Pilates has emerged as a prominent exercise therapy gaining recognition among healthcare professionals for its potential benefits in managing low back pain (LBP). As healthcare practitioners increasingly incorporate Pilates into clinical practice, understanding its effects on LBP becomes crucial. This study explores the rationale behind Pilates as a therapeutic intervention for LBP, its diverse applications, varying programme durations, and the significance of long-term follow-ups. Through an examination of existing studies, the aim is to unravel the nuanced impact of Pilates on pain intensity, functional disability, and overall quality of life for individuals experiencing LBP. Furthermore, this study addresses gaps in current research, guiding the way for an extended exploration into the ideal duration of Pilates programmes and the implications of sustained, long-term engagement.
Throughout this research study, the following research question was adopted: What is the perception and actual outcomes of a Pilates programme in the management of LBP in the short and long term?
The null hypothesis (H0) for this study was that there is no significant difference following a 12 weeks Pilates programme in all outcome measures. The alternative hypothesis (H1) stated that there is significant difference in outcomes following a 12-week Pilates programme in the management of LBP.

开始日期2024-06-01

申办/合作机构

University of Malta

NCT06287684 / RecruitingN/AIIT

Molecular Endotype-Specific Dynamics of Lung Endothelial Barrier Integrity in Sepsis

Sepsis is a complex syndrome that causes lethal organ dysfunction due to an abnormal host response to infection. No drug specifically targeting sepsis has been approved. The heterogeneity in sepsis pathophysiology hinders the identification of patients who would benefit, or be harmed, from specific therapeutic interventions. Recent clinical genomics studies have shown that sepsis patients can be stratified as molecular endotypes, or subclasses, with important clinical implications. Classifying sepsis patients as molecular endotypes revealed that a poor prognosis endotype was characterized by immunosuppression and septic shock. Against this backdrop, the study hypothesis is that a poor prognosis for sepsis is defined by a molecular endotype reflecting impaired innate immune and endothelial barrier integrity in the primary anatomical site of infection.

开始日期2023-09-13

申办/合作机构

Mater Dei Hospital

[+2]

NCT05920096 / RecruitingN/AIIT

Feasibility Assessment of a Diabetes Specialist Nurse-led Multi-component Smoking Cessation Intervention for Individuals Living With Diabetes

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-component smoking cessation intervention for individuals living with diabetes which is delivered by diabetes specialist nurses. The main question it aims to answer is:
Is a diabetes specialist nurse-led multi-component smoking cessation intervention tailored for persons living with diabetes who smoke feasible and acceptable among the providers and the participants, the individuals with diabetes?
Eligible individuals living with diabetes who smoke will be asked to participate in a feasibility study lasting twelve weeks. The participants will be allocated at random either to the diabetes specialist nurse-led multi-component smoking cessation intervention, or to standard care - an active referral to the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate's one-to-one smoking cessation service. The multi-component smoking cessation intervention will be provided by the diabetes specialist nurses at the Diabetes Education Unit at Mater Dei Hospital. The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate's one-to-one smoking cessation service is provided by tobacco cessation facilitators within the health centres of Mosta, Floriana, and Paola. Both interventions will help participants re-consider their smoking habits and support them to quit smoking, free of charge.
Primarily the researchers will:
assess the feasibility of a largescale randomized controlled trial, by analyzing the recruitment and study uptake, and the nurses' perceived challenges and facilitators to implementation;
and assess the acceptability of the intervention, by analyzing the nurses' feedback and the participants' satisfaction with and perceived usefulness of the smoking cessation intervention provided, in comparison to the satisfaction with standard care - the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate's one-to-one smoking cessation service.

开始日期2023-08-01

申办/合作机构

University of Malta

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0 项与 University of Malta 相关的专利（医药）

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3,275

项与 University of Malta 相关的文献（医药）

2025-02-01·Current Neuropharmacology

MiRNA Dysregulation in Brain Injury: An In Silico Study to Clarify the Role of a MiRNA Set

Article

作者: Schembari, Flavia ; Pomara, Cristoforo ; Capasso, Emanuele ; Ulas, Efehan ; Pesaresi, Mauro ; Sessa, Francesco ; Zammit, Christian ; Osuna, Eduardo ; Esposito, Massimiliano ; Salerno, Monica

Background::

The identification of specific circulating miRNAs has been proposed as a valuable tool for elucidating the pathophysiology of brain damage or injury and predicting patient outcomes.

