Evaluation of the success rate, prosthesis-related quality of life, and satisfaction in patients undergoing rehabilitation with an implant-supported auricular prosthesis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate, prosthesis-related quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction of patients undergoing rehabilitation with endosseous implants in the auricular region. This was a retrospective mixed cohort study involving 22 consecutive eligible patients (11 female, 11 male) with ear defects, treated during 1999-2019. The variables analysed were sex, age at the time of implant placement, date of last prosthesis delivery, level of education, aetiology of the deformity, and radiation history.

Comparison of the Effect of Active Video Games and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Executive Functions of the Elderly: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Objectives: Among the changes related to aging in the elderly, a decline in executive functions is notable. The present study aimed to investigate the comparative impact of active video games (AVG) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on executive functions in elderly individuals in Khuzestan province, Iran.

Methods: This research employed a randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design, including a control group and follow-up.

CRISPR-based gene editing in plants: Focus on reagents and their delivery tools.

Introduction: CRISPR-Cas9 technology has revolutionized plant genome editing, providing precise and efficient methods for genetic modification. This study focuses on the advancements and delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 in plant gene editing.

Methods: A comprehensive search in scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, was conducted to gather information on CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and its delivery in precise gene modification in plants.

Blood-brain-barrier-crossing lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery to the central nervous system.

The systemic delivery of mRNA molecules to the central nervous system is challenging as they need to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach into the brain. Here we design and synthesize 72 BBB-crossing lipids fabricated by conjugating BBB-crossing modules and amino lipids, and use them to assemble BBB-crossing lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Screening and structure optimization studies resulted in a lead formulation that has substantially higher mRNA delivery efficiency into the brain than those exhibited by FDA-approved lipid nanoparticles.

Enhancement effect of urea toward electroporation-mediated plasmid transfection efficiency in the HEK-293 cell line.

Background And Purpose: Intracellular delivery is crucial in biological and medical studies. Although many molecular tools have been created for cell-based gene therapies, it remains challenging to introduce external molecules into cells. As one of the most popular non-viral transfection methods, electroporation induces transient pores in the cell membrane by applying an external electric field.

Clinical Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy for Psychotic vs Nonpsychotic Depression: A Cohort Study.

Individuals experiencing major depression with psychotic features (MD-P) may respond better and have fewer cognitive effects with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) than those without psychotic features (MD-NP). However, this may be due to differences in patient characteristics aside from psychotic symptoms. The objectives of this study were to (1a) compare ECT treatment response and (1b) adverse cognitive effects between patients with MD-P and MD-NP and (2a) explore factors associated with treatment response or (2b) adverse cognitive effects.

Cliotide U1, a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Isolated From Leaves.

Aims: Antibiotic resistance is currently a major challenge to scientists. Thus, attempts have been made to develop new compounds with antimicrobial activity. In this research, a new antimicrobial peptide with antibacterial activity was isolated from the plant .

Colistin antibacterial activity, clinical effectiveness, and mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance.

Following a period of disuse owing to the emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, colistin has regained global attention as an antibiotic of last resort. The resurgence in its utilization has led to a concurrent increase in acquired resistance, presenting a significant challenge in clinical treatment. Predominantly, resistance mechanisms involve alterations in the lipid A component of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure.

In Vitro Assessment of Chitosan-PEG Hydrogels Enriched with MSCs-Exosomes for Enhancing Wound Healing.

Regenerating skin tissue remains a major challenge in medical science, especially due to the risk of scarring and prolonged healing, which becomes even more complicated in people with diabetes. Recent advancements have led to the creation of therapeutic dressings incorporating drug-delivery systems to tackle these issues. Exosomes (Exos) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained significant attention for mediating therapy without directly using cells, thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory and tissue repair properties mirroring those of MSCs.

Pharmacologic Management of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) in Older Adults.

There are several pharmacologic agents that have been touted as guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, it is important to recognize that older adults with HFpEF also contend with an increased risk for adverse effects from medications due to age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications, as well as the concurrence of geriatric conditions such as polypharmacy and frailty. With this review, we discuss the underlying evidence for the benefits of various treatments in HFpEF and incorporate key considerations for older adults, a subpopulation that may be at higher risk for adverse drug events.

Is Topical Tranexamic Acid Effective in Reducing Hematoma and Seroma in Breast Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Postoperative fluid-related complications, such as hematoma and seroma formation, are common concerns in breast surgery, adversely affecting surgical outcomes and patient recovery. Topical tranexamic acid (TXA) has emerged as a promising intervention to minimize bleeding while reducing systemic adverse effects linked to intravenous administration. However, evidence on the efficacy of topical TXA in breast surgery remains sparse.

Identification of rare and pathogenic TAL2 gene mutations in B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) using mutational screening and comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.

Background: Recent genomic research has identified several genetic factors contributing to B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, the exact cause of the disease is still not fully understood. It is known that mutations in the TAL2 gene play important roles in the development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

The reversible capillary field effect transistor: a capillaric element for autonomous flow switching.

