Co-Exposure to Polystyrene Microplastics and Bisphenol A Contributes to the Formation of Liver Fibrosis in Mice through Inhibition of the BMAL1/E-Cad Signaling Pathway.

The food safety risks posed by exposure to polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) and bisphenol A (BPA) have become an issue worldwide. However, the toxic effects of PS-MPs and BPA coexposure on the mammalian liver remain elusive. In this study, we found that PS-MPs and BPA coexposure have synergistic toxic effects on AML12 cells and the mouse liver.

NR1D1 activation alleviates inflammatory response through inhibition of IL-6 expression in bovine endometrial epithelial cells.

Endometritis, an inflammatory disease affecting dairy cattle, causes substantial economic losses in the dairy industry. Conventional treatment using uterine infusion of antibiotics often results in bacterial resistance and antibiotic residues in milk. Thus, identifying novel, effective therapeutic targets for endometritis in dairy cows is necessary.

Outcomes of graft angiography with distal radial access: a retrospective cohort study.

This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the outcomes of graft angiography using these two approaches. Medical records and angiographic data of adult patients who underwent graft angiography between January 2020 and December 2022 were analyzed. The study included 452 patients in the distal radial access (DRA) group and 960 patients in the femoral access group.

Exploring the experiences of content experts with item vetting during item bank development.

Objective: To explore content experts' experiences with item vetting during item bank development at a public sector medical university of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Methods: An exploratory study was carried out from December 2022 to February 2023 at a public sector medical college of Rawalpindi. A purposive sampling technique was employed to collect data from all content experts of the study institute who participated in item vetting activity during pre-exam moderation in the university.

Survivability and behavior of probiotic bacteria encapsulated by internal gelation in non-dairy matrix and In Vitro GIT conditions.

The primary objective of this investigation was to assess the viability of free and encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum probiotics in mango juice and under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Specifically, the probiotics were encapsulated using sodium alginate and alginate-soy protein isolate through the internal gelation method, and the obtained probiotics were characterized for various attributes. Both free and encapsulated probiotics were exposed to challenging conditions, including thermal stress, low temperature, and simulated gastrointestinal conditions.

Investigating the internal structure of multiple mini interviews-A perspective from Pakistan.

Background: Healthcare professionals require many personal attributes in addition to cognitive abilities and psychomotor skills for competent practice. Multiple Mini- Interviews are being employed globally to assess personality attributes of candidates for selection in health professions education at all level of entry; these attributes are namely, communication skills, critical thinking, honesty, responsibility, health advocacy, empathy and sanctity of life. Considering the high stakes involved for students, faculty, institutions and the society, rigorous quality assurance mechanisms similar to those used for student assessment must be employed for student selection, throughout the continuum of medical education.

Incidence of Weaning Failure in Obese Patients in Intensive Care Unit.

Background The escalating prevalence of obesity worldwide presents unique challenges in critical care management, especially in the context of mechanical ventilation and weaning processes in intensive care units (ICUs). The present study aimed to determine the incidence of weaning failure in obese patients in an ICU. Methods A prospective observational study was carried out to gather data on patients in the ICU of Shifa International Hospital located in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Transforming professional identity of medical teachers in Pakistan by a certificate program in health professions education: a thematic analysis of reflective essays.

Introduction: A teacher's professional identity development is a dynamic and continuous process that requires rigorous, longitudinal, faculty development initiatives which are designed to work on individual professional growth. Impact of such programs must be evaluated by qualitative means to identify the process of change; The purpose of our study was to investigate whether and how our thoughtfully designed 6-month certificate program has transformed the professional identity of medical teachers.

Methods: The study was conducted in National University of Medical Sciences, Pakistan using thematic analysis, wherein a weekly task of guided reflective writing, on Moodle, was given.

A Case Report of Paralysis and Respiratory Difficulty in a Patient With a Recent History of Complicated Pregnancy - An Uncommon Expression of Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis.

