Encapsulation of synthesized purpurin-18-N-aminoimide methyl ester in lipid nanovesicles for use as agents in photodynamic cancer therapy.

This study aimed to synthesize purpurin-18-N-aminoimide methyl ester (P18 N AI ME) and encapsulate it into lipid nanovesicles (LNVs) for potential application as photodynamic therapy (PDT) agents in cancer therapy. PDT, a light-induced treatment, offers several advantages over conventional cancer treatments, such as minimal invasiveness and localized action. P18 N AI ME, a chlorine class photosensitizer model drug, was synthesized in an attempt to treat tumor in deeper tissues by interacting long-wavelength light.

Age-related changes in the vestibulothalamic pathway: association with balance ability and subjective visual vertical of vestibular function.

Introduction: The thalamus regulates various sensory information to each related brain area. The vestibular nucleus transmits information of motor control to the thalamus regulating coordination function. The vestibulothalamic tract (VTT) is a neural pathway between the vestibular nucleus and thalamus that processes vestibular information for postural balance and spatial perception.

The Multi-targeted Effect of Fascaplysin on the Proliferation and Dedifferentiation of Schwann Cells Inhibits Peripheral Nerve Degeneration by Blocking CDK4/6 and Androgen Receptor.

Peripheral neurodegenerative diseases induced by irreversible peripheral nerve degeneration (PND), such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, have a high prevalence worldwide and reduce the quality of life. However, there is no agent effective against the irreversible PND. After peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells play an important role in regulating PND.

Therapeutic efficacy of canalith reposition maneuver according to the determination method of lesion side in patients with persistent geotropic direction-changing positional nystagmus.

Background: The Canalith Repositioning Maneuver (CRM) is often ineffective for persistent geotropic direction-changing positional nystagmus (DCPN). In these cases, determining the lesion side can be challenging, as the null plane side and the side with stronger nystagmus on the roll test are frequently opposite.

Objectives: This study investigates whether the low therapeutic efficacy of CRM in persistent DCPN could be attributed to incorrect determination of the lesion side.

An overview of Hospital-at-home versus other models of care.

Despite being increasingly adopted in various regions, the model of Hospital-at-home can still appear to be confusing to many healthcare workers. The authors examined and summarized the existing concepts and implementations of Hospital-at-home. How Hospital-at-home contrasts to traditional inpatient models were outlined.

Multi-dimensional oscillatory activity of mouse GnRH neurons in vivo.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons represent the key output cells of the neural network controlling mammalian fertility. We used GCaMP fiber photometry to record the population activity of the GnRH neuron distal projections in the ventral arcuate nucleus where they merge before entering the median eminence to release GnRH into the portal vasculature. Recordings in freely behaving intact male and female mice revealed abrupt ~8 min duration increases in activity that correlated perfectly with the appearance of a subsequent pulse of luteinizing hormone (LH).

A low pathogenic avian influenza A/Mallard/South Korea/KNU2019-34/2019 (H1N1) virus has the potential to increase the mammalian pathogenicity.

Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory infectious disease caused by an influenza virus, is a threat to public health worldwide. Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have the potential to cause the next pandemic by crossing the species barrier through mutation of viral genome. Here, we investigated the pathogenicity of AIVs obtained from South Korea and Mongolia during 2018-2019 by measuring viral titers in the lungs and extrapulmonary organs of mouse models.

Oil palm leaf protein hydrolysate and its novel peptides as alternative plant-based α-glucosidase inhibitors.

Diabetes, particularly type II, is a global health concern, with current treatments like α-glucosidase inhibitors often causing gastrointestinal side effects. This study explored the antihyperglycemic potential of crude protein hydrolysate from oil palm leaves (OPL) as a plant-based α-glucosidase inhibitor. OPL protein hydrolysate was extracted under acidic, neutral, and alkaline conditions, and their α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was assessed.

Population genetics and molecular xenomonitoring of Biomphalaria freshwater snails along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, Malawi.

Background: Intestinal schistosomiasis was confirmed endemic in Mangochi District, Malawi, in May of 2018 following an unexpected encounter with discreet populations of Biomphalaria spp. freshwater snails during routine malacological surveillance activities. Since then, only limited malacological surveillance of Biomphalaria has been carried out, and so the distribution of Biomphalaria populations in this area is currently unclear.

Clinical Implementation of Nephrologist-Led Genomic Testing for Glomerular Diseases in Singapore: Rationale and Protocol.