New flow control elements in capillaric circuits are key to achieving ever more complex lab-on-a-chip functionality while maintaining their autonomous and easy-to-use nature. Capillary field effect transistors valves allow for flow in channels to be restricted and cut off utilising a high pressure triggering channel and occluding air bubble. The reversible capillary field effect transistor presented here provides a new element that can restore fluid flow in closed microchannels autonomous circuit feedback.

Effect of flipped classroom method on the reflection ability in nursing students in the professional ethics course; Solomon four-group design.

Background And Purpose: The purpose of reflection in the learning process is to create meaningful and deep learning. Considering the importance of emphasizing active and student-centered methods in learning and the necessity of learners' participation in the education process, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of flipped classroom teaching method on the amount of reflection ability in nursing students and the course of professional ethics.

Study Method: The current study is a quasi-experimental study using Solomon's four-group method.

Epidemiology of epiretinal membranes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in an Iranian elderly population.

Significance: Epidemiological information about the epiretinal membrane is important for better clinical management and understanding of the nature and burden of this disease. There are some gaps in our understanding of the epidemiology of epiretinal membranes, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of epiretinal membrane using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in an Iranian elderly population.

Topology-based protein classification: A deep learning approach.

Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in computational biology techniques could offer significant advantages in alleviating the growing workloads faced by structural biologists, especially with the emergence of big data. In this study, we employed Delaunay tessellation as a promising method to obtain the overall structural topology of proteins. Subsequently, we developed multi-class deep neural network models to classify protein superfamilies based on their local topology.

Evaluating prognosis and survival in patients with glioblastoma in contact with subventricular zone: Tumor location and its correlation with prognosis.

Background: To explore the altered malignant behavior, prognosis and survival of glioblastoma in contact with Subventricular Zone (SVZ) and independent predictors on patients' overall survival.

Method: The records of 131 patients with supratentorial primary glioblastoma who underwent surgery at our hospital between 2012 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The authors reviewed preoperative MRI images and divided patients into two groups: Glioblastoma not in contact with SVZ (G-SVZ) and glioblastoma in contact with SVZ (G + SVZ).

Changes in Medication Complexity and Post-Hospitalization Outcomes in Older Adults Hospitalized for Heart Failure.

Introduction: Medication regimen complexity may be an important risk factor for adverse outcomes in older adults with heart failure. However, increasing complexity is often necessary when prescribing guideline-directed medical therapy at the time of a heart failure hospitalization. We sought to determine whether increased medication regimen complexity following a heart failure hospitalization was associated with worse post-hospitalization outcomes.

Global prevalence of cataract surgery.

Purpose Of Review: The objective of this review article is to ascertain the global distribution of cataract surgery and evaluate the extent of its coverage in recent years.

Recent Findings: The cataract surgical rate (CSR) has been reported from 36 to 12 800 (per million population) across different countries. The average cataract surgical coverage (CSC) in the majority of countries was around 50% or lower.

Gross hematuria and placenta percreta: Report of two cases and literature review.

Placenta percreta, a rare variant of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders, poses a significant risk of life-threatening hemorrhage associated with the adherent placenta. Bladder involvement signifies an even rarer incidence and may sometimes present solely with gross hematuria. Therefore, it is imperative to consider both microscopic and gross hematuria during pregnancy as alarming signs.

Cytotoxic activity of silver nanoparticles prepared by eco-friendly synthesis using Lythrum salicaria extract on breast cancer cells.

Background: Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have widely been investigated due to their several applications in therapeutic activities. The current investigation highlights the cytotoxic effects of the eco-friendly phytosynthesis route for silver nanoparticles using Lythrum salicaria (L. salicaria) extract (AgNPs-LS).

Intravenous administration of blood-brain barrier-crossing conjugates facilitate biomacromolecule transport into central nervous system.

Delivery of biomacromolecules to the central nervous system (CNS) remains challenging because of the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We developed a BBB-crossing conjugate (BCC) system that facilitates delivery into the CNS through γ-secretase-mediated transcytosis. Intravenous administration of a BCC10-oligonucleotide conjugate demonstrated effective transportation of the oligonucleotide across the BBB and gene silencing in wild-type mice, human brain tissues and an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model.

Ceratonia siliqua L. pod Effects on Viability Gene Expression of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Isolated from Women with Endometriosis-Associated Infertility.

Background: This study aims to investigate the effects of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pod extract (CPE) on the viability of human endometrial mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (EnMSCs) and its impact on mRNA and protein expressions of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B), histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in endometriotic patients.

Materials And Methods: In this experimental study, EnMSCs were derived from endometrium of patients with ovarian endometrioma (OMA-EnMSCs group) and deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) samples of 10 endometriosisassociated infertility (EAI) women (E-EnMSCs group) and compared to EnMSCs derived from the endometrium of an endometriosis-free, normal woman as the control group (C-EnMSCs).

Comparative Effectiveness of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) Versus Traditional Treatment Modalities for Achalasia: A Systematic Review.

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absence of peristalsis, leading to significant swallowing difficulties and other symptoms. Traditional treatment options, including Heller myotomy (HM) and pneumatic dilation (PD), have been effective but are associated with risks such as perforation and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative, potentially offering several advantages over conventional methods.