Month: December 2025

Exploration of an Intelligent ICU Pressure Ulcer Skin Assessment System Based on a …



Exploration of an Intelligent ICU Pressure Ulcer Skin Assessment System Based on a Dynamic Reward Adaptive Framework

Summary: The system integrates a dual-path intelligent training framework with a dynamic reward mechanism, using an adaptive detector to classify limited samples into true and fake categories. A training auxiliary module generates synthetic data to augment the dataset, addressing data scarcity. Challenges include data scarcity, low-quality images, and dynamic risk changes. Results show 89.7% accuracy on CP-LFW dataset, outperforming SenseTime (76.2%) and MIT EmoPainNet (82.1%). Enables accurate analysis of limited skin lesion images, supports real-time risk prediction, and facilitates personalized nursing decisions, improving care efficiency and outcomes in ICU settings.

Key Highlights:

  • Framework: Dual-path training, dynamic rewards, synthetic data gen.
  • Challenges: Scarce high-quality images, low-res, dynamic risks.
  • Results: 89.7% accuracy (CP-LFW); beats SenseTime (76.2%), EmoPainNet (82.1%).
  • Implications: Real-time ICU assessment, personalized care.
  • Authors: Han J, Lei Y, Qiu Q.

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Keywords: pressure ulcer, ICU assessment, dynamic reward, data scarcity, synthetic data, intelligent assessment

Combination of 20(R)-Rg3 and HUCMSCs Alleviates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in C57BL/6 Mice



Combination of 20(R)-Rg3 and HUCMSCs Alleviates Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in C57BL/6 Mice by Activating the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway

Summary: T2DM mouse model induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) in C57BL/6 mice; interventions include HUCMSCs (human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells) combined with 20(R)-Rg3 treatment. Combination therapy improved insulin sensitivity (reduced HOMA-IR, enhanced OGTT/IPITT), lowered blood glucose, promoted pancreatic islet regeneration, reduced apoptosis, decreased inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β), and activated PI3K/Akt pathway via upregulated genes in transcriptomic analysis. The diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is not merely a passive sequel to chronic hyperglycemia but functions as an active inflammatory focus. Persistent wound-derived cytokines spill into the circulation, amplify systemic inflammation. Synergistic approach enhances HUCMSCs efficacy in T2DM; PI3K/Akt pathway key to benefits, suggesting potential for human DFU treatment via anti-inflammatory and regenerative mechanisms.

Key Highlights:

  • Methods: HFD/STZ-induced T2DM mice; 20(R)-Rg3 pretreated HUCMSCs via tail vein.
  • Results: Reduced hyperglycemia, HOMA-IR; lower TNF-α/IL-1β; PI3K/Akt activation.
  • DFU Link: Ulcers as inflammatory hubs amplifying systemic effects.
  • Implications: Targets for wound healing in diabetic complications.
  • Authors: Zhou Z, Zheng J, Guo X et al.

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Keywords: 20(R)-Rg3, HUCMSCs, T2DM, PI3K/Akt, insulin sensitivity, DFU inflammation, pancreatic regeneration

Screening Practices and Risk Stratification for Diabetic Foot Complications in South Africa



Prevalence, Screening Practices and Risk Stratification for Diabetic Foot Complications in Primary Healthcare Clinics: A Cross-Sectional Study in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Summary: This cross-sectional study in Gauteng, South Africa, involved 597 diabetic patients at five primary healthcare centers. Only 10% received diabetic foot assessments, with no risk stratification performed prior. Assessments revealed 30% very low risk, 17% high risk; 19% had active ulcers, 18% in remission; 33% neuropathy, 22% peripheral arterial disease, 17% history of amputation. Risk factors included multimorbidity (p=0.021), poor glycemic control (p=0.003), loss of sensation (p=0.017), and absent pulses (p=0.037). Barriers: inadequate protocols, limited training, high workloads. Implementing routine screening and stratification at PHC could prevent complications, reducing ulcers by up to 50% and amputations by 50-85%.

Key Highlights:

  • Prevalence: 19% active DFUs; 18% in remission; 33% neuropathy; 22% PAD; 17% amputation history.
  • Screening: 10% annual; 30% very low risk; 17% high risk; no prior stratification.
  • Risk: Multimorbidity (p=0.021); poor glycemic control (p=0.003); loss of sensation (p=0.017); absent pulses (p=0.037).
  • Barriers: Lack of protocols, insufficient training, high workloads (40-50 patients/day), limited resources.
  • Authors: Ntuli S et al.

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Keywords: diabetic foot, diabetic foot complications, diabetic foot screening, primary healthcare, risk factors, screening practices, South Africa

Screening Practices and Risk Stratification for Diabetic Foot Complications in Saudi Arabia



Prevalence, Screening Practices and Risk Stratification for Diabetic Foot Complications in Primary Healthcare Settings in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Summary: This cross-sectional study (n=400 T2D patients in Saudi primary care) found 22.5% DFU prevalence, with only 18% receiving annual screening. High-risk factors included poor glycemic control (OR 3.2), neuropathy (OR 4.1), and peripheral artery disease (OR 5.6). Low awareness (45%) and screening barriers (time/staff) contributed; calls for standardized protocols and training to reduce 15% lifetime DFU risk.

Key Highlights:

  • Prevalence: 22.5% DFUs; 35% neuropathy; 28% PAD.
  • Screening: 18% annual; 45% unaware of risks.
  • Risk: Uncontrolled HbA1c OR 3.2; neuropathy OR 4.1; PAD OR 5.6.
  • Barriers: Time (60%), staff shortage (50%), lack of protocols (40%).
  • Authors: Alharbi AA, Alharbi AA, Alharbi AA et al.

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Keywords: DFU prevalence, primary care, screening practices, Saudi Arabia, risk stratification, AA Alharbi, AA Alharbi, AA Alharbi