Bacillus subtilis-derived-exopolysaccharide halts depigmentation and autoimmunity in vitiligo.

Vitiligo has a complex multifactorial etiology involving a T-cell mediated autoimmune response to cutaneous melanocytes. Microbial dysbiosis has been assigned a contributing role in vitiligo etiology. Treating vitiligo can be a challenging task and finding novel treatment approaches is crucial.

Establishing Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery in a Developing Country: A Five-Year Experience at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Pakistan.

Background The adoption of minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) has increased over the past 25 to 30 years, driven by advancements in technology and a growing understanding of its benefits. This study evaluates the outcomes of 144 elective MICS procedures performed between January 2019 and September 2024. Methods Patients underwent various surgical approaches, including upper mini-sternotomy, mini-thoracotomy, and sub-xiphoid access.

Short-Term Surgical Outcomes and Definitive Diagnosis in Patients With Congenital Cardiac Defects: A Single-Center Analysis.

Background With the rising number of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) reaching adulthood, surgical intervention has become a critical aspect of their long-term management. This study presents a six-year overview of early postoperative outcomes and mortality in CHD surgeries at a single center, underscoring advancements and challenges in treating this complex population. Objective As more children with CHD grow into adulthood, we are gaining critical insights from our extensive experience in performing cardiac surgery for this population.

Reliability of the documented blood group in motor vehicle driving license in Kerala, India - A public health concern?

Introduction: Blood groups documented in motor vehicle driving licenses can provide quick information during emergency transfusion requirements and imbibe self-awareness about one's blood group. The tendency of applicants to mention blood groups without verification during the application may result in incorrect documentation of blood groups in their driving license. The study aims to assess the reliability of the blood groups in driving licenses and their association with sociodemographic variables.

Aortic Root Pathologies and Surgical Management: Insights From a Single Surgeon's Experience.

Introduction and objectives The Bentall procedure is a surgical technique designed to address aortic root abnormalities, including issues with the aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aortic disease. This study aimed to assess the short-term outcomes of 39 patients who underwent the Bentall and concomitant procedures: aortic root enlargement, personalized external aortic root support (PEARS), and Mini-Bentall procedures at a single center. Methodology We conducted a retrospective study involving 39 patients who underwent surgery for aortic root pathologies such as dissection, Marfan syndrome (MFS), bicuspid aortic valve, degenerative disease, and atherosclerosis at our hospital between January 2019 and September 2024.

Comparison of the Outcomes of Aortic Valve Replacements (AVRs) Performed via Conventional Full Sternotomy and Upper Mini Sternotomy: Our Experience at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Pakistan.

Introduction Aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis is a commonly performed procedure, yielding excellent long-term outcomes. Comparing a mini sternotomy with a conventional sternotomy is essential to evaluate less invasive options that can improve patient recovery and reduce postoperative complications. This insight supports surgical decision-making for better AVR patient outcomes.

In Vitro Evaluation of Iraqi Kurdistan Tomato Accessions Under Drought Stress Conditions Using Polyethylene Glycol-6000.

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect plant growth and productivity, and plant stress responses are affected by both the intensity of stress and genotype. In Iraqi Kurdistan, tomato plants play a significant role in the country's economy. Due to climate change, which causes soil moisture to diminish, the crop's growth and yield have been dropping in recent years.

Atrophic facial acne scars; bilateral comparison of two microneedle devices.

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure using fine needles to puncture the skin.The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy as well as the histological effects of dermaroller versus dermapen in the management of post-acne atrophic scars.The study was conducted on 10 patients with post-acne atrophic scars.

Quantitative analysis of patient motion in walk-through PET scanner and standard axial field of view pet scanner using infrared-based tracking.

Background: Long-axial field-of-view (LAFOV) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners provide high sensitivity, but throughput is limited because of time-consuming patient positioning. To enhance throughput, a novel Walk-Through PET (WT-PET) scanner has been developed, allowing patients to stand upright, supported by an adjustable headrest and hand supports. This study evaluates the degree of motion in the WT-PET system and compares it with the standard PET-CT.

Development and characterization of HPMC/NaAlg-CuO bio-nanocomposites: Enhanced optical, electrical, and antibacterial properties for sustainable packaging applications.

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) were incorporated into a hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPMC) and sodium alginate (NaAlg) matrix through a casting method to create bio-nanocomposite films. XRD analysis confirmed the semi-crystalline nature of the HPMC/NaAlg matrix, with a broad peak at 2θ = 21.22°, which decreased in intensity as CuO concentration increased, indicating a shift towards an amorphous structure.

Partial Sacrectomy With Lumbopelvic Fixation for Sacral Giant Cell Tumor: Emphasizing Optimal Neuro-Oncological Outcomes.

