum depression and postpartum depression comorbid with anxiety from a large-scale brain network perspective. We found that they exhibited widespread abnormalities in intrinsic and effective functional network connectivities. Importantly, the intrinsic and effective functional network connectivities within or between the fronto-parietal network, default model network, ventral and dorsal attention network, sensorimotor network, and visual network, especially the functional imbalances between primary and association cortices could serve as effective neural markers to differentiate postpartum depression, postpartum depression comorbid with anxiety, and healthy controls. Our findings provide the initial evidence for shared and disorder-specific intrinsic and effective functional network connectivities for postpartum depression and postpartum depression comorbid with anxiety, which provide an underlying neuropathological basis for postpartum depression or postpartum depression comorbid with anxiety to facilitate precision diagnosis and therapy in future studies.

The Identification of Land Use Conflicts and Policy Implications for Donghai County Based on the “Production–Living–Ecological” Functions

The rapid development of urbanization has continuously encroached on people’s living space and ecological space, leading to an imbalance in territorial spatial functions. Identifying potential land use conflicts and optimizing land use structure are conducive to carrying out territorial spatial planning rationally. In this paper, we adopt the suitability assessment method to evaluate the suitability of land for production, living, and ecological functions and then use the land use conflict identification matrix to identify land use conflicts in Donghai County and make relevant suggestions according to the intensity of land use conflicts. The results of this study show the following: (1) the areas of suitable land use zones, strong conflict zones, medium conflict zones, and weak conflict zones in Donghai County are, respectively, 58.83%, 10.62%, 26.31%, and 4.24%. (2) The spatial distribution differences in the different conflict zones could determine the pertinence of conflict mitigation and spatial planning. In the process of the urbanization of Donghai County, ecological environmental protection is still the top priority. (3) It is necessary to economically and intensively use construction land, improving its fine management level. Land use efficiency should be maximized, and the spatial distribution of national territory should be reasonably optimized while strengthening the guiding role of planning. This study addresses land conflicts from the perspective of spatial planning rather than economic behavior. It also provides significant insight into land use layout at the county level, which is exactly what China is exploring in the new era.

Beneficial Effects of Micronutrient Supplementation in Restoring the Altered Microbiota and Gut-Retina Axis in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background/Objectives: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment in the elderly and is characterized by a multifactorial etiology. Emerging evidence points to the potential involvement of the gut-retina axis in AMD pathogenesis, prompting exploration into novel therapeutic strategies. This study aims to investigate the effects of some micronutrients (such as lutein and zeaxanthin) and saffron (as a supplement)-known for their anti-inflammatory properties-on ophthalmological and microbial parameters in neovascular AMD (nAMD) patients. Methods: Thirty naive nAMD patients were randomized to receive daily micronutrient supplementation alongside anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) therapy, or anti-VEGF treatment alone, over a 6-month period, with comparisons made to a healthy control (HC) group (N = 15). Ophthalmological assessments, biochemical measurements, and stool samples were obtained before and after treatment. Gut microbiota (GM) characterization was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) were analyzed with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry protocol. Results: Compared to HC, nAMD patients exhibited reduced GM alpha diversity, altered taxonomic composition, and decreased total SCFA levels, in addition to elevated levels of proinflammatory octanoic and nonanoic acids. Micronutrient supplementation was associated with improved visual acuity relative to the group treated with anti-VEGF alone, along with a decrease in the total amount of MCFAs, which are metabolites known to have adverse ocular effects. Conclusions: In conclusion, despite certain limitations-such as the limited sample size and the low taxonomic resolution of 16S rRNA sequencing-this study highlights compositional and functional imbalances in the GM of nAMD patients and demonstrates that micronutrient supplementation may help restore the gut-retina axis. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of micronutrients in enhancing ocular outcomes for nAMD patients, underscoring the complex interaction between GM and ocular health.

Optogenetic Control of Dopamine Receptor 2 Reveals a Novel Aspect of Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in Motor Function.

