The underlying mechanisms of the association of bone health with depression - an experimental study.

Background: Depression constitutes a risk factor for osteoporosis, but underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms are not fully understood. MiRNAs influence gene expression and are carried by extracellular vesicles (EV), affecting cell-cell communication.

Aims: (1) Identify the difference in miRNA expression between depressed patients and healthy controls; (2) Analyze associations of these miRNAs with bone turnover markers; (3) Analyze target genes of differentially regulated miRNAs and predict associated pathways regarding depression and bone metabolism.

Scrub Typhus Infection Precipitating Hemolysis in a Patient With G6PD Deficiency: A Case Report.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a well-known red blood cell enzymopathy and a cause of intravascular hemolysis. This case report presents a child with underlying G6PD deficiency who experienced an acute episode of extensive intravascular hemolysis induced by a scrub typhus infection. The key takeaway from this report is that scrub typhus infection can trigger extensive hemolysis in patients with even "mild" G6PD deficiency, and normal G6PD levels found during the acute phase of hemolysis do not rule out the possibility of underlying G6PD deficiency.

Unveiling Cuproptosis-Driven Molecular Clusters and Immune Dysregulation in Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the sacroiliac joints and spine. Cuproptosis is a newly recognized copper-induced cell death mechanism. Our study explored the novel role of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) in AS, focusing on immune cell infiltration and molecular clustering.

Correlation of Burnout Syndrome with Emotional Intelligence among Clinicians at Workplace.

Objective: To determine the correlation of burnout syndrome with emotional intelligence at workplace.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in six public sector hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa between June and November, 2022. Male and female clinicians from Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics / Gynaecology, Paediatrics Medicine, Paediatric Surgery, Gastroenterology, Anesthesiology, Psychiatry, Radiology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Nephrology, Urology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Cardiology were included in the study.

Microbiological Spectrum and Antibiotics Sensitivity Pattern of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) Patients: A prospective study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar.

Background & Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a fatal condition owing to its propensity for intracranial extension. The inadvertent use of antibiotics has led to resistance among causative organisms. The objectives of this study were to determine causative bacteria, their antibiotic resistance and susceptibility patterns, and their response to antibiotics after a one-month follow-up.

Developing and validating a scale to measure perceived barriers to prosthodontics treatments among partially edentulous patients.

Background: People experiencing tooth loss need dental prostheses to preserve the integrity of their oral structures and replace the missing teeth. Patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) for perceived barriers to prosthodontics treatment are scarce in the literature.

Aims: The aim of this study was to develop a comprehensive scale to identify and measure barriers to prosthodontic treatment as perceived by partially edentulous patients.

Integrating e-learning into the educational framework for undergraduate medical training: a Nigerian survey on trainers´ perception and readiness.

Introduction: given the significant disruption in educational activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainties about the post-pandemic future, coupled with increasing demand for the healthcare workforce, e-learning may bridge the gap in training medical students. It was imperative to survey the perception and readiness of the trainers on the use of e-learning for undergraduate medical training in Nigeria.

Methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted among teachers of medical students in Nigeria.

Use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) to Assess Myocardial Perfusion and Territorial Distribution of Vein Grafts Implanted on Coronary Arteries in an Porcine Model. A Potential Adjunct to Assist Revascularization Strategies and Training in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Background: The fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) has been used to identify anatomical structures intraoperatively in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using ICG to assess graft patency and territorial distribution of myocardial reperfusion during CABG.

Methods: Porcine arrested hearts (n = 18) were used to evaluate territorial distribution of native coronary arteries and of a coronary bypass constructed with porcine saphenous vein graft (SVG) using ICG.

Significance of Misoprostol-Induced Cervical Ripening Prior to Hysteroscopy.

Background Hysteroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and treating intrauterine pathologies, can be challenging due to inadequate cervical dilation, leading to procedural difficulties and patient discomfort. Misoprostol, a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog, is increasingly used for cervical ripening to ease hysteroscopic procedures. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of misoprostol for cervical ripening prior to hysteroscopy.

Malaria and Dengue Co-infection: A Comprehensive Study in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Background: Malaria and dengue are significant mosquito-borne diseases prevalent in tropical and subtropical climates, with increasing reports of co-infections. This study aimed to determine the frequency, patterns, and risk factors of these co-infections in Peshawar.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2023 in three tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar.

Serum metabolomic signatures of patients with rare neurogenetic diseases: an insight into potential biomarkers and treatment targets.

Introduction: To further advance our understanding of Muscular Dystrophies (MDs) and Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs), it is necessary to identify the biological patterns associated with disease pathology. Although progress has been made in the fields of genetics and transcriptomics, there is a need for proteomics and metabolomics studies. The present study aimed to be the first to document serum metabolic signatures of MDs (DMD, BMD, and LGMD 2A) SCAs (SCA 1-3), from a South Asian perspective.