Introduction: The early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of monogenic glomerular diseases can reduce kidney failure, avoid unnecessary investigations such as kidney biopsies and ineffective treatment with immunosuppressants, guide transplant decisions, and inform the genetic risks of their family members. Yet, genetic testing for kidney disease is underutilized in Singapore. We aimed to implement a nephrologist-led genetic service and evaluate the acceptance, adoption, utility, and cost-effectiveness of genetic testing for monogenic glomerular disease in Singapore.

Global Burden of Vaccine-Associated Chronic Urticaria, 2010-2023: From the Global Pharmacovigilance Database.

Purpose: The etiology and pathophysiology of vaccine-associated chronic urticaria (CU) remain unclear, particularly during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to comprehensively investigate the global burden and long-term trends of vaccine-associated CU, with a focus on the associated vaccines and the distribution of cases across different age groups and sexes.

Methods: Using data from the World Health Organization international pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase), which encompasses reports from 156 countries and territories between 1968 and 2023, we systematically analyzed the global burden and long-term trends in vaccine-associated CU reports (total individual case safety reports = 131,255,418).

Oxidative Stress and Cancer Therapy: Controlling Cancer Cells Using Reactive Oxygen Species.

Cancer is a multifaceted disease influenced by various mechanisms, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which have a paradoxical role in both promoting cancer progression and serving as targets for therapeutic interventions. At low concentrations, ROS serve as signaling agents that enhance cancer cell proliferation, migration, and resistance to drugs. However, at elevated levels, ROS induce oxidative stress, causing damage to biomolecules and leading to cell death.

Effect of Forward and Reverse Suturing on Nerve Regeneration Following Facial Nerve Axotomy.

Background/objectives: When the facial nerve is severed and a nerve graft is required, motor nerves are typically connected in the forward direction, while sensory nerves are connected in the reverse direction. However, there is limited research on the effects of reversing this connection, and no studies have been conducted using the same facial nerve. This study aimed to investigate the effects of forward and reverse suturing on nerve regeneration following facial nerve axotomy.

A Retrospective Study on the Gender Differences in Clinical Manifestations of Bell's Palsy.

Objectives: Although many studies have assessed the clinical features and the factors affecting treatment outcomes of Bell's palsy, few have analysed differences between men and women. This study therefore evaluated whether the clinical features and treatment results, and the factors affecting them, differ between men and women with Bell's palsy.

Methods: This retrospective study included 1708 patients (791 men and 917 women) who presented with facial palsy to the otolaryngology department between January 1986 and December 2022.

Does robotic surgical assistant (ROSA) functionally aligned TKA lead to higher satisfaction than conventional mechanically aligned TKA: A propensity-matched pair analysis.

Objectives: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the established treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis, with robotic-assisted TKA (rTKA) proposed to enhance surgical precision and potentially improve outcomes. This study investigates whether functionally-aligned rTKA using the ROSA Knee System results in superior functional outcomes and patient satisfaction compared to conventional mechanically aligned TKA (mTKA).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, propensity-score matched cohort study including 154 patients (46 rTKA, 108 mTKA) who underwent primary TKA by a single surgeon from October 2020 to October 2023.

Social network interventions for dietary adherence among adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Introduction: Optimal adherence to recommended diets is crucial to achieving long-term glycaemic control among individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals. However, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that target dietary adherence through social networks. Since social networks can influence individuals' health behaviours, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the impact of social network interventions on dietary adherence in adults with T2D.

Shifting GnRH Neuron Ensembles Underlie Successive Preovulatory Luteinizing Hormone Surges.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons operate as a neuronal ensemble exhibiting coordinated activity once every reproductive cycle to generate the preovulatory GnRH surge. Using GCaMP fiber photometry at the GnRH neuron distal dendrons to measure the output of this widely scattered population in female mice, we find that the onset, amplitude, and profile of GnRH neuron surge activity exhibits substantial variability from cycle to cycle both between and within individual mice. This was also evident when measuring successive proestrous luteinizing hormone surges.

Rookie independent directors and agency costs: Evidence from Chinese listed firms.

This study investigates the impact of rookie independent directors (RIDs) on agency costs. Utilizing a sample of Chinese listed firms, we employ panel ordinary least square estimations. Our findings reveal that increased RIDs is positively associated with agency costs, suggesting that rookie independent directors may exacerbate agency conflicts within Chinese firms.