Scalable solutions for global health: the SalivaDirect model.

The COVID-19 pandemic caught the world unprepared. Large-scale testing efforts were urgently needed, and diagnostic strategies had to rapidly evolve in response to unprecedented worldwide demand. However, the rollout of diagnostic testing and screening for SARS-CoV-2 was often impeded by logistical challenges, including regulatory delays, workforce shortages, laboratory bottlenecks, and supply chain disruptions.

Rutin and Hesperidin Revoke the Hepatotoxicity Induced by Paclitaxel in Male Wistar Rats Their Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Activities.

Paclitaxel, one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs, is used to treat various cancers but it is exceedingly toxic when used long-term and can harm the liver. This study aimed to see if rutin, hesperidin, and their combination could protect male Wistar rats against paclitaxel (Taxol)-induced hepatotoxicity. Adult male Wistar rats were subdivided into 5 groups (each of six rats).

Rutin and Hesperidin Alleviate Paclitaxel-Induced Nephrocardiotoxicity in Wistar Rats Suppressing the Oxidative Stress and Enhancing the Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms.

Paclitaxel is a primary chemotherapy agent that displays antitumor activity against a variety of solid tumors. However, the clinical effectiveness of the drug is hampered by its nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic side effects. Thus, this investigation aimed at assessing the protective effects of rutin, hesperidin, and their combination to alleviate nephrotoxicity caused by paclitaxel (Taxol), cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats, as well as oxidative stress.

Estimate of the Biological Dose in Hadrontherapy Using GATE.

For the evaluation of the biological effects, Monte Carlo toolkits were used to provide an RBE-weighted dose using databases of survival fraction coefficients predicted through biophysical models. Biophysics models, such as the mMKM and NanOx models, have previously been developed to estimate a biological dose. Using the mMKM model, we calculated the saturation corrected dose mean specific energy z1D* (Gy) and the dose at 10% for human salivary gland (HSG) cells using Monte Carlo Track Structure codes LPCHEM and Geant4-DNA, and compared these with data from the literature for monoenergetic ions.

Monte Carlo simulations of nanodosimetry and radiolytic species production for monoenergetic proton and electron beams: Benchmarking of GEANT4-DNA and LPCHEM codes.

Purpose: In hadrontherapy, biophysical models can be used to predict the biological effect received by cancerous tissues and organs at risk. The input data of these models generally consist of information on nano/micro dosimetric quantities and, concerning some models, reactive species produced in water radiolysis. In order to fully account for the radiation stochastic effects, these input data have to be provided by Monte Carlo track structure (MCTS) codes allowing to estimate physical, physico-chemical, and chemical effects of radiation at the molecular scale.

Fungal Keratitis in the Egyptian Delta: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Microbiological Diagnosis.

Purpose: The current study evaluates the epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and microbiological diagnosis of fungal keratitis among patients living in the Egyptian Delta.

Methods: This is a prospective hospital-based study that included patients who were clinically diagnosed and confirmed by culture test to have fungal keratitis. Patients were examined at baseline and risk factors were identified and collected.

Targeting cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes: management of dyslipidemia.

Purpose Of Review: The management of dyslipidemia in patients with diabetes is a key component of cardiovascular risk reduction. In particular, the atherogenic dyslipidemia of diabetes often requires combination therapy to target aspects of the lipid profile beyond low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This article will review the characteristics of dyslipidemia in diabetes, and discuss guidelines and strategies for treatment to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events by age-normalized carotid intimal medial thickness.

Background: Increases in carotid intimal medial thickness (IMT), as measured by noninvasive ultrasonography, have been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, particularly in adults 65 years of age or older. We investigated the value of age-normalized carotid IMT measurements in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in a population of patients referred for carotid IMT measurement.

Methods: Since 1995, 727 patients had carotid IMT measured at the University of Virginia's Preventive Cardiology practice.