Renal tubular acidosis type 1 (RTA-1) is a disorder where kidneys are unable to acidify urine, which ultimately results in normal anion gap metabolic acidosis. Its initial presentations and subsequent clinical manifestations can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the disease. We report a case of a 26-year-old female with a recent history of complicated pregnancy.

Evaluation of autochthonous subsp. strain as a candidate starter culture in white-brined cheese.

Unlabelled: subsp. NCCB100539 isolated from an artisanal raw ewe's milk cheese was evaluated as a potential starter culture in white-brined cheese. As a safety criteria, the cytotoxicity of the viable and heat-killed cells and CFE of this strain were determined on Caco-2 cell line by MTT assay.

Mortality and mode of dialysis: meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: The global use of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) has increased, mirroring the incidence of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Despite its growing clinical usage, patient outcomes with KRT modalities remain controversial. In this meta-analysis, we sought to compare the mortality outcomes of patients with any kidney disease requiring peritoneal dialysis (PD), hemodialysis (HD), or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

An alternative processing approach to increase CD138 intensity in flow cytometric analysis of plasma cells.

Background: Surface median immunofluorescence intensity (MFI) of plasma cells antigens, particularly CD138, by flow cytometry underestimates plasma cell populations when compared with that estimated by morphological assessment on Wright's-stained slides. CD138 MFI using traditional sample preparation methods for flow cytometric analysis is often dim and difficult to interpret due to multiple factors. This becomes critical when diagnosing and accurately classifying plasma cell dyscrasias.

Digital Pathology: Transforming Diagnosis in the Digital Age.

In the context of rapid technological advancements, the narrative review titled "Digital Pathology: Transforming Diagnosis in the Digital Age" explores the significant impact of digital pathology in reshaping diagnostic approaches. This review delves into the various effects of the field, including remote consultations and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted analysis, revealing the ongoing transformation taking place. The investigation explores the process of digitizing traditional glass slides, which aims to improve accessibility and facilitate sharing.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Long COVID Syndrome: Exploring the Distinct Tissue and Organ Pathologies Linked to Prolonged COVID-19 Symptoms.

The ongoing battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has encountered a complex aspect with the emergence of long COVID syndrome. There has been a growing prevalence of COVID-19-affected individuals experiencing persistent and diverse symptoms that extend beyond the initial infection phase. The phenomenon known as long COVID syndrome raises significant questions about the underlying mechanisms driving these enduring symptoms.

Gelatinous Pleural Effusion: A Diagnostic Challenge for Pleural Mesothelioma in an 80-Year-Old Man.

BACKGROUND Gelatinous pleural effusion, due to raised hyaluronic acid, can be associated with pleural infection and malignancies, such as tuberculosis, metastatic pleural disease, and mesothelioma. This report is of an 80-year-old man presenting with a gelatinous pleural effusion and diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma. CASE REPORT An 80-year-old man with diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, metastatic prostate cancer, 30-pack-year smoking history, and 5-year history of asbestos exposure (during his 30s), presented with a 4-week history of breathlessness and was found to have right-sided pleural effusion.

Postmortem diagnosis of very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency in a neonate with sudden cardiac death.

Very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency is an autosomal recessive long chain fatty acid β-oxidation disorder with a variable clinical spectrum, ranging from an acute neonatal presentation with cardiac and hepatic failure to childhood or adult onset of symptoms with hepatomegaly or rhabdomyolysis provoked by illness or exertion. Neonatal cardiac arrest or sudden unexpected death can be the presenting phenotype in some patients, emphasizing the importance of early clinical suspicion and intervention. We report a patient who had a cardiac arrest and died at one day of age.

Metabolic profiles of Weissella spp. postbiotics with anti-microbial and anti-oxidant effects.

Introduction: This present study aimed to isolate beneficial bacteria from honey bee pollen microbiota and to investigate the metabolite profiles of postbiotics exhibiting anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties.

Methodology: Pour plate technique was used to isolate bacteria from honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) pollen samples.

