Bioactive Functionalized Chitosan Thermo-Responsive Hydrogels as Promising Platforms for Therapeutic, Regenerative Oral, and Maxillofacial Applications.

Due to their superior physicochemical features, chitosan thermosensitive hydrogels are multipurpose platforms that are frequently used in the biomedical industry. Many investigations have been conducted recently to modify their pore dimensions, expansion, biodegradability, stimulus-reaction characteristics, and other characteristics in order to better tailor them to the complex craniofacial tissues. They have been the focus of various studies that have attempted to load biological cargos for therapeutic and regenerative uses in the oro-facial tissues.

Preoperative anxiety and depression are associated with poorer patient-reported outcomes following total ankle replacements.

Introduction: It is unclear how pre-operative anxiety/depression affects patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) following total ankle replacements (TAR). We investigated the effects of anxiety/depression on PROMs using the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) following TAR.

Methods: PROMs data for primary TAR patients between 2011 and 2022 were extracted from a single-centre regional registry.

Impact of short and long-term application of low-level laser therapy on mandibular alveolar process of osteoporotic rats - a Histological and Molecular Study.

This study aims to investigate and compare the effects of short and long-term application of low-level laser therapy on the mandibular alveolar process of osteoporotic rats. Forty adult male albino rats were included in this study. After animal grouping, the experimental group received dexamethasone (0.

Prospective and challenges of locally applied repurposed pharmaceuticals for periodontal tissue regeneration.

Periodontitis is a persistent inflammatory condition that causes periodontal ligament degradation, periodontal pocket development, and alveolar bone destruction, all of which lead to the breakdown of the teeth's supporting system. Periodontitis is triggered by the accumulation of various microflora (especially anaerobes) in the pockets, which release toxic substances and digestive enzymes and stimulate the immune system. Periodontitis can be efficiently treated using a variety of techniques, both regional and systemic.

Efficacy of the cardiac glycoside digoxin as an adjunct to csDMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Inflammation and angiogenesis are two main mechanisms that act as mutual pathways in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This work aimed to study the efficacy of digoxin as an adjunct therapy to conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) in active RA patients.

Methods: In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 60 adult patients with active RA received a placebo or digoxin (0.

Increased Activity Level Following Total Ankle Replacement Results in Improved Patient Reported Outcomes.

While evidence highlights increased activity levels following total ankle replacement (TAR), the correlation between postoperative activity changes and ankle-surgery-specific patient-reported outcomes is unexplored. This retrospective cohort study investigates the effect of activity level changes on patient-reported outcomes, including the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) and patient satisfaction following TAR. Patient records from a single center performing TARs between January 2014 and February 2023 were reviewed alongside patient questionnaires completed preoperatively and at a mean follow-up of 44 ± 31 months postoperatively (range 6-134 months).

Rictor, an mTORC2 Protein, Regulates Murine Lymphatic Valve Formation Through the AKT-FOXO1 Signaling.

Background: Lymphatic valves are specialized structures in collecting lymphatic vessels and are crucial for preventing retrograde lymph flow. Mutations in valve-forming genes have been clinically implicated in the pathology of congenital lymphedema. Lymphatic valves form when oscillatory shear stress from lymph flow signals through the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote the transcription of valve-forming genes that trigger the growth and maintenance of lymphatic valves.

Physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of healthy juices containing aloe vera gel and probiotics and their antidiabetic effects on albino rats.

The consumption of fruit and vegetable juices is widely recognized as a healthy choice across all age groups. Orange, carrot, and aloe vera are renowned for their functional properties and health benefits. In this study, we investigated the potential incorporation of aloe vera gel into blended orange and carrot juices.

Gender differences in presentation, management, and outcomes among Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndrome: a single-centre registry.

Background: Despite a significant rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), data are scarce regarding the quality of care provided, particularly for women.

Methods: This is a prospective observational, cross-sectional study. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients presented to the Cardiology Department at Tanta University, Egypt, between September 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, were enrolled.

Antibacterial and preventive effects of newly developed modified nano-chitosan/glass-ionomer restoration on simulated initial enamel caries lesions: An in vitro study.

Background: Despite the superiority of glass-ionomer cements (GICs) over composites in treating white spot lesions (WSLs), there is still a concern about their preventive and antibacterial properties. Efforts have been made to improve the strength of their bond to demineralized enamel, fluoride release and antibacterial properties by adding nanoparticles of chitosan, which seems to be a promising method.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the antibacterial effect, the microshear bond strength (μSBS) to enamel at the WSL area, and the fluoride and nano-chitosan release after modifying the polyacrylic acid liquid phase of a traditional GIC with different nano-chitosan volumes.