Dopaminergic neurotransmission plays a crucial role in motor function through the coordination of dopamine receptor (DRD) subtypes, such as DRD1 and DRD2, thus the functional imbalance of these receptors can lead to Parkinson's disease. However, due to the complexity of dopaminergic circuits in the brain, it is limited to investigating the individual functions of each DRD subtype in specific brain regions. Here, we developed a light-responsive chimeric DRD2, OptoDRD2, which can selectively activate DRD2-like signaling pathways with spatiotemporal resolution. OptoDRD2 was designed to include the light-sensitive component of rhodopsin and the intracellular signaling domain of DRD2. Upon illumination with blue light, OptoDRD2 triggered DRD2-like signaling pathways, such as Gαi/o subtype recruitment, a decrease in cAMP levels, and ERK phosphorylation. To explore unknown roles of DRD2 in glutamatergic cell populations of basal ganglia circuitry, OptoDRD2 was genetically expressed in excitatory neurons in lateral globus pallidus (LGP) of the male mouse brain. The optogenetic stimulation of OptoDRD2 in the LGP region affected a wide range of locomotion-related parameters, such as increased frequency of movement and decreased immobility time, resulting in the facilitation of motor function of living male mice. Therefore, our findings indicate a potentially novel role for DRD2 in the excitatory neurons of the LGP region, suggesting that OptoDRD2 can be a valuable tool enabling the investigation of unknown roles of DRD2 at specific cell types or brain regions.

Child health, nutrition and gut microbiota development during the first two years of life; study protocol of a prospective cohort study from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Recent evidence suggests that the development of gut microbiota during infancy affects several metabolic, immune, and endocrine pathways in humans. An imbalance in gut microbiota diversity or function, also known as dysbiosis, not only affects early child growth and development, but is also linked with the development of chronic, non-communicable diseases in later life. The Child Health And Microbiome Development Study – Pakistan (CHAMP) study aimed to longitudinally assess gut microbiota development and associated factors (maternal, child, and demographic) during early childhood in populations residing in malnutrition-endemic communities in Pakistan. A prospective cohort of mother-infant pairs (n=70) will be recruited from District Swat, Pakistan, and followed for two years. Complete information about demographic characteristics, anti-natal and post-natal care, dietary intake, feeding practices, and child health will be collected at baseline and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference, and head circumference), dry blood spots, and fecal samples were also collected. Ethical approval for the study was obtained from Khyber Medical University, Pakistan. The study is also registered on clincaltrial.gov (Ref no: NCT05793294). The study findings will help researchers understand gut microbiota development, associated factors, and their impact on longitudinal growth in infants during the first two years of life.

20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 alleviates diabetic retinal injury in T2DM mice by attenuating ROS-mediated ER stress through the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 axis

BackgroundAlthough our previous work confirmed 20(R)-ginsenoside Rg3 (R-Rg3), which is an active ingredient in the Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer, to have good anti-diabetic activity, its beneficial effect on diabetic retinal injury was found to be limited. PurposeThis study aims to investigate the protective effects of R-Rg3 on diabetes-induced retinal injury and the associated molecular mechanisms of action. MethodsDiabetic retinal injury was induced in mice using a combination of a high-fat diet (HFD) and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). R-Rg3 (10 and 20 mg/kg) was subsequently administered for 6 weeks. The human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs) were subjected to high glucose (HG)-induced injury for the in vitro analysis and treated with R-Rg3 (4, 8, 16 μM), antioxidant N-Acetylcysteine (NAC, 1 mM) and Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 (5 μM). The mice retinas then underwent functional and histopathological analysis. Expression levels of proteins related to the Nrf2/HO-1 axis, tight junction proteins, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the apoptosis in retinal tissue and HRECs were determined by western blot. Expressions of ZO-1 and Nrf2 in the retina and HRECs were assessed by immunofluorescence. Additional evaluations included measuring body weights, fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid levels and oxidative markers. ResultsThe results showed 6 weeks of R-Rg3 treatment significantly restored the functional changes and redox system imbalance that was induced by HFD/STZ in mice. R-Rg3 was also found to significantly reduce retinal barrier damage and thickness changes resulting from hyperglycaemia exposure. At the same time, R-Rg3 also protected HRECs from HG-induced damage. R-Rg3 could also activate Nrf2/HO-1 axis and inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress as a means of alleviating retinal endothelial cells apoptosis. The molecular docking results also demonstrated that R-Rg3 had a good binding ability with Nrf2. ConclusionOur study suggested Nrf2/HO-1 axis might be crucial for the ability of R-Rg3 to prevent diabetic retinal injury.