Objective::

This study aims to apply several bioinformatic tools in order to clarify miRNA interactions with potential genes involved in brain injury, emphasizing the need of using a computational approach to determine the most likely correlations between miRNAs and target genes. Specifically, this study centers on elucidating the roles of miR-34b, miR-34c, miR-135a, miR-200c, and miR-451a.

Methods::

After a careful evaluation of different software available (analyzing the strengths and limitations), we applied three tools, one to perform an analysis of the validated targets (miRTarBase), and two to evaluate functional annotations (miRBase and TAM 2.0).

Results::

Research findings indicate elevated levels of miR-135a and miR-34b in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) within the first day post-injury, while miR-200c and miR-34c were found to be upregulated after 7 days. Moreover, miR-451a and miR-135a were found overexpressed in the serum, while miRNAs 34b, 34c, and 200c, had lower serum levels at baseline post brain injury.

Conclusion::

This study emphasizes the use of computational methods in determining the most likely relationships between miRNAs and target genes by investigating several bioinformatic techniques to elucidate miRNA interactions with potential genes. Specifically, this study focuses on the functions of miR-34b, miR-34c, miR-135a, miR-200c, and miR-451a, providing an up-to-date overview and suggesting future research directions for identifying theranomiRNAs related to brain injury, both at the tissue and serum levels.

2024-12-31·Journal of Natural Fibers

Chemical and physical modifications of the surface of sisal agave fibre used as a reinforcement in epoxy resin – A Review

作者: Camilleri, Duncan ; Muscat-Fenech, Claire DeMarco ; Sinagra, Emmanuel ; Grech, Brian Ellul ; Lanfranco, Sandro ; Muscat, Martin ; Gomez, Neffer A.

A combination of sisal fibers and bio-based epoxy resin offers good potential for producing environmentally friendly bio-composites with improved or equivalent mech. properties compared to those obtained using 100% synthetic resins.However, the poor interaction between the two materials caused by the different distribution of elec. charge over the atoms joined by the bond in the functional groups of the chem. structure (polarity) necessitates the modification of one of the surfaces of the constituents through various techniques.The paper discusses available literature on several treatments to improve the adhesion between sisal fibers and thermoset epoxy matrixes by achieving favorable wettability, mech. interlocking, and improved interaction through chem. bonding.It is shown that fiber washing in an NaOH solution followed by rinsing and drying is the prevalent chem. treatment.With NaOH treatments, researchers observed cleaner fibers and this promoted better adhesion with the epoxy matrix.Coupling agents such as silane treatments showed an improved resistance to fiber moisture absorption.Thermal treatments affect the fiber′s morphol. by increasing the crystallinity of the cellulose leading to stiffer composites.It was also observed that the improvement in fiber-matrix adhesion had an adverse effect on the impact strength of the composite.

2024-12-01·CELLULAR SIGNALLING

Recent progress of protein kinase inhibitors derived from marine peptides for developing anticancer agents

Article

作者: Zheng, Lanhong ; Xu, Yixin ; Wei, Ning ; Lin, Xiukun ; Farooqi, Ammad Ahmad ; Liu, Xiujun ; Zhang, Yan ; Blundell, Renald

Protein kinases, mediating their biological function via their catalytic activity, play important role in cell development, including cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and survival. Over the years, protein kinase inhibitors have been developed as an important class of anticancer agents clinically. However, the off-targeting and drug resistance of protein kinase inhibitors limit their efficiency. Anticancer peptides derived from marine organisms represent a novel class of bioactive substances, and some of the peptides exhibit anticancer effect via inhibiting protein kinases. In this mini review, the recent progress of anticancer peptides targeting protein kinases from marine sources are presented. Marine peptides inhibiting resistant cancer cells by targeting novel domains of protein kinases are highlighted. The challenges and prospects of developing marine peptides as anticancer agents are also discussed.

项与 University of Malta 相关的新闻（医药）

2023-04-28

·PRNewswire

ISS Collaboration - Singleron Biotechnologies GmbH joined the pursuit of "Reaching for the Stars"

