Pattern and Frequency of Congenital Heart Defects Among Infants of Diabetic Mothers.

Background Maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known risk factor for congenital heart diseases (CHDs), which are of significant concern to infants born to diabetic mothers. Compared to newborns born to non-diabetic mothers, infants born to diabetic mothers had a higher overall risk of developing congenital malformations. This association has a complex pathophysiology that includes genetic predispositions, metabolic abnormalities, and environmental factors during key stages of fetal development.

Lipid Accumulation Product Outperforms BMI and Waist Circumference in Metabolic Disorders.

Obesity is a global health issue intricately linked to metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Anthropometric indices, particularly those measuring central obesity, have emerged as more reliable predictors of these metabolic disorders than general obesity indices such as body mass index (BMI). However, the relative predictive power of these indices remains debated, particularly across sexes.

Comparative Analysis of In Vitro Pumps Used in Cardiovascular Investigations: Focus on Flow Generation Principles and Characteristics of Generated Flows.

A comprehensive analysis of in vitro pumps used in cardiovascular research is provided in this review, with a focus on the characteristics of generated flows and principles of flow generations. The cardiovascular system, vital for nutrient circulation and waste removal, generates complex hemodynamics critical for endothelial cell function. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) could be caused by the disturbances in these flows, including aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and heart defects.

Bacterial Superinfections in Critically Ill Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: There is a considerable gap in the current evidence concerning the prevalence of superinfections among critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: We sought to determine the prevalence of bacterial superinfections following the initiation of antibiotic therapy in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: A retrospective observational study that included patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 24 hours and received empirical antibiotic therapy.

Analysis of Candidate miRNAs' Expression in Pancreatic Cancer.

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Despite advances in molecular diagnostics, PC diagnosis relies on imaging technologies and morphological assessment of fine needle aspirates (FNAs). MicroRNA (miRNA) involvement in PC pathogenesis and potential diagnostics application have been suggested, albeit current supporting evidence is lacking.

Comparing Two Peanut Desensitization Protocols in Preschool Children: A Real-World Clinical Practice.

Introduction: Peanut allergy is the main food allergy in childhood and poses significant health concerns. This study aimed to critically evaluate the effectiveness and safety of oral immune therapy (OIT) using crushed peanuts versus peanut puffs.

Methods: Children with an allergist diagnosed peanut allergy based on a history of an IgE-mediated reaction and a positive skin prick test for peanuts were recruited at the Montreal Children's Hospital and the Children's Clinic located in Montreal.

The Gut Microbiome Advances Precision Medicine and Diagnostics for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

The gut microbiome emerges as an integral component of precision medicine because of its signature variability among individuals and its plasticity, which enables personalized therapeutic interventions, especially when integrated with other multiomics data. This promise is further fueled by advances in next-generation sequencing and metabolomics, which allow in-depth high-precision profiling of microbiome communities, their genetic contents, and secreted chemistry. This knowledge has advanced our understanding of our microbial partners, their interaction with cellular targets, and their implication in human conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Ingestion of marine debris in juvenile sea turtles in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Marine plastics and other debris constitute a major threat to many marine species. Over 12 million tons of plastics are estimated to reach the oceans annually, causing adverse effects on hundreds of marine species. The Arabian Gulf is a small, sub-tropical and semi-enclosed gulf with extreme environmental conditions with high potential to accumulate marine debris.

Analysis of Pancreatic Cancer Genetic Risk Factors in a Multi-Ethnic Population Sample.

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) has one of the highest mortality to incidence ratio of all cancers. Early identification of at-risk individuals should permit early diagnosis. Genome-wide association studies showed the association of several genetic variants with PC risk in multi-ethnic populations.

Traumatic vitreous hemorrhage and choroidal rupture after needleless Dermojet injection to the eyebrow.

Purpose: In this case report, we discuss a case of ocular insult following a needle-less Dermojet injection to the brow region.

Observations: Initial examination revealed pin-point sites of injector contact over the right brow, a dense temporal subconjunctival hemorrhage, a temporal area of commotio retinae, and a vitreous hemorrhage localized to the inferotemporal quadrant of the retina obscuring the view to the retina behind it. The potential for a concealed penetrating globe injury or retinal break was of significant concern.

A suprasellar Aerocele as a Complication of Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Case Report.

CSF leak-related pneumocephalus is a rare complication of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETSS) and has been reported in previous studies. We are presenting a rare case of subdural pneumocephalus, unassociated with CSF leak, that developed in the sellar and suprasellar regions. This complication was diagnosed in an adult male 1 week after the removal of a large tumor in the same site via ETSS.

