A global review of national guidelines of post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of antiretroviral drugs as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for preventing HIV acquisition for occupational and non-occupational exposures. To inform the development of global WHO recommendations on PEP, we reviewed national guidelines of PEP for their recommendations.

Methods: Policies addressing PEP from 38 WHO HIV priority countries were obtained by searching governmental and non-governmental websites and consulting country and regional experts; these countries were selected based on HIV burden, new HIV acquisitions and the number of HIV-associated deaths.

Mapping the Use of Artificial Intelligence-Based Image Analysis for Clinical Decision-Making in Dentistry: A Scoping Review.

Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging field in dentistry. AI is gradually being integrated into dentistry to improve clinical dental practice. The aims of this scoping review were to investigate the application of AI in image analysis for decision-making in clinical dentistry and identify trends and research gaps in the current literature.

Impact of glucagon-Like peptide-1 agonists in optimizing abdominal wall Reconstruction patients.

Purpose: Pre-optimization of obese patients prior to abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) is essential in mitigating their increased preoperative risks. Traditionally diet, exercising, bariatric surgery are the tools typically prescribed for weight loss. The advent of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1A) which stimulate insulin secretion and inhibit gastric emptying have improved the weight loss armamentarium.

A single-center retrospective review of laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal versus robotic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair.

Background: With the increased use of robotic surgery, robotic transabdominal preperitoneal repair (R-TAPP) has become a commonly used approach for inguinal hernia repair. The laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair (L-TEP) has the advantage of not entering the peritoneal cavity; however, it has greater technical difficulty. Robotic surgery has demonstrated superiority over laparoscopy in many surgical settings, but there is limited evidence comparing L-TEP and R-TAPP.

Identification of formulation parameters that affect the analgesic efficacy of ProGel-Dex - A thermoresponsive polymeric dexamethasone prodrug for chronic arthritis pain relief.

The relief of joint pain is one of the main objectives in the clinical management of arthritis. Although significant strides have been made in improving management of rheumatoid and related forms of inflammatory arthritis, there are still major unmet needs for therapies that selectively provide potent, sustained and safe joint pain relief, especially among patients with osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis. We have recently developed ProGel-Dex, an N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer-based thermoresponsive dexamethasone (Dex) prodrug, which forms a hydrogel upon intra-articular administration and provides sustained improvement in pain-related behavior and inflammation in rodent models of arthritis.

Content Analysis of Three-Dimensional Model Technologies and Applications for Construction: Current Trends and Future Directions.

The proliferation of digital technologies is substantially transforming inspection methodologies for construction activities. Although the implementation of a three-dimensional (3D) model has emerged as an advantageous, feasible inspection application, the selection of the most suitable 3D models is challenging due to multiple technology options. The primary objectives of this study were to investigate current trends and identify future technologies for 3D models in the construction industry.

The use of suboptimal antiretroviral therapy when applying for migration to Australia: a case series.

Background Australia imposes restrictions for people living with HIV (PLHIV) applying for permanent residency (PR), including spending less than AUD51,000 on medical costs over 10years. Some PLHIV opted for suboptimal and cheaper antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens to increase their chances of receiving PR. We collated a case series to examine PLHIV on suboptimal ART because of visa issues.

The use of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB, Phasix™) mesh in ventral hernia repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose/background: Despite the growing use of bioabsorbable mesh in ventral hernia repairs (VHR), the evidence of its impact on patient outcomes remains limited. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety profile of poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) mesh for ventral hernia repair through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: A literature search of five databases (PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Medline, and Google Scholar) produced a list of publications that analyzed the use of P4HB mesh in ventral hernia repair in both clean and contaminated cases.

Clinical features-based machine learning models to separate sexually transmitted infections from other skin diagnoses.

Introduction: Many sexual health services are overwhelmed and cannot cater for all the individuals who present with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Digital health software that separates STIs from non-STIs could improve the efficiency of clinical services. We developed and evaluated a machine learning model that predicts whether patients have an STI based on their clinical features.

Microbiology of Big Soda Lake, a multi-extreme meromictic volcanic crater lake in the Nevada desert.

Big Soda Lake, Nevada, is a multi-extreme meromictic lake, whose hypersaline hyperalkaline bottom waters feature permanent anoxia and high concentrations of arsenic, sulphide and ammonia. These properties make Big Soda Lake-and the adjacent Little Soda Lake-a fascinating system for exploring life's boundaries, discovering novel microbial taxa and identifying biotechnologically useful strains. To date, the taxonomic diversity and metabolic capabilities of microorganisms in this system remain largely unknown.

Coated poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (Phasix ST™) mesh is safe and effective for hiatal hernia repair: our institutional experience and review of the literature.

Background: Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) is a bioabsorbable mesh with a non-adhesive coating on one side that is being used to reinforce the hiatus during hiatal hernia repair; however, there is limited data regarding its use. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes after hiatal hernia repair using this mesh at our institution and through a review of the literature.

Methods: An institutional review board-approved prospective database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing hiatal hernia repair from April 2018 to December 2022.

Modular assembly of microswimmers with liquid compartments.

