Gender disparities in adult patients undergoing emergency appendicectomy: A comparative analysis.

Background: Emergency appendicectomy (EA) is a common procedure, yet few studies have focused on gender differences in these patients. This study aims to evaluate the demographics, preoperative investigations, intraoperative findings, and clinical outcomes between males and females undergoing EA.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted across four hospitals involving patients who underwent EA between August 2018 and November 2025.

"Pink power"-the importance of coralline algal beds in the oceanic carbon cycle.

Current evidence suggests that macroalgal-dominated habitats are important contributors to the oceanic carbon cycle, though the role of those formed by calcifiers remains controversial. Globally distributed coralline algal beds, built by pink coloured rhodoliths and maerl, cover extensive coastal shelf areas of the planet, but scarce information on their productivity, net carbon flux dynamics and carbonate deposits hampers assessing their contribution to the overall oceanic carbon cycle. Here, our data, covering large bathymetrical (2-51 m) and geographical ranges (53°N-27°S), show that coralline algal beds are highly productive habitats that can express substantial carbon uptake rates (28-1347 g C m day), which vary in function of light availability and species composition and exceed reported estimates for other major macroalgal habitats.

Benthic and fish community composition on mesophotic reefs in Grand Cayman.

Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs) represent unique ecological habitats that range from 30 to 150 m deep, harbouring phylogenetically distinct species and offering refuge for many taxa during times of environmental stress. Yet owing to inaccessibility of ecosystems at these depths, most MCEs remain unexplored, with quantifications of ecological communities in these habitats lacking across many regions. Here, using open- and closed-circuit technical diving, we quantified benthic and fish community composition at four mesophotic reef sites (45 m depth) in Grand Cayman.

Quality assessment of online patient information on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using the modified Ensuring Quality Information for Patients tool.

Introduction: Websites and online resources are increasingly becoming patients' main source of healthcare information. It is paramount that high quality information is available online to enhance patient education and improve clinical outcomes. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is the gold standard investigation for UGI symptoms and yet little is known regarding the quality of patient orientated websites.

Impact of dexamethasone in severe COVID-19-induced acute kidney injury: a multicenter cohort study.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with severe COVID-19 is common (> 50%). A specific inflammatory process has been suggested in the pathogenesis of AKI, which could be improved by dexamethasone (DXM). In a small monocenter study (n = 100 patients), we reported a potential protective effect of DXM on the risk of AKI.

Homeostasis, injury, and recovery dynamics at multiple scales in a self-organizing mouse intestinal crypt.

The maintenance of the functional integrity of the intestinal epithelium requires a tight coordination between cell production, migration, and shedding along the crypt-villus axis. Dysregulation of these processes may result in loss of the intestinal barrier and disease. With the aim of generating a more complete and integrated understanding of how the epithelium maintains homeostasis and recovers after injury, we have built a multi-scale agent-based model (ABM) of the mouse intestinal epithelium.

Haemoglobin trajectories in chronic kidney disease and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Background: The trajectories of haemoglobin in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been poorly described. In such patients, we aimed to identify typical haemoglobin trajectory profiles and estimate their risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods: We used 5-year longitudinal data from the CKD-REIN cohort patients with moderate to severe CKD enrolled from 40 nationally representative nephrology clinics in France.

Physiological Indirect Response Model to Omics-Powered Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model.

Over the past several decades, mathematical modeling has been applied to increasingly wider scopes of questions in drug development. Accordingly, the range of modeling tools has also been evolving, as showcased by contributions of Jusko and colleagues: from basic pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) modeling to today's platform-based approach of quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) modeling. Aimed at understanding the mechanism of action of investigational drugs, QSP models characterize systemic effects by incorporating information about cellular signaling networks, which is often represented by omics data.

A dynamic model of the intestinal epithelium integrates multiple sources of preclinical data and enables clinical translation of drug-induced toxicity.

We have built a quantitative systems toxicology modeling framework focused on the early prediction of oncotherapeutic-induced clinical intestinal adverse effects. The model describes stem and progenitor cell dynamics in the small intestinal epithelium and integrates heterogeneous epithelial-related processes, such as transcriptional profiles, citrulline kinetics, and probability of diarrhea. We fitted a mouse-specific version of the model to quantify doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced toxicity, which included pharmacokinetics and 5-FU metabolism and assumed that both drugs led to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in stem cells and proliferative progenitors.

Levelling-up rhodolith-bed science to address global-scale conservation challenges.

Global marine conservation remains fractured by an imbalance in research efforts and policy actions, limiting progression towards sustainability. Rhodolith beds represent a prime example, as they have ecological importance on a global scale, provide a wealth of ecosystem functions and services, including biodiversity provision and potential climate change mitigation, but remain disproportionately understudied, compared to other coastal ecosystems (tropical coral reefs, kelp forests, mangroves, seagrasses). Although rhodolith beds have gained some recognition, as important and sensitive habitats at national/regional levels during the last decade, there is still a notable lack of information and, consequently, specific conservation efforts.

