Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a plethora of different comorbidities. Exploring its key molecular mechanisms, such as advanced glycation end product and its receptor (AGE/RAGE) pathway, holds great potential. Numerous sources agree that targeting the AGE/RAGE pathway is a potential therapeutic strategy for MetS. However, the regulation of AGE/RAGE by microRNAs (miRNAs) in the context of MetS is still poorly understood. This review aimed to provide a systematic picture of the influence of miRNAs on AGE/RAGE in the context of MetS, with a particular focus on its ligands and receptors. This review achieves this in two ways: through an inductive “bottom-up” approach realized by a classical descriptive literature search, and through a deductive/synthetic “top-down” approach based on carefully selected miRNA profiling studies in MetS and its comorbidities. Although the initial inductive approach allowed the identification of some miRNAs of interest, almost all articles on this topic focus on the regulation of processes exclusively involved in atherogenesis. The new deductive approach has broadened the research horizon: It has enabled the discovery of new promising miRNAs and allowed for ranking different comorbid pathologies in MetS according to the degree of miRNA dysregulation of AGE/RAGE. Thus, in addition to atherosclerosis, significant miRNA dysregulation of AGE/RAGE was also described in MetS, particularly in immune cells, as well as in subcutaneous adipose tissue in obesity. This review, along with the novel approaches to systematizing the data contained therein may contribute to the understanding of MetS pathogenesis and the search for targets for the treatment of MetS.

Infection control is essential for the success of prosthodontic and oral implant procedures, as microbial contamination can lead to serious complications such as denture stomatitis and peri-implantitis. While synthetic disinfectants like chlorhexidine are commonly used, they may cause side effects including irritation, toxicity, and the development of microbial resistance over time. Natural products derived from plants, animals, and minerals are currently being explored as safer alternatives. Compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate from green tea; eugenol from clove oil; quercetin, thymol, cinnamaldehyde, and flavonoids from propolis; and terpinen-4-ol from tea tree oil have shown strong antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties. These natural agents are not only effective against harmful oral bacteria but also promote healing, are more biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and are often preferred by patients. However, challenges remain regarding their routine clinical use. The strength and composition of natural agents can vary, and there is a lack of consistent product standards, clinical trials, and comprehensive safety data. Currently, these products are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for dental use and are only available as over-the-counter remedies. Production costs and scalability must also be evaluated in comparison with synthetic alternatives. Emerging technologies, such as nanocarriers and targeted delivery systems, are being developed to enhance the effectiveness of natural agents in dental applications. Further clinical research and the establishment of clear regulatory guidelines are necessary to support their integration into clinical practice. Natural disinfectants hold significant potential to become valuable, safe, and sustainable tools for maintaining hygiene in prosthodontics and oral implantology.

Immunoinflammatory skin diseases are characterized by an imbalance in immune homeostasis, and their chronic inflammatory processes involve a complex regulatory network of CD4+ T cell differentiation. With the widespread use of biologics (e.g., interleukin-17/interleukin-23 inhibitors) in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other diseases, the adverse effects triggered by the phenomenon of CD4+ T cell-mediated immune drift have attracted significant attention, with the skin being the primary target as an immune organ. In this paper, we provide a review of the clinical features of the skin and the mechanisms of immune drift caused by different types of biologics, as well as the therapeutic modalities.

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted university students, presenting multifaceted challenges including the abrupt transition to virtual learning and significant disruptions to emotional well-being and dietary habits. This study aimed to investigate the dietary and nutritional characteristics associated with academic stress among Mexican university students during the COVID-19 lockdown.

This cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 114 university students in Mexico. Participants completed a self-reported questionnaire assessing dietary patterns, nutritional intake, and academic stress levels. Informed consent was obtained from all participants prior to data collection.

Among study participants (n = 114), 57.8% experienced moderate academic stress, while 25.7% reported high academic stress during the COVID-19 lockdown. Notably, 13.5% of students demonstrated food cravings that were significantly associated with increased consumption of red and fatty meats (P = 0.030) and sausages (P = 0.017). A negative virtual education experience was associated with food cravings towards high-calorie and saturated-fat foods (P = 0.014), as well as elevated academic stress levels (P = 0.009). Furthermore, high academic stress levels were positively associated with food cravings (P = 0.020), particularly towards carbohydrate-rich foods (P = 0.037).

The COVID-19 lockdown substantially disrupted the dietary habits and nutritional status of university students, with academic stress serving as a significant mediating factor.

