Comparing monotherapy with tadalafil or tamsulosin in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A case-control study.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a chronic disorder that inflicts severe symptoms on middle-aged men. The current study compared the effects of tadalafil and tamsulosin on urological parameters after 3 and 6 months of therapy. A retrospective case-control study was conducted, in which 100 patients with moderately severe BPH were divided into two groups based on their treatment: 50 patients were given tamsulosin 0.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Adolescents with Severe Obesity; Patient Characteristics and Association with Leptin-A Cross-Sectional Overview of Baseline Data from a RCT.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common liver disease in adolescents with obesity. Nonetheless, the guidelines for screening and managing this disease are contradictory. The purpose of this study is to non-invasively assess the prevalence, patient characteristics, and potential associated factors of MASLD in this demographic.

Heterogeneous and Cooperative Rupture of Histidine-Ni Metal-Coordination Bonds on Rationally Designed Protein Templates.

Metal-coordination bonds, a highly tunable class of dynamic noncovalent interactions, are pivotal to the function of a variety of protein-based natural materials and have emerged as binding motifs to produce strong, tough, and self-healing bioinspired materials. While natural proteins use clusters of metal-coordination bonds, synthetic materials frequently employ individual bonds, resulting in mechanically weak materials. To overcome this current limitation, we rationally designed a series of elastin-like polypeptide templates with the capability of forming an increasing number of intermolecular histidine-Ni metal-coordination bonds.

Assessment of the Effect of Different Irrigation Protocols on the Penetration of Irrigation Solution into Simulated Lateral Canals (In Vitro Study).

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of lateral canal irrigation penetration by conventional needle, passive ultrasonic, sonic endo activator, and Erbium laser (2780nm).

Methods: A total of 40 palatal roots of human maxillary first molars were collected and instrumented at a working length of 12 mm by an X1-X4 rotary Protaper Next system (Dentsply, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) using the crown-down technique. Artificial lateral canals were made at 2, 4, and 6 mm from the apex on mesial and distal sides using an ISO rotary reamer (Dentsply, Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland; #10 for mesial, #08 for distal).

Weight Loss and Glycemic Control After Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents With Severe Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: Bariatric surgery is regarded as a valuable treatment option for adolescents with severe obesity. However, high-quality evidence of its superiority over prolonged conservative treatment with multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention (MLI) is limited. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of bariatric surgery in adolescents without sufficient weight loss after MLI for severe obesity.

Energy-economy-environment assessments of refrigerants R152a and R134a in a vapor compression refrigeration system using a variable displacement oil-free linear compressor.

In light of the adverse environmental impact of the R134a refrigerant, replacing it with a more environmentally friendly refrigerant has become imperative than ever. This study presents an experimental investigation into the utilization of R152a and R134a refrigerants in a vapor compression refrigeration system employing a variable displacement oil-free linear compressor. The potential for the replacement of R134a with R152a was examined based on energy, environmental, and economic performance analyses.

Drivers of Decadal Carbon Fluxes Across Temperate Ecosystems.

Long-running eddy covariance flux towers provide insights into how the terrestrial carbon cycle operates over multiple timescales. Here, we evaluated variation in net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon dioxide (CO) across the Chequamegon Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study AmeriFlux core site cluster in the upper Great Lakes region of the USA from 1997 to 2020. The tower network included two mature hardwood forests with differing management regimes (US-WCr and US-Syv), two fen wetlands with varying levels of canopy sheltering and vegetation (US-Los and US-ALQ), and a very tall (400 m) landscape-level tower (US-PFa).

Purkinje-Related Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation: Solved and Unsolved Questions.

Of the monomorphic ventricular tachycardias, there are 4 specific tachycardias related to the Purkinje system: 1) idiopathic verapamil-sensitive fascicular ventricular tachycardia (FVT); 2) non-re-entrant FVT; 3) bundle branch re-entry and interfascicular re-entry; and 4) Purkinje-mediated VT in structural heart disease. Verapamil-sensitive FVT is classified into 4 types according to the location of the circuit: 1) left posterior type; 2) left anterior type; 3) left upper septal type;and 4) reverse type. And, in the left anterior and posterior types, there are septal and papillary muscle subtypes.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome among harvesting farmers: A cross-sectional study from Pakistan.

Background: Constant use of hand-held vibratory tools may cause health issues, including hand dysfunction, among farmers. Thus, exposure to these vibratory instruments may cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

Objective: The study aimed to measure the prevalence of HAVS and evaluate neurological and vascular symptoms among farmers.

Prevalence and predictors of thyroid dysfunction amongst patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistan.

Introduction: Diabetes and thyroid disorders are the two most common disorders amongst endocrine diseases. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) may disturb thyroid metabolism by disturbing the levels of thyroid hormones in the plasma. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and thyroid dysfunction in type 2 diabetic population presenting in a public sector tertiary care teaching hospital.

Thermal degradation, visco-elastic and fire-retardant behavior of hybrid /kenaf fiber-reinforced MWCNT-modified phenolic composites.

Natural fibers have emerged as a potential alternate to synthetic fibers, because of their excellent performance, biodegradability, renewability and sustainability. This research has focused on investigating the thermal, visco-elastic and fire-retardant properties of different hybrid Cytostachys Renda (CR)/kenaf fiber () (50/0; 35/ 15, 25/25, 15/ 35, 0/50)-reinforced MWCNT (multi-walled carbon nanotubes)-modified phenolic composites. The mass% of MWCNT-modified phenolic resin was maintained 50 mass% including 0.