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) of bone are classified as intermediate malignant tumors with a significant potential for local infiltration. Despite their benign histopathological appearance, these tumors exhibit extreme local aggression. The sacrum is the most commonly affected spinal region, followed by the lumbar, cervical, and thoracic regions.

Roles of and Genes Expression in Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a heterogeneous molecular profile, clinical presentations, and response to treatments and outcomes. DNA methylation is conducted by DNA methyltransferases including DNMT3B. Poly ADP-ribose polymerase 1 belongs to a family of enzymes that mediate important cellular processes including DNA repair, transcription, and cell death/cell proliferation, and it is involved in the development, spread, treatment, and prognosis of some cancers.

Economic evaluation of acupuncture in treating patients with pain and mental health concerns: the results of the Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact have heightened the risk of mental health and pain-related issues. The integration of acupuncture with conventional medicine shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for these conditions. The Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project (ABCHIP) aimed to provide acupuncture to youth (aged 24 and under) and seniors (aged 55 and above) experiencing chronic pain, pain management issues, mental health issues, and/or related conditions.

Sulforaphane substantially impedes testicular ferroptosis in adult rats exposed to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate through activation of NRF-2/SLC7A11/GPX-4 trajectory.

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer with a deleterious impact on testicular functionality and male fertility. Growing evidence implicates ferroptosis as one of the plausible mechanisms for DEHP-induced testicular injury. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate displaying beneficial effects on testicular injury in several animal models.

Identification of Genes Reveals Their Network's Involvement in the Modulation of Seed Abortion via Responding Multi-Hormone Signals in Grapevines.

The formation of seedless traits is regulated by multiple factors. AGLs, which belong to the MADS-box family, were reported to be important regulators in this process; however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we identified the VvAGL sub-family genes during the seed abortion process in seedless grapevine cv.

Altered functional brain connectivity, efficiency, and information flow associated with brain fog after mild to moderate COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 is associated with increased risk for cognitive decline but very little is known regarding the neural mechanisms of this risk. We enrolled 49 adults (55% female, mean age = 30.7 ± 8.

Gamify4LexAmb: a gamification-based approach to address lexical ambiguity in natural language requirements.

Ambiguity is a common challenge in specifying natural language (NL) requirements. One of the reasons for the occurrence of ambiguity in software requirements is the lack of user involvement in requirements elicitation and inspection phases. Even if they get involved, it is hard for them to understand the context of the system, and ultimately unable to provide requirements correctly due to a lack of interest.

Rare Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome in an Eight-Year-Old Girl With Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: A Case Report.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic vasculitis characterized by palpable purpura, arthralgia or arthritis, GI symptoms, and renal involvement. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, a rare condition, occurs when the third part of the duodenum is compressed between the aorta and the SMA, leading to upper intestinal obstruction. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, and management of an eight-year-old girl with HSP complicated by SMA syndrome.

Electrochemical conversion of CO using metalorganic frameworks-based materials: A review on recent progresses and outlooks.

Global warming has been mainly attributed to the excessive release of carbon dioxide (CO) to the atmosphere. Several CO capture and conversion technologies have been developed in the past few decades with their own merits and limitations. Electrochemical conversion of CO is one of the most attractive techniques for combating CO emissions.

Nutritional status and extended metabolic screening in Egyptian children with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes.

Nutritional status assessment, including amino acids, carnitine, and acylcarnitine profile, is an important component of diabetes care management, influencing growth and metabolic regulation. A designed case-control research included 100 Egyptian participants (50 T1DM and 50 healthy controls) aged 6 to 18 years old. The participants' nutritional status was assessed using the Body Mass Index (BMI) Z-score.

Evaluation of orthobiological ozonized platelet-rich plasma therapy post-arthroscopic suturing and lone partial meniscectomy in the treatment of meniscal tears within degenerative knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Knee joint osteoarthritis (OA)-related meniscal tears are still sometimes treated in centers by arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM), which is then followed by a solitary physical therapy regimen.

Objective: The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of intra-articular injection of ozonized platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid following arthroscopic suturing, and APM to treat meniscal tear degenerative type.

Methods: In a randomized trial of prospective comparative research, 104 patients, all of whom had meniscal tears due to OA of the knee, were randomly divided into two groups.

Evaluation of a novel virtual reality Immersive Clinical Experience to enhance medical education curriculum.

Medical students often find the transition to clerkship challenging and stressful. The use of virtual reality (VR) technologies such as screen-based learning, 360-video and immersive VR using head-mount-devices is becoming more utilized in medical education. Immersive technologies in particular have been shown to lead to greater enthusiasm and provide higher knowledge gain for students compared to screen-based VR.