Laparoscopic large hiatus hernia repair with mesh reinforcement versus suture cruroplasty alone: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: To compare the difference in outcomes in laparoscopic large hiatus hernia (LHH) repair using suture-based and mesh-based repair techniques.

Methods: A systematic search of articles was conducted in PubMed, Medline and Embase using the PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing recurrences and reoperations in those patients with large hiatal hernia repair (> 30% stomach in the chest, > 5 cm hiatal defect, hiatal surface area > 10 cm) who had mesh vs no mesh were assessed quantitatively.

Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of a Turf-Forming Cosmopolitan Marine Alga, (Gelidiales, Rhodo-Phyta).

Cosmopolitan species are rare in red algae, which have a low-dispersal capacity unless they are dispersed by human-mediated introductions. , a turf-forming red alga, has a widespread distribution in tropical and temperate waters. To decipher the genetic diversity and phylogeography of , we analyzed mitochondrial COI-5P and plastid L sequences from collections in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of patients with oesophagogastric cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: national study.

Background: The national response to COVID-19 has had a significant impact on cancer services. This study investigated the effect of national lockdown on diagnosis, management, and outcomes of patients with oesophagogastric cancers in Scotland.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive new patients presenting to regional oesophagogastric cancer multidisciplinary teams in National Health Service Scotland between October 2019 and September 2020.

A high-throughput multispectral imaging system for museum specimens.

We present an economical imaging system with integrated hardware and software to capture multispectral images of Lepidoptera with high efficiency. This method facilitates the comparison of colors and shapes among species at fine and broad taxonomic scales and may be adapted for other insect orders with greater three-dimensionality. Our system can image both the dorsal and ventral sides of pinned specimens.

Five-Year Symptom Trajectories in Nondialysis-Dependent CKD Patients.

Background And Objectives: Late stages of CKD are characterized by significant symptom burden. This study aimed to identify subgroups within the 5-year trajectories of symptom evolution in patients with CKD and to describe associated patient characteristics and outcomes.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: Among 2787 participants (66% men) with eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.

Is accuracy of estimated fetal weight improved by better image quality scores?

Objective: To assess in a group of ultrasound operators of various levels of experience the predictive value of systematic quality scoring to assess estimated fetal weight (EFW) validity.

Methods: Screenshots, sonographer experience, and neonate birth weight were collected for 131 ultrasound examinations in the 7 days before birth. The difference (EFW error) between projected birth weight (EFW + [30 g × interval in days to birth]) and actual birth weight was then assessed (absolute value).

Effects of Adaptive Servo-Ventilation on Nocturnal Ventricular Arrhythmia in Heart Failure Patients With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Central Sleep Apnea-An Analysis From the SERVE-HF Major Substudy.

Background: The SERVE-HF trial investigated the effect of treating central sleep apnoea (CSA) with adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Objective: The aim of the present ancillary analysis of the SERVE-HF major substudy (NCT01164592) was to assess the effects of ASV on the burden of nocturnal ventricular arrhythmias as one possible mechanism for sudden cardiac death in ASV-treated patients with HFrEF and CSA.

Methods: Three hundred twelve patients were randomized in the SERVE-HF major substudy [no treatment of CSA (control) vs.

Ancient Tethyan Vicariance and Long-Distance Dispersal Drive Global Diversification and Cryptic Speciation in the Red Seaweed .

We investigated the globally distributed red algal genus , comprising 24 described species, many of which are economically important sources of agar and agarose. We used DNA-based species delimitation approaches, phylogenetic, and historical biogeographical analyses to uncover cryptic diversity and infer the drivers of biogeographic patterns. We delimited 43 species in , of which 19 are undescribed.

Muscle cells of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients secrete neurotoxic vesicles.

Background: The cause of the motor neuron (MN) death that drives terminal pathology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains unknown, and it is thought that the cellular environment of the MN may play a key role in MN survival. Several lines of evidence implicate vesicles in ALS, including that extracellular vesicles may carry toxic elements from astrocytes towards MNs, and that pathological proteins have been identified in circulating extracellular vesicles of sporadic ALS patients. Because MN degeneration at the neuromuscular junction is a feature of ALS, and muscle is a vesicle-secretory tissue, we hypothesized that muscle vesicles may be involved in ALS pathology.

Exosomes in Ageing and Motor Neurone Disease: Biogenesis, Uptake Mechanisms, Modifications in Disease and Uses in the Development of Biomarkers and Therapeutics.

Intercellular communication between neurons and their surrounding cells occurs through the secretion of soluble molecules or release of vesicles such as exosomes into the extracellular space, participating in brain homeostasis. Under neuro-degenerative conditions associated with ageing, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, exosomes are suspected to propagate toxic proteins. The topic of this review is the role of exosomes in ageing conditions and more specifically in ALS.