Structure and Properties of Poly(Ethylene-co-vinyl Acetate) Nanocomposites with Dual-Functionalized Dolomite Nanoparticles.

Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVAc) is a copolymer that consists of non-polar polyethylene (PE) and a polar polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) monomer. PEVAc has high elasticity and is resilient, making it suitable for a variety of applications. However, the tensile strength of this copolymer needs to be improved for specific applications that require enough strength to tolerate high external tension or stress.

Bilateral Middle Cerebellar Peduncle Infarction Presenting With Vertigo and Hearing Impairment Mimicking Peripheral Vestibulopathy.

Bilateral middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) infarction is a rare manifestation of ischemic stroke. We report a middle-aged male patient who presented with acute onset of vertigo, left ear deafness, and severe ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain confirmed the presence of infarction in the bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles due to stenosis of the posterior circulation arteries.

Midwife-led birthing centre in the humanitarian setup: An experience from the Rohingya camp, Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, Midwife Led Birthing Centres (MLBCs) have been established to provide midwifery care and sexual and reproductive health services for the displaced Rohingya population in Cox's Bazar. The aim of this study was to explore MLBCs in this humanitarian context from the perspectives of women, midwives, and other key stakeholders. A mixed-method case study was conducted at one of the MLBCs within the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.

"I can't make it safe, so I don't do it": Exploring obstetricians' views on barriers and enablers to promoting vaginal birth after caesarean section in Bangladesh.

The rise in the number of facility-based births in Bangladesh has been accompanied by a caesarean section (CS) epidemic. The current CS rate is 45% and while many are performed when medically unnecessary, there is still maternal mortality due to lack of access to CS. A significant contributor to the rising CS rates in Bangladesh is repeat CS.

Experience in implementing adolescent friendly health services in rural districts of Bangladesh.

The government of Bangladesh has initiated Adolescent Friendly Health Services (AFHS) at health facilities to improve access of adolescents to quality health care. This study aimed to document the AFHS program experiences and interventions implemented in four districts of Bangladesh. The study adopted review of literature, relevant project documents, research reports and analysis of secondary data on AFHS.

A preliminary biomechanical assessment and user perceptions of a motorized lifter for patient transfer.

A "no-lift" policy in healthcare discourages manual patient lifting to reduce worker injuries. This study explores modifications to a floor lift (NEAR-1) to align with this policy. NEAR-1 features a shorter lower lifting arm and a redesigned sling, enabling patients to (a) transfer in a sitting position, unlike a floor lift's semi-reclining position, and (b) feel more in control by removing the sling's rotational degree of freedom and letting the patient's feet rest on the lifter base.

Textural enhancement and glycemic potency reduction of sugarcane fiber-incorporated white bread with ascorbic acid and xanthan gum.

In this study, ascorbic acid (0.02 % w/w), xanthan (0.75 % or 1.

Saddle Pulmonary Embolism Following Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Rare Incidence.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition that occurs due to the blockage of the pulmonary artery by blood clots. The occurrence of PE after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is quite rare. Individuals with a history of PE have a high risk of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Psychosocial Impacts of Idiopathic Clubfoot on Parents and Children: A Scoping Review Protocol.

Background/objectives: Idiopathic clubfoot is a complex pediatric foot deformity. The Ponseti technique is widely regarded as the standard for correcting deformities, and treatment compliance is essential for preventing relapse. Examining psychosocial effects on parents and/or children during clubfoot treatment provides valuable insights for improving compliance.

Longitudinal bi-criteria framework for assessing national healthcare responses to pandemic outbreaks.

Pandemics like COVID-19 have illuminated the significant disparities in the performance of national healthcare systems (NHCSs) during rapidly evolving crises. The challenge of comparing NHCS performance has been a difficult topic in the literature. To address this gap, our study introduces a bi-criteria longitudinal algorithm that merges fuzzy clustering with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA).

The mineralocorticoid system, cardiometabolic health and its interplay with adipose tissue.

