Single nucleotide variations in the development of diabetic foot ulcer: A narrative review

Diabetes mellitus has become a global health problem,and the number of patients with diabetic foot ulcers(DFU)is rapidly increasing.Currently,DFU still poses great challenges to physicians,as the treatment is complex,with high risks of infection,recurrence,limb amputation,and even death.Therefore,a comprehensive understanding of DFU pathogenesis is of great importance.In this review,we summarized recent findings regarding the DFU development from the perspective of single-nucleotide variations(SNVs).Studies have shown that SNVs located in the genes encoding C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,stromal cell-derived factor-1,vascular endothelial growth factor,nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2,sirtuin 1,intercellular adhesion molecule 1,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,endothelial nitric oxide synthase,heat shock protein 70,hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha,lysyl oxidase,intelectin 1,mitogen-activated protein kinase 14,toll-like receptors,osteoprotegerin,vitamin D receptor,and fibrinogen may be associated with the development of DFU.However,considering the limitations of the present investigations,future multi-center studies with larger sample sizes,as well as in-depth mechanistic research are warranted.

Hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis:clinical and basic research—a narrative review

Hypertriglyceridemia(HTG)is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis(AP),and the incidence of HTG-induced AP(HTG-AP)is rising worldwide as a result of changes in lifestyle and dietary habits.In China,HTG accounts for 10%to 20%of the causes of AP,even becoming the second leading cause of AP.The presentation and diagnosis of HTG-AP is similar to that of AP from other causes,however,the complication rates and severe AP are significantly higher in patients with HTG-AP than in patients with other etiologies.Regarding the management of HTG-AP,the initial management is similar to that of AP from other causes and mainly includes fluid resuscitation,pain control,and nutritional support.In addition to supportive care,it is necessary to take appropriate measures to decrease serum TG levels,in order to alleviate the progression of AP and prevent recurrence.This review aims to summarize existing clinical and basic research evidence of HTG-AP and seeks to highlight the epidemiology,definition,pathogenesis,clinical course,diagnosis,management,prevention of recurrence,and specific clinical scenarios,such as HTG-AP during pregnancy,HTG-AP with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Three Approaches to the Inquiry into Teacher Identity: A Narrative Review Enlightened by Habermas's Human Interests

Purpose:This paper attempts to review and conceptualize how different scholars approach research on teacher identity through the lens of three human interests defined by Jurgen Habermas.Design/Approach/Methods:This literature review,guided by Habermas's three human interests,illustrates the characteristics of three different approaches to the inquiry into teacher identity.Findings:This paper summarizes three approaches to researching teacher identity and their characteristics,namely the technical approach,the practical approach,and the critical approach.The implications for future research and teacher development are also discussed.Originality/Value:By incorporating Habermas's three human interests into teacher identity inquiries,this article offers a theoretical narrative review of the approaches to investigating teacher identity.Strengths and weaknesses of each approach as well as the possibility of a combined application of different approaches provide an original discussion of teacher identity research.

Exosomes:emerging biomarkers unveiling cellular mysteries—a narrative review

Exosomes have gained recognition as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers due to their stability and disease-specific cargos.Exosomes,once dismissed as cellular debris,are now acknowledged as crucial mediators of intercellular communications and disease.These nanosized vesicles transport dynamic cargos consisting of bioactive molecules,including proteins,lipids,and nucleic acids,enabling cells to exchange information and influence each other’s behavior.This review delves into the multifaceted roles of exosomes,particularly their emergence as biomarkers for various diseases.To conduct research for this review,a comprehensive literature search strategy was employed across various databases using keywords related to exosomes,biomarkers,cellular communication,disease diagnosis,and more.Selected articles were evaluated based on their relevance,and data were extracted,synthesized,and categorized according to thematic content.Quality assessment was performed on different types of articles,ensuring robust findings.In cancer,exosomes act as liquid biopsy samples,revealing genetic mutations,and protein markers.The misfolded proteins characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease are carried by exosomes.Moreover,exosomes have been studied as biomarkers for cardiovascular,infectious,and autoimmune diseases.In addition to their functions as biomarkers,exosomes influence the tumor microenvironment,immune response,synaptic plasticity,and tissue regeneration.Challenges remain to fill research gaps and standardize exosome analyses.Exosomes are pivotal in intercellular communication and for disease diagnosis,offering insights into cellular processes,immunity,and regeneration.Future research may reshape our understanding of cellular communication and drive therapeutic interventions.Although challenges must be addressed,exosomes hold undeniable potential for use in personalized medicine and biomedical research.