Biocontrol potential of Apilactobacillus kunkeei EIR/BG-1 against infectious diseases in honey bees (Apis mellifera L.).

The significant reduction of honey bee colonies due to the various infectious agents highlights the need for the development of new alternatives and integrated management strategies to keep a hive strong and healthy. The main purpose of this study was to develop an environmentally and friendly microbial feed supplements to prevent honey bee mortality and keep the bee colony population healthy and productive. For this aim, Apilactobacillus kunkeei EIR/BG-1 isolated from honey bee gut microbiota was evaluated for its preventive role against American Foulbrood disease and nosemosis.

Analysis of Chemical Structure and Antibiofilm Properties of Exopolysaccharides from EIR/IF-1 Postbiotics.

Previous studies have indicated that the exopolysaccharides of lactic acid bacteria exhibit antibiofilm activity against non-oral bacteria by preventing their initial adhesion to surfaces and by downregulating the expression of genes responsible for their biofilm formation. The aims of this study were to (1) characterize the exopolysaccharides (EPSs) of EIR/IF-1 postbiotics, (2) test their antibiofilm effect on dual biofilms, and (3) evaluate their bacterial auto-aggregation, co-aggregation, and hydrocarbon-binding inhibitory activity. The EPSs were characterized by FTIR, HPLC, and thermogravimetric analysis.

Understanding the Airbnb user continuation intention: The moderating role of perceived risk.

This study evaluates the relationship between diversified relationships established under the umbrella of the Stimuli-Organism-Response (SOR) framework to study the consumer continuation intention of the Airbnb platform from a Malaysian perspective. A web-based survey was conducted among Malaysian Airbnb consumers, and a sample of 303 respondents was obtained. SmartPLS has been used for data analysis.

Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders among cricketers playing in domestic clubs of Lahore.

Objective: To assess musculoskeletal disorders among male cricketers in an urban centre.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2020 in Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised male cricket players aged 10-25 years playing in four domestic clubs. Data was collected about musculoskeletal disorders experienced during the preceding 12 months using the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

Xenogenic Neural Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Nanovesicles Modulate Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate and Reconstruct Metabolomic Structure.

Extracellular nanovesicles, particularly exosomes, can deliver their diverse bioactive biomolecular content, including miRNAs, proteins, and lipids, thus providing a context for investigating the capability of exosomes to induce stem cells toward lineage-specific cells and tissue regeneration. In this study, it is demonstrated that rat subventricular zone neural stem cell-derived exosomes (rSVZ-NSCExo) can control neural-lineage specification of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Microarray analysis shows that the miRNA content of rSVZ-NSCExo is a faithful representation of rSVZ tissue.

The role of microbiota-derived postbiotic mediators on biofilm formation and quorum sensing-mediated virulence of Streptococcus mutans: A perspective on preventing dental caries.

Dental caries is not only one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, but also a public health problem, undoubtedly. Among the various species of cariogenic bacteria, Streptococcus mutans is considered to be the major etiological pathogen of dental caries. The present study aimed to assess the influence of microbiota-derived postbiotic mediators (PMs) on the pathogenesis of dental caries.

Synthesis of Silica-Based Boron-Incorporated Collagen/Human Hair Keratin Hybrid Cryogels with the Potential Bone Formation Capability.

Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have evolved into a different concept, the so-called clinical tissue engineering. Within this context, the synthesis of next-generation inorganic-organic hybrid constructs without the use of chemical crosslinkers emerges with a great potential for treating bone defects. Here, we propose a sophisticated approach for synthesizing cost-effective boron (B)- and silicon (Si)-incorporated collagen/hair keratin (B-Si-Col-HK) cryogels with the help of sol-gel reactions.

Using Pensieve: Guiding and Evaluating a Learning Session on Reflections.

The objectives of this study were to guide students on reflective essay writing, evaluate their understanding and explore the immediate impact of a well-designed session on learning of students. A 1.5-hour learning session was designed following Gagne's nine events of instruction and conducted on final year MBBS students to guide them on reflective practice and its significance.