MSIDA, Malta, April 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the celebrations for the MALETH project took place with a special keynote presentation from Dr. James Green, NASA's Former Chief Scientist. From Singleron, Dr. Samuel Kerr joined to present the yeast research studies aboard the International Space Station. The MALETH Project, which was led by Professor Joseph Borg from the University of Malta brought internationally excelling scientists together to analyze samples of human skin tissue and yeast cells that were sent into space to understand how the conditions of the harsh environment in space and at the International Space Station ISS affected the samples. Professor Borg commented: "This international collaboration, to which Singleron contributed with their expertise on single cell analysis, is opening the window into profiling the microbiome in the context of space and the microgravity environment. Collectively, we are improving precision medicine and overall research in life and health sciences. Looking forward to more exciting projects that allow us to look and even reach the stars yet with feet on the ground to deliver applied science where it matters most." This is where the scientist, who feels at home in space, speaks our mind: "Enhancing health and quality of life is our mission at Singleron! We were very proud to join this project and thankful for the opportunity!", concludes Dr. Bruno Monschau, GM at Singleron Biotechnologies GmbH. About Singleron: Founded in 2018, Singleron develops and commercializes single cell multi-omics products that can be used in both research and clinical settings. Its current product portfolio includes instruments, microfluidic devices, reagents, software analysis and database solutions that facilitate high-throughput single cell analysis. Singleron's sample services offer expert execution and generation of high-quality results for academia, clinics, and biotech. The company currently has offices, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities in Germany, Singapore, China, and the US. Its products are used in over 2,000 laboratories in hospitals, research institutes, and pharmaceutical companies. Public Relations Contact: Email: [email protected] SOURCE Singleron Biotechnologies GmbH

2023-04-17

·生物探索

发现“渐冻症”用药潜在新靶点，可遏制蛋白质错误折叠！

曾经风行一时的“冰桶挑战”旨在唤起人们对“渐冻症”的关注。这种罕见病全名肌萎缩性脊髓侧索硬化症（Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis，ALS），属于神经退行性疾病。患者早期表现为肌肉萎缩、肌肉抽搐、肢体无力和语言不清，发病3-5年后常因全身肌肉无力导致瘫痪，以及因呼吸衰竭而死亡，只有10%的患者生存期超过10年，极少数生存期可超过50年，如著名的物理学家霍金。图1 冰桶挑战（图源：unsplash）导致ALS的大部分病因尚不明确，仅大约10%的病例是遗传性的。目前认为，多种相互关联的分子机制，包括蛋白质平衡、折叠和运输功能障碍，过度的神经元刺激，氧化应激，神经炎症等，导致了该疾病的发生。这些功能障碍导致了运动神经元的退化和死亡，引起逐渐蔓延至全身的肌肉萎缩。目前，已发现超过25个与ALS相关的基因。其中，C9ORF72、SOD1、TARDBP和FUS基因突变为最常见的遗传性ALS病因。其他已发现的还有ANG、VAPB、VCP、SQSTM1、DCTN1、DAO、SETX、ATXN2、OPTN、SCFD1、NEK1、C21ORF2等基因突变。利鲁唑是FDA批准的首个用于治疗ALS的药物。尽管在临床试验中，利鲁唑可以延长患者3-5个月的生存期，但对于已有的运动神经元损伤并不能修复。依达拉奉（Radicava）于2017年5月经FDA批准用于治疗ALS，其抗氧化作用被认为能够缓解氧化应激的影响，可延缓疾病发展或限制额外伤害。此外，还有一些对症治疗的药物可用于缓解ALS的症状。图2 利鲁唑和依达拉奉近日，根据发表于Neurobiology of Aging杂志上的一项新研究“Loss of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk factor SCFD1 causes motor dysfunction in Drosophila”，马耳他大学的研究人员关闭了果蝇的SCFD1基因，通过观察造成的后果，研究人员揭示了SCFD1功能丧失是如何引发ALS症状的，并提出了一个潜在的ALS新药靶点。图3 研究成果（图源：[1]）在一项招募了超过十万ALS患者和健康志愿者的国际性大型研究计划MinE项目中，SCFD1被识别为ALS的相关风险位点。马耳他大学神经遗传学副教授、最新研究的席研究员Ruben J. Cauchi博士解释说：“SCFD1基因是全球ALS患者最强的风险因素之一。然而，SCFD1与疾病之间联系的重要性仍然未知。这项大型研究能够发现那些ALS患者相对于健康志愿者而言突变频率更高的基因，但同时，他们所找到的基因与ALS的具体联系并不明确。”而在最新的研究中，马耳他大学的研究人员观察到，当果蝇的SCFD1基因被敲低时，成年果蝇出现了运动障碍，SCFD1基因的强烈敲低则导致果蝇幼虫出现了肌肉收缩障碍和神经肌肉接头障碍，化蛹时显得更加僵硬和伸长。图4 SCFD1基因强烈敲低影响果蝇幼虫化蛹（图源：[1]）对SCFD1基因强烈敲低的幼虫进行RNA测序，发现了585个差异表达基因。分析失调通路发现，围绕着蛋白质折叠或再折叠的通路下调最为显著。在过去的研究中，已经明确错误折叠和蛋白质聚集是ALS的标志性特征。抑制运动神经元正确折叠蛋白的能力将会增加对于ALS的易感性，因此，修复或激活患者的SCFD1将有望减缓或阻止他们的疾病。研究团队相信他们的方向是正确的。去年9月，在患者群体的强烈游说下，已在加拿大获得有条件批准的新药AMX0035，在美国以商品名Relyvrio获得了类似的批准。AMX0035就对蛋白质折叠错误有所针对。AMX0035是两种已在使用药物苯丁酸钠（PB）和牛磺熊去氧胆酸（TUDCA）的专有口服组合，PB能够抑制内质网应激反应和由蛋白错误折叠或突变引起的神经元细胞死亡。TUDCA具有抗细胞凋亡和神经保护作用。但与单独使用PB或TUDCA相比，组合用药能够改变更多的基因表达。责编|风立宵校对|风立宵End参考资料： [1]Rebecca Borg, Angie Purkiss, Rebecca Cacciottolo, et al, Loss of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk factor SCFD1 causes motor dysfunction in Drosophila, Neurobiology of Aging, 2023, ISSN 0197-4580, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.02.005.[2]van Rheenen, W., Shatunov, A., Dekker, A. et al. Genome-wide association analyses identify new risk variants and the genetic architecture of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Genet 48, 1043–1048 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng.3622[3]https://www.biostock.se/en/2022/12/new-drugs-bring-hope-to-als-patients/ [4]https://www.alzforum.org/therapeutics/relyvrio 本文系生物探索原创，欢迎个人转发分享。其他任何媒体、网站如需转载，须在正文前注明来源生物探索。往期精选围观 ‍清洁用品中的这种常见化学物质，会使患上帕金森病的风险高出5倍！热文女性更要控盐！所有种族、年龄的女性更容易因盐得高血压，且绝经后风险更高！热文发现表观遗传学新机制，向战胜癌症和衰老更进一步！热文详解 “类器官智能”愿景路线图，用人脑细胞搭建生物计算机的未来会是怎样？热文克服免疫系统限制：工程细菌引领新型癌症治疗策略点击“阅读原文”，了解更多~