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare and highly aggressive embryonal tumor that predominantly affects infants and young children. This malignancy arises from primitive neuroectodermal cells and exhibits heterogeneous differentiation into various embryonic tissues. Due to its rarity and complexity, diagnosing and managing AT/RT present significant challenges. Recent studies have summarized the key features of cerebellar and supratentorial AT/RT cases; however, critical gaps remain in understanding their diffuse leptomeningeal variants and long-term functional outcomes. Here, we report a case of a two-year-old child diagnosed with cerebellar AT/RT, who presented with vomiting and gait instability. The patient underwent a gross total resection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Despite achieving radiological remission, the patient survived for only eight months and experienced severe neurological deficits, including persistent ataxia and recurrent infections. This case highlights the disconnect between surgical success and long-term quality of life. It underscores the importance of integrating molecular diagnostics and palliative care to address the multifaceted burden of AT/RT.

Potential celiac disease (PCD) is defined as elevated celiac serology with a preserved small intestinal mucosa. This study aimed to identify baseline characteristics and the outcomes of children with PCD consuming a gluten-containing diet.

This was a retrospective cohort study of pediatric PCD patients diagnosed between 12/2018 and 10/2024. Baseline data included demographics, anthropometrics, clinical symptoms and signs, celiac serology, and biopsy results. Follow-up data included repeat serology and biopsy results when performed.

PCD was diagnosed in 75/517 (14.5%) children undergoing upper endoscopy for suspected celiac disease (CeD). Baseline anti-transglutaminase IgA (TTG) was above 10× the upper limit of normal (ULN) in 18 (24%), between 3–10× ULN in 52 (69.3%), and <3× ULN in five (6.6%). Anti-endomysial antibody was positive in 57 (76%). Among 48 children (64%) with at least one year of follow-up, TTG normalized in 26 (54.1%), decreased to <3× ULN in 13 (27.1%), was between 3–10× ULN in six (12.5%), and was above 10× ULN in three (6.3%). Nine children had a repeat endoscopy, and six (66.7%) were diagnosed with CeD, while three remained PCD. Among the 11 children with TTG >10× ULN and at least one year of follow-up, TTG normalized in three, declined in five, and increased or remained above 10× ULN in three.

PCD is common and may be found in children with TTG above 10× ULN; approximately half will normalize TTG. The omission of biopsies may result in an erroneous diagnosis of CeD.

To support clinicians in making informed decisions regarding the diagnosis and management of inherited hyperbilirubinemia, including Gilbert syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, and Rotor syndrome, the Inherited and Metabolic Liver Disease Collaboration Group of the Hepatology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association convened a panel of Chinese experts in this field. This multidisciplinary consortium developed the present expert consensus by integrating the latest advances in both clinical practice and basic research.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and research of soft tissue disorders, which include muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, nerves, and blood vessels. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on imaging, histopathology, and clinical evaluation, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. This review aims to explore the impact of AI on enhancing soft tissue care. The review examines the application of deep learning algorithms in medical imaging, pathology, predictive analytics, and treatment planning. It also evaluates AI’s role in monitoring and rehabilitation, as well as its contributions to research in soft tissue disorders. AI significantly improves the accuracy of medical imaging analysis, facilitating the detection of abnormalities such as tumors and tears. AI-powered pathology tools automate slide analysis, enhancing diagnostic consistency and efficiency. Predictive analytics enable early risk assessment and personalized patient management. In surgical contexts, AI supports preoperative simulations and robotic-assisted procedures, leading to improved outcomes. Additionally, AI enhances patient monitoring through wearable devices and telemedicine. The integration of AI into soft tissue diagnostics and therapeutics presents transformative potential for personalized and efficient healthcare. However, challenges related to data security, algorithm bias, interpretability, and ethical considerations must be addressed. Overall, AI holds promise for improving patient outcomes and advancing medical science in the field of soft tissue disorders.

The incidence of early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) is rising, yet optimal treatment strategies remain unclear. While adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) has shown survival benefits in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, its specific role in EOPC patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and surgery remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the clinical benefit of ACT in EOPC patients after NACT.

This retrospective cohort study analyzed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients from the SEER database (2006–2019) who received NACT followed by curative resection. Propensity score matching (1:1) was used to balance covariates such as tumor, lymph node, metastasis stage, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were compared between patients with EOPC (<50 years) and average-onset pancreatic cancer (AOPC, ≥50 years). Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors.

After propensity score matching (124 EOPC vs. 124 AOPC), EOPC patients had significantly longer median OS (41.0 vs. 29.0 months, P = 0.042) and CSS (48.0 vs. 30.0 months, P = 0.016). ACT was an independent prognostic factor for EOPC (OS: hazard ratio = 0.495, 95% confidence interval 0.271–0.903, P = 0.022; CSS: hazard ratio = 0.419, 95% confidence interval 0.219–0.803, P = 0.009), but not for AOPC (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that EOPC patients with tumor, lymph node, metastasis stage II disease or those receiving ACT derived the greatest survival benefit.

EOPC patients exhibit superior survival following NACT and surgical resection compared to AOPC, with ACT further enhancing outcomes in this subgroup. These findings support the use of tailored ACT for EOPC and underscore the need for prospective validation.