Regulators for ensuring the sustainability of reproductive processes in industrial fruit growing

The necessity of developing a system of regulators to ensure the sustainability of reproductive processes in industrial fruit growing is substantiated. An assessment of the efficiency of fruit production in the Russian Federation is given. The factors influencing the decrease in the stability of reproductive processes in industrial fruit growing are identified: an increase in the cost of purchased resources; high cost of finished products; a reduction in the share of subsidies in the created cost of planting; the insufficiency of agricultural producers’ own financial resources for carrying out planned plantings renovations, updating production infrastructure funds and carrying out current production activities. Functional imbalances in the organization of reproductive processes in industrial fruit growing have been identified: internal structural imbalances, high resource intensity of production and technological processes, non-compliance with optimal comparability of production and economic indicators. Generalizing criteria for the sustainability of reproductive processes are systematized: the ability of the system to withstand negative impacts of an economic and natural nature; increasing the possibilities of expanded reproduction of all used resources; ensuring qualitative changes in the production, socio-economic, environmental parameters of the system; increasing the conditions for subsequent improvements, preventing production declines. The article characterizes and evaluates the effectiveness of existing regulators to ensure the sustainability of reproductive processes in industrial fruit growing (macroeconomic, technical, technological and economic). A system of regulators has been developed to ensure the stability of reproductive processes in industrial fruit growing in functional areas of influence. An algorithm is proposed to substantiate the necessary dimensionality of regulators to ensure the stability of reproductive processes in industrial fruit growing.

The effect of fixed capital formation rate on gross domestic product in Iraq

The total fixed capital formation is one of the main and influential determinants of production function through its impact on production costs, competitiveness, and profits. The Iraqi gross domestic product depends on one sector (the oil sector) in financing the government budget, which may lead to crises in case of oil price collapse. Therefore, the study aims to clarify the imbalance in the production function and the real output of the Iraqi economy and to indicate the role of the total fixed capital formation in this imbalance. The econometric methods were used to measure the degree of influence of the total fixed capital formation (independent variable) on the gross domestic product (dependent variable) from 2004 to 2020. The results showed a robust relationship between fixed capital formation and gross domestic product, where the independent variable affects the dependent variable by 4.5%, while the oil sector dominated the total value added by its acquisition of the total fixed capital formation by 47.45%, and the productive sectors of agriculture and industry achieved value added of 3.8%. The study concluded that the distribution of total capital formation by sector has an impact on the gross domestic product. Therefore, it is necessary to distribute the total fixed capital formation to the productive and production-supporting sectors to achieve economic growth and diversify the structure of the gross domestic product.