Acute Non-glue Pulmonary Embolism Following Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)-Guided Glue/Coil Treatment for Gastric Varices: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Decompensated liver cirrhosis (DLC) is sometimes associated with the development of esophageal varices (EV) and gastric varices (GV). GV is less common than EV. One of the treatment methods for GV is the injection of glue into the varices, which can be complicated by the embolism of the glue into the pulmonary vessels called glue pulmonary embolism (GPE).

Brown Recluse Spider Bite Resulting in Coombs Negative Hemolytic Anemia in a Young Male Requiring Blood Transfusion.

Spider bites, including the bites of recluse spiders (, also known as brown spiders), usually lead to local symptoms; however, severe systemic symptoms have also been reported in the literature. Management of spider bites is based on symptoms. In severe cases involving the development of angioedema, hemolytic anemia, skin necrosis with superimposed bacterial infection or disseminated intravascular coagulation, antibiotics, steroids, blood transfusions, and plasma exchange may also play a role.

Blue Leg: Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens Secondary to May Thurner Syndrome.

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) can present as leg pain accompanied by bluish discoloration. It is a limb-threatening emergency that needs to be promptly addressed with anticoagulation with consideration of thrombolytics. We present a case of PCD in an 83-year-old female without obvious risk factor for thrombosis, found to have May Thurner Syndrome (MTS) requiring a chemical and mechanical approach to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Mapping the evidence of multidimensional health approaches in treating individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome: A scoping review protocol.

Introduction: Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is one of the rare diseases involving genetics and affects various body systems. The disease is known due to the absence of paternal genes on chromosome 15q11-q13. Multisystem complex conditions require interdisciplinary healthcare treatment.

Effect of Fiber Loading on the Mechanical, Morphology, and Flammability Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes/Phenolic Bio-Composites.

This research focuses on evaluating the effect of (CR) fiber and the impact of adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the morphological, physical, mechanical, and flammability properties of phenolic composites. MWCNT were supplemented with phenolic resin through a dry dispersion ball milling method. Composites were fabricated by incorporating CR fiber in 0.

HER2 testing by immunohistochemistry in breast cancer: A multicenter proficiency ring study.

Background: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) over-expression in breast cancer is associated with aggressive tumor behavior and predicts response to targeted therapy. Accurate HER2 result is paramount for optimal patient management. However, routine HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing are subjected to intra- and inter-laboratory variability.

COVID-19-associated Coagulopathy and Thromboembolism: Determination of Their Patterns and Risk Factors as Predictors of Mortality Among Severe COVID-19 Patients.

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with Coagulopathy (CAC) and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE). These are well-reported complications of COVID-19 infection. Earlier publications have shown that CAC and thromboembolism are predictors of mortality among COVID-19 patients with severe disease.

Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Hybrid /Kenaf Fiber Reinforced with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT)-Phenolic Composites.

Adequate awareness of sustainable materials and eco-legislation have inspired researchers to identify alternative sustainable and green composites for synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites in the automotive and aircraft industries. This research focused on investigating the physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of different hybrid (CR)/kenaf fiber (K) (10C:0K, 7C:3K, 5C:5K, 3C:7K, 0C:10K) reinforced with 0.5 wt% MWCNT-phenolic composites.

Impact of Religious Activities on Quality of Life and Cognitive Function Among Elderly.

Religiosity and spirituality have previously been found to have significant effects on mental and physical health. This study aimed to compare elderly people utilizing different types of religious activities in their daily routine and the effects upon their quality of life and cognitive function. A cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly people dwelling in suburban areas of Malaysia.

The effect of orthodontic treatment on the periodontium and soft tissue esthetics in adult patients.

Objective: Most patients seek orthodontic treatment to achieve an esthetic outcome. Orthodontic treatment has possible negative sequelae. The aim of this study is to assess these possible effects on the periodontium and tissue esthetics.

Covid-19 vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and refusal among Canadian healthcare workers: A multicenter survey.

Background: Determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers (HCW) remains poorly understood. We assessed HCWs' willingness to be vaccinated and reasons underlying hesitancy.

Methods: Cross-sectional survey across 17 healthcare institutions.

Effect of Nanofiller Content on Dynamic Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube and Montmorillonite Nanoclay Filler Hybrid Shape Memory Epoxy Composites.

The aim of the present study has been to evaluate the effect of hybridization of montmorillonite (MMT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on the thermal and viscoelastic properties of shape memory epoxy polymer (SMEP) nanocomposites. In this study, ultra-sonication was utilized to disperse 1%, 3%, and 5% MMT in combination with 0.5%, 1%, and 1.

Using social network tools to facilitate cultural adjustment of self-initiated Malaysian female expatriate nurses in Saudi Arabia.

Background: This research study aims to:(1) identify and explore the social network communication tools used to facilitate the adjustment process of Malaysian female expatriate nurses working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (hereafter "the Kingdom" or "SA") who are accompanied by neither their spouses nor families and (2) determine how these tools facilitate their adjustment to their new environment. Emphasis is placed on this particular group of respondents primarily due to the dearth of research conducted on female expatriate nurses.

Method: We conducted a preliminary study using semi-structured interviews with sixteen (16) Malaysian female expatriate nurses working in SA to obtain a broader understanding of their experiences with cross-cultural adaptation and their use of social media tools to connect with their families and friends in their home country.