The mineralocorticoid system, comprising the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and associated receptors, is traditionally viewed as a regulator of sodium and fluid balance and blood pressure (BP), with the main mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone acting via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in distal renal tubules. Over the past few decades, there has been a wider understanding of the role of the mineralocorticoid system in regulating both classical BP-dependent and non-BP-dependent systemic effects. Mounting evidence indicates the novel role of the mineralocorticoid system in cardiometabolic health, with excess mineralocorticoid system activity being associated with adiposity, diabetes, insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases independent of its effect on BP, and RAAS blockade and MR antagonists offering protection against cardiometabolic dysfunction.

cRGD-Peptide Modified Covalent Organic Frameworks for Precision Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

This study presents the use of nanoscale covalent organic frameworks (nCOFs) conjugated with tumor-targeting peptides for the targeted therapy of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). While peptides have previously been used for targeted delivery, their conjugation with COFs represents an innovative approach in this field. In particular, we have developed alkyne-functionalized nCOFs chemically modified with cyclic RGD peptides (Alkyn-nCOF-cRGD).

Vascular Graft Infections: Updates on a Challenging Problem.

Vascular graft infections (VGI) pose a significant challenge in vascular surgery, characterized by substantial morbidity and mortality. This review delves into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, microbiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation of VGI. It highlights diagnostic criteria and methodologies, including imaging techniques and laboratory tests.

An Uncommon Presentation of Eagle Syndrome in a Primary Care Patient with Chronic Neck Pain: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Eagle syndrome is an uncommon medical illness that can manifest as neck pain in primary care. It results from an abnormally unilateral or bilateral long styloid process that may compress and affect adjacent structures, which leads to the symptoms. Classical Eagle syndrome has been commonly reported, but this case highlights the uncommon involvement of autonomic nerve dysfunction.

Fallopian tube rheology regulates epithelial cell differentiation and function to enhance cilia formation and coordination.

The rheological properties of the extracellular fluid in the female reproductive tract vary spatiotemporally, however, the effect on the behaviour of epithelial cells that line the tract is unexplored. Here, we reveal that epithelial cells respond to the elevated viscosity of culture media by modulating their development and functionality to enhance cilia formation and coordination. Specifically, ciliation increases by 4-fold and cilia beating frequency decreases by 30% when cells are cultured at 100 mPa·s.

Intra-axial Cortical-Based Tumour Presented as Homonymous Hemianopia in a Young Patient: A Diagnostic Dilemma.

Intra-axial cortical-based tumours are rare tumours affecting children and young adults. These tumours can be classified as either low-grade or high-grade, depending on their aggressiveness and rate of growth. We report a case of homonymous hemianopia secondary to an intra-axial cortical-based tumour in a young patient.

Repeat laparoscopic liver resection after an initial open hepatectomy.

Background: Repeat open hepatectomy (ROH) for recurrent liver tumors is the preferred approach especially after initial open hepatectomy (OH). The aim of this study is to assess feasibility and safety of repeat laparoscopic hepatectomy (RLH) after initial OH in 2 high volume hepato-biliary hospitals.

Methods: Patients were retrieved from prospective data bases from 2012 to 2020.

Tunable Wettability of a Dual-Faced Covalent Organic Framework Membrane for Enhanced Water Filtration.

Membrane technology plays a central role in advancing separation processes, particularly in water treatment. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have transformative potential in this field due to their adjustable structures and robustness. However, conventional COF membrane synthesis methods are often associated with challenges, such as time-consuming processes and limited control over surface properties.

Efficacy of lifting devices for wheelchair transfers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

A high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) has been reported among nurses as a result of the injuries caused by patient transfer and handling. This review examines the impact of motorised and non-motorised lifting devices on reducing physical stress during wheelchair transfers among nurses. Systematic electronic database searches were performed, and the review was prepared according to the PRISMA guidelines.

Understanding The Mimicker: Epidemiological Pattern and Determinant of Melioidosis Mortality in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

Background: Melioidosis, a tropical infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is epidemic in most region in Southeast Asia with high case fatality. However, there is scanty information regarding the disease's epidemiological pattern, demographics, and underlying risk factors.

Method: This 5-year retrospective study of 185 confirmed cases which were taken from the Negeri Sembilan Melioidosis Registry between 2018 and 2022.

Bacterial community profiles within the water samples of leptospirosis outbreak areas.

Background: Leptospirosis is a water-related zoonotic disease. The disease is primarily transmitted from animals to humans through pathogenic bacteria in contaminated water and soil. Rivers have a critical role in transmissions, while co-infection potentials with other waterborne bacteria might increase the severity and death risk of the disease.