Burst-like transcription of MYH7, allelic and contractile imbalance already in early stage hiPSC-cardiomyocytes indicate these as pathogenic factors in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Background Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is caused by heterozygous mutations in sarcomeric proteins, which can cause hyper- or hypocontractiliy of cardiomyocytes. Previously we also observed highly variable force generation (contractile imbalance) among individual cardiomyocytes of HCM-patients with myosin (MYH7) or myosin-binding-protein-C mutations (MYBPC3), ranging from normal to highly altered values. Contractile imbalance is presumably caused by stochastic, burst-like transcription of mutant and wildtype allele, which induces unequal ratios of mutant vs. wildtype mRNA among individual cardiomyocytes. Variable force generation most likely is the result of also unequal fractions of mutated protein from cell to cell. Aim With this study we aimed to examine whether in addition to the effects of the mutation on sarcomere function, also allelic and contractile imbalance already exist at the beginning of disease development or whether both result from disease-related alterations in symptomatic HCM-patients. Methods and Results We studied this in patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) with MYH7-mutation R723G as model for an early disease stage. These early, fetal-like cardiomyocytes developed typical HCM-related features like hypertrophy and increased myofibrillar disarray compared to WT-hiPSC-CMs. Calcium sensitivity was reduced, twitch kinetics were slowed down. To test whether MYH7 in these early-stage hiPSC-CMs also is transcribed in bursts or continuously, we performed RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH). Nuclei without, with one and with two or more active transcription sites were observed which indicates stochastic, burst-like and independent transcription of the two MYH7-alleles. Ratios of mRNA from both alleles were quantified in individual cardiomyocytes by allele-specific single cell RT-PCR. We found highly variable ratios of mutated vs. wildtype mRNA among individual cardiomyocytes, similar to HCM-patient’s cardiac tissue, indicating unequal expression of mutant and wildtype mRNA from cell-to-cell. Furthermore, functional measurements on myofibrils from R723G-hiPSC-CMs revealed substantial variability in force generation at physiological calcium, compared to much smaller heterogeneity among WT-hiPSC-CMs. In addition, variability of twitch kinetics of intact hiPSC-CMs was also substantially increased among R723G- compared to WT-hiPSC-CMs. Altogether, this suggests that functional heterogeneity results from burst-like transcription in heterozygous HCM cardiomyocytes. Conclusions Our results in HCM-patient derived hiPSC-cardiomyocytes with a fetal-like developmental stage suggest that allelic and contractile imbalance among individual cardiomyocytes together with the mutation are present at the beginning of the disease. Thus, they most likely are exacerbating factors that contribute development of HCM hallmarks.

Lactucin ameliorates FFA-induced steatosis in HepG2 cells by modulating mitochondrial homeostasis through the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling axis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a complex disease involving abnormal liver metabolism. Its strong association with metabolic dysfunction has led to a change in nomenclature to metabolism dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). MAFLD pathogenesis involves abnormal accumulation of hepatic lipids that lead to the production of excess free fatty acids (FFAs), which in turn cause an imbalance in hepatic mitochondrial function. Lactucin, a natural compound extracted from Cichorium glandulosum Boiss. et Huet, regulates liver metabolism and protects the liver. However, the potential mechanisms underlying the lactucin-mediated effects in MAFLD require further investigation. In the present study, HepG2 cells were treated with FFAs to establish an in vitro model of MAFLD. Parameters related to lipid accumulation and mitochondrial function, including triglycerides (TG), oil red O-stained lipid droplets, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), adenine triphosphate (ATP), and complex III were analysed. Morphology of the mitochondria were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, key proteins in the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) signalling axis and mitochondrial quality control were analysed. The SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 was used to verify the key role of the SIRT1 signalling pathway. Western blotting showed that lactucin upregulated the expression of SIRT-1, PGC-1α, Nrf1, Tfam, Mfn2, and Opa1, and promoted mitochondrial biosynthesis and kinetics. The results suggest that lactucin restores mitochondrial dynamic homeostasis by upregulating the SIRT1/PGC-1α signalling axis, thereby reducing FFA-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells.

CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI : A REVIEW ARTICLE

The modern lifestyle has given rise to a number of health-related issues. A growing number of musculoskeletal conditions include sciatica. Sciaticas signs and symptoms are similar to those of Gridhrasi, also known as Shoolpradhan Vatavayadhi in Ayurveda. Given that the patients gait resembles that of a vulture (gridhra) and that his legs are inflexible and slightly bowed, the disease may have derived its name from the bird gridhra. According to Sushruta, the kandara of Gridhrasi is impacted by the vitiated Vata dosha, making it difficult for the patient to extend their leg. Sciatica is an extremely painful ailment where pain radiates along the posteriolateral portion of the leg and thigh from the lumbar area. The quality of life is negatively impacted by low back discomfort, especially during ones prime working years. Since over 75% of people worldwide have had low back pain at some point in their lives, the incidence rate of low back pain is noteworthy. It is the most typical illness that keeps people from working. This illness leaves the victim partially disabled since they may not be able to stand, walk, or sit comfortably. The two basic areas of treatment in modern medicine are surgical pathology repair and pain management. The goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to rectify the underlying functional imbalance in order to restore harmony. The goal of Ayurvedic Gridhrasi treatments is to restore the imbalanced Vata or Vata Kapha to health by bringing it back to equilibrium.