临床研究疫苗

2022-07-18

·BioSpace

NASA's Solution to Stem Cell Production is Out of this World

NASA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are launching stem cells into space. In the study, funded by NASA and being conducted by scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, the stem cells have been sent into space and will orbit for just over a month’s time to determine whether they grow differently without G-force. A remotely controlled container of cells, with reagents and equipment needed to remotely sustain the cells, arrived at the International Space Station over the weekend. Two queries are presented alongside the launch details: do cells age differently in low orbit and can the Earthly challenges of stem cell growth amplification be overcome in space? The human body is comprised of a full library of cell types, cataloged by specialty and location such as the striated cardiac muscles or the branching neurons in the brain. Each of these cells began as a raw stem cell and has developed in a particular manner. The cells can multiply to become a plentiful stem cell line under the correct conditions, but laboratory settings that would generate the quantity needed for medicinal purposes pose challenges that require innovative thinking. Despite being featured in many biologic candidates currently under research and development and in clinical trials, mass-producing stem cells for use in these therapeutics isn’t feasible. To prevent conglomeration or losing the stem cells at the bottom of a reactor tank, the bioreactor must be stirred at a rate that causes probable cell death. The end result is very few stem cells suitable for therapeutic and research use. By launching stem cells into space, the Cedars-Sinai research team is hoping to overcome these production limitations. With stem cells, the possibilities and applications are increasing each day. They can work as models for testing drug safety and efficacy, thus reducing the burden placed on animal model research, be used as regenerative cells for those that have suffered damage as a result of injury or disease and even as a basic tool to help researchers further understand the human body. “By pushing the boundaries like this, it’s knowledge and it’s science and it’s learning,” Clive Svendsen, executive director at the Cedars-Sinai Regenerative Medicine Institute, commented. Svendsen has sent a part of himself along with the project, as the donor of the stem cells. Various other studies are being conducted by research teams around the globe in an effort to better understand the potential of stem cells. Just last week, researchers from the University of Malta announced the launch of a similar mission that will be conducted aboard a SpaceX craft. The Maleth II project is the second installment of the Maleth Program that is designed to evaluate how human skin tissue cell genetics react to low earth orbit. A remotely controlled biocube will orbit the Earth for 60 days while the single cells are analyzed for changes. The student researchers at the university are being directly supported by Malta’s national Research, Innovation, Development Trust and the study itself is in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Singleron Biotechnologies

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100 项与 University of Malta 相关的转化医学

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