Artificial microswimmers, i.e. colloidal scale objects capable of self-propulsion, have garnered significant attention due to their central role as models for out of equilibrium systems.

Gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy versus pyloric injection of botulinum toxin for the treatment of gastroparesis: our institutional experience and a systematic review of the literature.

Introduction: Gastric Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (GPOEM) has been developed as an effective treatment option for patients with medically refractory gastroparesis. Other endoscopic options, such as pyloric injection of botulinum toxin (Botox), is often performed with limited efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate GPOEM for the treatment of gastroparesis and compare its efficacy to Botox injection results reported in the literature.

Myasthenic crisis as an initial presentation of myasthenia gravis in an 81-year-old following endoscopic myotomy for Zenker's diverticulum.

In this article, we present the case of a patient with previously undiagnosed myasthenia gravis who underwent an endoscopic procedure for Zenker's diverticulum. The patient was readmitted due to ongoing dysphagia and severe respiratory distress caused by myasthenic crisis. This case demonstrates that myasthenia gravis, although rare, can occur in elderly patients and present with other sequelae that may mask the underlying diagnosis.

Factors associated with regular dental attendance by aged adults: A systematic review.

Objectives: To determine factors influencing regular dental attendance in aged adults 65 and over according to Andersen's Behavioural Model.

Background: Regular attendance for dental visits is vital to improve and maintain oral health, quality of life and general well-being. Aged adults 65 years and older experience barriers to regular dental attendance, which in turn leads to an increased risk for oral diseases.

Workforce Trends of Underrepresented Minority Nurses in the United States Over the Last Decade: Progress Towards Equal Representation?

A healthcare workforce representative of the race/ethnicity composition of the population it serves is central to addressing systemic health inequities. The aim of this study was to assess workforce trends of underrepresented minority (URM) nurses using the National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses years 2008 and 2018 and the American Community Survey years 2010 and 2019. We examined changes over time in URM composition (Black/African American (B/AA), Latine, American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN), Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI)) for registered nurses (RN), nurse practitioners (NPs), educational attainment (diploma/associate, BSN, MS(N)/PhD), job type (patient care, research, administration/supervision, teaching, other), and rural/urban location using descriptive statistics and bivariate regressions.

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Induced Pericarditis With Large Pericardial Effusion Followed by New-Onset Arrhythmia.

Several cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Interestingly, most cases were seen in male adolescents and young adults, commonly after 3-4 days of the second dose of mRNA vaccine. The vaccine contains the viral spike glycoprotein in the nucleoside-modified mRNA of the coronavirus that activates the proinflammatory cascades and immunological pathways, which can cause myocarditis and pericarditis.

Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Composed of Seminoma and Teratoma Metastasizing as Choriocarcinoma to the Lung Successfully Treated With Salvage Chemotherapy and Bone-Marrow Transplant: A Case Report.

A 25-year-old male presented to our hospital with two months of progressively worsening left arm swelling, intermittent left-sided chest pressure, and a painless right testicular mass. CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed a large mediastinal mass, multiple lung nodules, and several large right testicular nodules. The patient underwent a CT-guided biopsy of his right lung nodule, followed by a radical right inguinal orchiectomy.

Differential diagnosis of a ring-enhancing brain lesion in the setting of metastatic cancer and a mycotic aneurysm.

A diagnostic challenge arises when a patient presents with a ring-enhancing lesion of the brain in the setting of both metastatic cancer and a source of infection. We report a case depicting this dilemma in an 80-year-old man with a history of metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma who presented for left-sided hemiparesis. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a ring-enhancing lesion of the right parietal vertex without signs of stroke.

Mechanosensitive ion channels contribute to mechanically evoked rapid leaflet movement in Mimosa pudica.

Mechanoperception, the ability to perceive and respond to mechanical stimuli, is a common and fundamental property of all forms of life. Vascular plants such as Mimosa pudica use this function to protect themselves against herbivory. The mechanical stimulus caused by a landing insect triggers a rapid closing of the leaflets that drives the potential pest away.

Erratum: Tran et al. Early Cellular Responses Induced by Sedimentary Calcite-Processed Particles in Bright Yellow 2 Tobacco Cultured Cells. , , 4279.

The authors would like to remove the scientific consortium 'Camille Nous' from the author list and the Author Contributions section in the published paper [...

Pulmonary Vein Thrombosis in COVID-19.

Research on COVID-19, the cause of a rapidly worsening pandemic, has led to the observation of laboratory derangements such as a propensity towards a hypercoagulable state. However, there are currently no reports on the incidence of pulmonary venous thrombosis in the setting of COVID-19. We report a case in which follow-up chest CT scans revealed an expansile filling defect in a branch of the right inferior pulmonary vein, which is consistent with pulmonary venous thrombosis.

Biphasic activation of survival and death pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana cultured cells by sorbitol-induced hyperosmotic stress.

Hyperosmotic stresses represent some of the most serious abiotic factors that adversely affect plants growth, development and fitness. Despite their central role, the early cellular events that lead to plant adaptive responses remain largely unknown. In this study, using Arabidopsis thaliana cultured cells we analyzed early cellular responses to sorbitol-induced hyperosmotic stress.