Corymbiform syphilis: A rare dermatological presentation.

Syphilis is often referred to as the 'great imitator' due to its diverse clinical manifestations throughout its clinical stages and polymorphic nature. We report a case of a 24-year-old man-who-has-sex-with-men presenting with an atypical syphilitic rash on the trunk, with a corymbiform appearance. This case highlights the necessity for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for sexually transmitted infections, especially when there are skin manifestations of an uncertain nature.

Short term effectiveness of ustekinumab versus vedolizumab in Crohn's disease after failure of anti-TNF agents: An observational comparative study design with a Bayesian analysis.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) is a debilitating gastrointestinal disease with complex etiology. Although effective, recipients of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents may experience primary or secondary nonresponse, necessitating alternative treatments. This study is intended to compare the short-term effectiveness of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in treating CD after failure of multiple lines of anti-TNF therapy using real-world data.

Recurrent haemorrhagic venous infarct in a patient with sickle cell disease.

Cerebrovascular accidents are uncommon but devastating complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). Notably, cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is rarely reported in SCD and poses a therapeutic dilemma regarding anticoagulation. Herein, we describe a challenging case of a patient with sickle thalassaemia admitted to the hospital with recurrent haemorrhagic infarct secondary to cerebral sinus thrombosis.

Mapping a sustainable approach: biosynthesis of lactobacilli-silver nanocomposites using whey-based medium for antimicrobial and bioactivity applications.

This study explores a sustainable approach for synthesizing silver nanocomposites (AgNCs) with enhanced antimicrobial and bioactivity using safe Lactobacillus strains and a whey-based medium (WBM). WBM effectively supported the growth of Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactobacillus acidophilus, triggering a stress response that led to AgNCs formation. The synthesized AgNCs were characterized using advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as UV‒visible, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, transmission electron (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-Edx).

Synthesis of a Family of Pd(II) Complexes Using Pyridyl-Ketone Ligands: Crystal Structure, Thermal, Physicochemical, XRD/HSA, Docking, and Heck Reaction Application.

Four Pd(II) complexes, (dpk)PdCl (complex-1), and (dpk)Pd(OAc) (complex-2) have been prepared using di(2-pyridyl) ketone as the chelate ligand (dpk). The (dpk·EtOH)PdCl (complex-3) and (dpk·EtOH)Pd(OAc) (complex-4) were synthesized by selectively introducing complex-1 and complex-2 to an EtOH in situ nucleophilic addition reaction on the O=C of the dpk ligand, respectively. All complexes were characterized using CHN-EA, UV-vis, FT-IR, FAB-MS, EDX, TGA, and NMR physicochemical tools.

Effectiveness of Pre-Transplant Screening for High-Priority Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens on Pre-Engraftment Infections After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Objective: Owing to the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) and the high mortality rates associated with such bacterial infections post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), we investigated the MDRO colonization rate prior to transplantation using an active surveillance approach and determined its impact on subsequent infection during the pre-engraftment period.

Methods: A single-center observational study was conducted, and surveillance cultures from multiple body sites, including the rectum, nasal cavity, and groin, were performed at admission to determine MDRO colonization. Serological tests were used to detect certain viruses and toxoplasmosis before HSCT.

The influence of internally architected voids in the creation of high-strength, low-weight 3D-printed cobalt-chromium prototypes.

Background: The additive manufacturing technology made the topology optimization technique feasible. This technique can indefinitely reduce the weight of the printed items with a promising increase in the mechanical properties of that item.

Materials And Methods: In the current experimental study, 50 samples were fabricated for a 3-point bending test.

Gonococcal peritonitis: A case report and review of literature.

(Ng) is a major cause of morbidity among sexually active individuals, occasionally leading to serious complications if left untreated. We describe a case of gonococcal peritonitis as a rare complication of Ng infection in a woman presenting with acute abdomen and intestinal subacute occlusion. Due to the rarity of this clinical presentation, we review the scientific literature to identify best practices and inform guidelines.

The role of internal architecture in producing high-strength 3D printed cobalt-chromium objects.

Purpose: The objectives of the current study were to estimate the influence of self-reinforced hollow structures with a graded density on the dimensional accuracy, weight, and mechanical properties of Co-Cr objects printed with the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) technique.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-five dog-bone samples were manufactured to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of printing, weight, and tensile properties of DMLS printed Co-Cr. They were divided into Group 1 (control) (n = 5), Group 2, 3, and 4 with incorporated hollow structures based on (spherical, elliptical, and diamond) shapes; they were subdivided into subgroups (n = 5) according to the volumetric reduction (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%).