Miniaturizing the approach to upper tract renal calculi:Is smaller always better?A narrative review

Newer modalities for treating upper tract urinary stones focus on maintaining and improving outcomes,reducing complications,and op-timizing patient care.This narrative review aims to outline novel miniaturized endourological innovations for managing upper tract calculi.

Acupuncture as a potential approach to improve the health of women with obesity

In addition to higher risks of various obstetric and gynaecological illnesses among women with obesity or who are overweight, maternal adiposity threatens the lifetime health of their offspring. Diverse treatments are provided, including complementary and alternative medicine such as Chinese medical practices. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicinal method, is increasingly being applied to this health problem. This literature review analyses 25 clinical studies, involving 2407 participants aged 13-65 in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America. This illustrates the use of acupuncture alone or with other approaches to control body weight, obesity-induced diseases, and gynaecological health. Although positive indicators are presented, this study offers recommendations for enhancing reliability and validity in further research. It therefore suggests the use of acupuncture in dealing with obesity due to its efficacy, and economic and safety benefits.

Efficacy of acupuncture on treating obesity and adipose-incurred illnesses

Being overweight and obese impacts health due to adiposity itself and illnesses it incurs,which produces individual and societal financial burdens.This urges effective interventions,including adjunct therapies.Acupuncture,a traditional Chinese medical practice,indicates positive signs for tackling these problems.Investigating 101 empirical human-based projects,this narrative review analyses their outcomes and then provides an overview of the effects of acupuncture in body weight reduction and obesity-induced diseases,either performed alone or with other approaches.It involves 15941 participants from 9-80 years old in China's Mainland,Taiwan,Turkey,Brazil,Egypt,Iran,Greece,Korea,Sudan,Thailand,and the USA.It also reveals practical implications and future research directions,benefiting the development of acupuncture in the modern medical arena for both patients and practitioners.

The current state of knowledge on the clinical and methodological aspects of extracorporeal shock waves therapy in the management of post-stroke spasticity-overview of 20 years of experiences

Background and objectives In many patients after stroke, spasticity develops over time, resulting in a decrease in the patient′s independence, pain, worsening mood, and, consequently, lower quality of life. In the last ten years, a rich arsenal of physical agents to reduce muscle tone such as extracorporeal shock therapy (ESWT) wave has come through. The aim of this narrative review article is to present the current state of knowledge on the use of ESWT as a supplement to the comprehensive rehabilitation of people after stroke suffering from spasticity.Methods The PubMed and PEDro databases were searched for papers published in English from January 2000 to December 2020, 22 of which met inclusion criteria for clinical studies related to post-stroke spasticity management with ESWT.Results A total of 22 studies including 468 post-stroke patients-11 reports with the upper limb (267 patients) and 10 reports within the lower limb (201 patients), as well as one report including both upper and lower limb. We focused our attention on clinical and methodological aspects. Therefore, we performed the assessment of enrolled studies in terms of methodological quality using the PEDro and level of evidence using the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Furthermore, we indicated implications for clinical practice in using ESWT for post-stroke spasticity management. Moreover, we discussed a suggestion for future research directions.Conclusions In conclusion, an ESWT effectively reduces muscle tone in people with spastic limb after stroke. Further, ESWT is safe and free of undesirable side effects.The mechanism of action of ESWT on muscles affected by spasticity is still unknown.To date, no standard parameters of ESWT in post-stroke spasticity regarding intensity, frequency, location, and the number of sessions has been established. Further research, meeting the highest standards, is needed to establish uniform muscle stimulation parameters using ESWT.