Challenges of therapeutic applications and regenerative capacities of urine based stem cells in oral, and maxillofacial reconstruction.

Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have gained the attention of researchers in the biomedical field in the past few years . Regarding the several varieties of cells that have been used for this purpose, USCs have demonstrated mesenchymal stem cell-like properties, such as differentiation and immunomodulation. Furthermore, they could be differentiated into several lineages.

Sequential bilateral total ankle replacements: No difference in patient-reported outcomes between the first and second ankle.

Background: Total ankle replacement is an established treatment for end-stage arthritis. However, there is little data examining outcomes in sequential bilateral replacements. This study aimed to compare outcomes between first and second ankles in sequential replacement.

The impact of weekly semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, on kidney outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with kidney complications. This study aims to investigate the effects of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, on kidney outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in nephrology and endocrinology clinics at KFAFH from March 2022 to February 2023.

CD133-Dependent Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase /AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling in Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance.

Melanoma frequently harbors genetic alterations in key molecules leading to the aberrant activation of PI3K and its downstream pathways. Although the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR in melanoma progression and drug resistance is well documented, targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway showed less efficiency in clinical trials than might have been expected, since the suppression of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway-induced feedback loops is mostly associated with the activation of compensatory pathways such as MAPK/MEK/ERK. Consequently, the development of intrinsic and acquired resistance can occur.

Mechanisms of Melanoma Progression and Treatment Resistance: Role of Cancer Stem-like Cells.

Melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity and propensity to metastasize to distant organs. Melanoma is a heterogeneous tumor, composed of genetically divergent subpopulations, including a small fraction of melanoma-initiating cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) and many non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs). CSCs are characterized by their unique surface proteins associated with aberrant signaling pathways with a causal or consequential relationship with tumor progression, drug resistance, and recurrence.

Two to Five-Year Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty with the Infinity Fixed-Bearing Implant: A Concise Follow-up of a Previous Report.

Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clomiphene Citrate in the Management of Infertility in Oligospermic Obese Men with Hypogonadism: Retrospective Pilot Study.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypogonadism and infertility that is further associated with reduced semen quality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC), prescribed for treating infertility, on serum testosterone and semen parameters, particularly in oligospermic obese hypogonadal men. : A retrospective analysis of data related to men ( = 53) who underwent CC treatment for infertility and hypogonadism (testosterone < 300 ng/dL) was performed.

Assessment of bone morphogenetic protein-7 loaded chitosan/β-Glycerophosphate hydrogel on periodontium tissues regeneration of class III furcation defects.

Background: Periodontitis is a long-term, multifactorial inflammatory condition that is triggered by bacterial germs and interacts with the host's immune system. The unique attachment of fibrous tissue between the cementum and bone presents a challenge for periodontal regeneration.

Aim: To achieve the lowest optimum dose of BMP-7 that helps in periodontal regeneration, involving newly formed cementum, PDL and bone.

LncRNA CRNDE is downregulated and associated with poor prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Introduction: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a very heterogeneous clinical outcome. Thus, a plethora of prognostic factors and systems has been identified to place patients into different risk categories and to guide therapy decisions. The classic clinical staging models by Rai and Binet have been the cornerstone of patient management for several years.

Macro, Micro, and Nano-Inspired Bioactive Polymeric Biomaterials in Therapeutic, and Regenerative Orofacial Applications.

Introducing dental polymers has accelerated biotechnological research, advancing tissue engineering, biomaterials development, and drug delivery. Polymers have been utilized effectively in dentistry to build dentures and orthodontic equipment and are key components in the composition of numerous restorative materials. Furthermore, dental polymers have the potential to be employed for medication administration and tissue regeneration.

Tumor Microenvironment as a Therapeutic Target in Melanoma Treatment.

The role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor growth and therapy has recently attracted more attention in research and drug development. The ability of the microenvironment to trigger tumor maintenance, progression, and resistance is the main cause for treatment failure and tumor relapse. Accumulated evidence indicates that the maintenance and progression of tumor cells is determined by components of the microenvironment, which include stromal cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune cells), extracellular matrix (ECM), and soluble molecules (chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles).

COVID-19 Conceptual Modeling: Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Conceptual models are abstract representations of the real world. They are used to refine medical and nonmedical health care scopes of service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous analytic predictive models were generated aiming to evaluate the impact of implemented policies on mitigating the spread of the virus.