Influence of Silver Nanoparticle Integration on the Composition and Surface Properties of Acrylic Dental Resins Employed in Temporary Bridges

Background: Recognized widely for its irreversible effects, periodontal disease stands as one of the most prevalent conditions, particularly emphasizing the potential for permanent damage caused by gingivitis, extending to encompass the entirety of the supportive complex, including the connective tissue and alveolar bone. Patients necessitating comprehensive periodontal and prosthetic treatments require an interdisciplinary approach, involving the coordination of pre-treatment procedures and appropriate prosthetic strategies. The adoption of advanced materials and techniques can prove beneficial in addressing complex dental issues. (2) Methods: Forty specimens were prepared using the prescribed procedure, with 20 acting as controls and the other 20 integrating AgNPs. The initial step involved crafting wax patterns of distinct shapes: dumbbell shapes for tensile testing and rectangular shapes for roughness assessments. These dimensions were aligned with ASTM D-638 and ISO 527-2 standards and adjusted to match the specifications of the analysis device for mechanical properties. (3) Results: In this case, the results indicate minimal differences in heat-curing acrylic resins compared to the control samples at a 5% concentration. However, notable disparities arise at concentrations of 10% and 20%. (4) Conclusions: Temporary prosthetic constructions are essential for preventing functional imbalances and complications. Incorporating AgNPs at a 5% concentration maintains mechanical properties while providing antibacterial effects for long-term interim prosthodontic restorations. Higher nanoparticle concentrations may reduce resin mechanical properties without affecting material surface condition

The compositional and functional imbalance of the gut microbiota in CKD linked to disease patterns

BackgroundThe prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the rise, posing a significant public health challenge. Although gut microbiome dysbiosis has been implicated in the impairment of kidney functions, the existence of pathological subtypes-linked differences remains largely unknown. We aimed to characterize the intestinal microbiota in patients with membranous nephropathy (MN), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), minimal change disease (MCD), and ischemic renal injury (IRI) in order to investigate the intricate relationship between intestinal microbiota and CKD across different subtypes.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving 94 patients with various pathological patterns of CKD and 54 healthy controls (HCs). The clinical parameters were collected, and stool samples were obtained from each participant. Gut microbial features were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and taxon annotation to compare the HC, CKD, MN, IgAN, MCD, and IRI groups.ResultsThe CKD subjects exhibited significantly reduced alpha diversity, modified community structures, and disrupted microbial composition and potential functions compared to the control group. The opportunistic pathogen Klebsiella exhibited a significant enrichment in patients with CKD, whereas Akkermansia showed higher abundance in HCs. The study further revealed the presence of heterogeneity in intestinal microbial signatures across diverse CKD pathological types, including MN, IgAN, MCD, and IRI. The depression of the family Lachnospiraceae and the genus Bilophila was prominently observed exclusively in patients with MN, while suppressed Streptococcus was detected only in individuals with MCD, and a remarkable expansion of the genus Escherichia was uniquely found in cases of IRI. The study also encompassed the development of classifiers employing gut microbial diagnostic markers to accurately discriminate between distinct subtypes of CKD.ConclusionsThe dysregulation of gut microbiome was strongly correlated with CKD, exhibiting further specificity towards distinct pathological patterns. Our study emphasizes the significance of considering disease subtypes when assessing the impact of intestinal microbiota on the development, diagnosis, and treatment of CKD.