Bridging bioengineering and nanotechnology: Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cell-exosome solutions for peripheral nerve injury.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a common disease that is difficult to nerve regeneration with current therapies. Fortunately, Zou demonstrated the role and mechanism of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in promoting nerve regeneration, revealing broad prospects for BMSCs transplantation in alleviating PNI. We confirmed the fact that BMSCs significantly alleviate PNI, but there are shortcomings such as low cell survival rate and immune rejection, which limit the wide application of BMSCs.

Microvesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells: A promising therapeutic strategy for acute respiratory distress syndrome-related pulmonary fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), markedly increasing patient mortality. Despite the established anti-fibrotic effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), numerous challenges hinder their clinical application. A recent study demonstrated that microvesicles (MVs) from MSCs (MSC-MVs) could attenuate ARDS-related pulmonary fibrosis and enhance lung function hepatocyte growth factor mRNA transcription.

Diagnosis and management of de novo non-specific spinal infections: European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) Spine Section Delphi consensus recommendations.

Introduction: The management of de novo non-specific spinal infections (spondylodiscitis - SD) remains inconsistent due to varying clinical practices and a lack of high-level evidence, particularly regarding the indications for surgery.

Research Question: This study aims to develop consensus recommendations for the diagnosis and management of SD, addressing diagnostic modalities, surgical indications, and treatment strategies.

Material And Methods: A Delphi process was conducted with 26 experts from the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).

Profiles of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with co-existing sickle cell disease: a coincidence or true association?

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and sickle cell disease (SCD) are distinct multisystemic diseases that commonly affect blacks. There are few reports of their co-existence in Western literature and a paucity of reports in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their co-existence is associated with diagnostic delay and treatment dilemmas.

Effectiveness of Adjuvant Chemo- and Radiotherapy in Thymic Carcinoma Stage II: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Thymic carcinoma is a rare tumor arising from the epithelial thymic tissue, yet among mediastinal tumors, it is the most common malignant entity. Thymic carcinoma often causes no symptoms and is incidentally discovered. Adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended, particularly in cases of incomplete resection and for stages III and IV, based on current guidelines and existing literature.

Factors associated with male acceptance of modern contraceptive methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study in a peri-urban municipality.

Background: Male knowledge and acceptance of modern contraceptive use play a significant role in uptake. This study assessed the factors associated with male acceptance of modern contraceptive methods in Ho Municipality.

Methods: A cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was employed.

The association of travel distance and other patient characteristics with breast cancer stage at diagnosis and treatment completion at a rural Rwandan cancer facility.

Background: Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) was founded to serve Rwanda's rural low-income population, providing subsidized cancer diagnosis and treatment with transport stipends for the lowest-income patients. We examined whether travel distance to BCCOE was associated with advanced-stage diagnoses and treatment completion.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using medical record data from BCCOE patients with pathologically-confirmed breast cancer from 2012-2016.

Moxifloxacin plus Cordyceps polysaccharide ameliorate intestinal barrier damage due to abdominal infection via anti-inflammation and immune regulation under simulated microgravity.

Background: Currently, there is limited research on the impact of abdominal infection on intestinal damage under microgravity conditions. Cordyceps polysaccharide (CPS), the main active ingredient of Cordyceps, has demonstrated various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Moxifloxacin (MXF) is a fourth-generation quinolone antibiotic that is believed to have a dual regulatory effect on immune system activation and suppression.

Genomic evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in Morocco: Insights from Whole Genome Sequences collected from 2020 to 2024.

This study investigates the evolution and genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in Morocco to track the spread, clade distributions and mutations of the virus across various regions from February 2020 to June 2024. The genome sequences were retrieved from the GISAID database. A total of 2630 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were analyzed using bioinformatic tools such as Nextclade, followed by phylogenetic and statistical analyses.

JAK/STAT3 signaling promotes pain and depression-like behaviors in rats with bone cancer pain by regulating Th17 cell differentiation.

Background: Pain and depression are common complications in patients with advanced cancer, which significantly affects their quality of life and survival. Dysregulation of the JAK/STAT3 pathway in the central nervous system is associated with pain and brain inflammatory disorders, but its role in bone cancer pain (BCP) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the specific role of the JAK/STAT3 pathway in the amygdala in BCP.

Review of Childhood Mortality Pattern at the Paediatric Unit of a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria.

Background: The vital statistics in the third world countries are poor and have witnessed minimal improvement over the years with childhood mortality in Nigeria remaining one of the highest among the developing countries despite various child survival programmes. Child survival strategies can only be efficient if the major reasons for morbidity are known. The objective of this retrospective study was to review the patterns of childhood mortality at the emergency room of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI).

Epidemiologic threats and outcome of evolving COVID-19-associated mucormycosis from a referral hospital in Egypt.

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore the epidemiologic threats and factors associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) epidemic that emerged in Egypt during the second COVID-19 wave. The study also aimed to explore the diagnostic features and the role of surgical interventions of CAM on the outcome of the disease in a central referral hospital.

Methodology: The study included 64 CAM patients from a referral hospital for CAM and a similar number of matched controls from COVID-19 patients who did not develop CAM.