Preventive clipping versus coiling in unruptured intracranial aneurysms: A comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review to explore safety and efficacy.

Background: Surgical clipping and endovascular coiling are both effective in preventing aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, but the choice between these interventions remains controversial, leading to treatment disparities across medical centers.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted, including relevant two-arm clinical trials up to September 2023, sourced from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Our primary outcomes were complete occlusion rates during mid-term and long-term follow-ups.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone signaling and manifestations within the cardiovascular system.

Growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH), a hypothalamic peptide initially characterized for its role in GH regulation, has gained increasing attention due to its GH-independent action on peripheral physiology, including that of the cardiovascular system. While its effects on the peripheral vasculature are still under investigation, GHRH and synthetic agonists have exhibited remarkable receptor-mediated cardioprotective properties in preclinical models. GHRH and its analogs enhance myocardial function by improving contractility, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and offsetting pathological remodeling.

Low skeletal muscle mass contributes to the prognosis of patients with superficial esophageal cancer treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Background: Herein, we aimed to examine the relationship between sarcopenia, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in patients with superficial esophageal carcinoma who underwent definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients (87 males) diagnosed with cT1N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The included patients underwent CRT as an initial treatment.

Symmetry in the developmental stages of permanent human teeth: a comparative study between maxilla and mandible.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess symmetry of developmental stage of permanent teeth between the left and right side of the jaw, as well as between the maxilla and the mandible.

Methods: A sample of 150 panoramic radiographs of individuals aged 6-20 years (69 males, 81 females) were selected from an open-access radiographic collection (Maxwell Museum of Anthropology's orthodontic collection, Albuquerque, USA). All developing immature permanent teeth (n = 489) were scored by the first author using Moorrees and Demirjian tooth stages.

Correlation between parathyroid adenoma volume and perioperative outcomes in primary hyperparathyroidism: Does the size matter?

Background: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to a parathyroid adenoma stands as one of the most prevalent endocrinological disorders, with focused parathyroidectomy being the established therapeutic strategy.

Aim: This study aims to investigate whether the volume of the pathological gland influences perioperative outcomes and postoperative morbidity.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 141 patients who underwent focused parathyroidectomy for PHPT at the University Hospital of Basel between 2007 and 2022.

Multi-omics sequencing of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma reveals prognosis-relevant key factors and a novel immunogenomic classification.

Background: Gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (GEJAC) exhibits distinct molecular characteristics due to its unique anatomical location. We sought to investigate effective and reliable molecular classification of GEJAC to guide personalized treatment.

Methods: We analyzed the whole genomic, transcriptomic, T-cell receptor repertoires, and immunohistochemical data in 92 GEJAC patients and delineated the landscape of genetic and immune alterations.

Evaluation of ILAR and PRINTO classifications for juvenile idiopathic arthritis: oligoarticular JIA vs early-onset ANA-positive JIA.

Objectives: The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) classification was revisited by the Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization (PRINTO) in 2018. Classifications should establish uniform groups to assist physicians in providing optimal care. Therefore, we evaluated changes proposed by PRINTO to highlight their impact on forming consistent groups regarding uveitis and treatment responses, particularly focusing on early-onset anti-nuclear antibody (ANA)-positive JIA.

ACPA is a main risk factor for CT-proven pulmonary nodule progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objectives: To determine the features of rheumatoid pulmonary nodules and the factors associated with nodule progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: Between January 2010 and September 2018, RA patients with at least one chest computed tomography (CT) were included. Two experienced radiologists examined chest CTs.

Ovarian function after COVID-19: long-term effects and vaccine safety in ART patients.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of mild COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 vaccination on ovarian function in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). Specifically, we assessed ovarian outcomes between 9 and 18 months post-infection and investigated the effects of COVID-19 vaccines (inactivated virus and adenovirus) on reproductive parameters.

Methods: The study included two objectives: (a) examining ovarian function in post-COVID-19 patients (9-18 months post-infection) compared to a control group and (b) comparing reproductive outcomes in vaccinated versus unvaccinated patients.

Topical Medications for Chronic Itch in Older Patients: Navigating a Pressing Need.

Chronic itch in older patients is a common problem, with a significant impact on quality of life. Chronic itch in the older population may be attributable to several causes, such as age-related changes, skin conditions, systemic conditions, medications, and psychological conditions. Given the complexity of itch in this population, comorbidities, and polypharmacy in most geriatric patients, treating chronic itch can be challenging for healthcare providers.

The ability of CD4CD8 T cells to distinguish between Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and pediatric infectious mononucleosis.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH) and infectious mononucleosis (IM) are characterized by fever, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly, but HLH has a 50% lethality rate. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the laboratory findings in differentiating EBV-HLH children from IM children who have fever, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly. A total of 131 IM patients and 29 EBV-HLH pediatric patients with fever, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly were enrolled in our study.

Role of glycosylation in bacterial resistance to carbapenems.

Carbapenems are a class of β-lactam antibacterial drugs with a broad antibacterial spectrum and strong activity, commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections. However, improper or excessive use of carbapenems can lead to increased bacterial resistance, which is a significant concern as they are often used as last resort for treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria. Confronted with this challenge, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the mechanism of carbapenem resistance to develop effective therapeutic strategies and innovative drugs.

Lipid Levels and Lung Cancer Risk: Findings from the Taiwan National Data Systems from 2012 to 2018.

Background: Lipids are known to be involved in carcinogenesis, but the associations between lipid profiles and different lung cancer histological classifications remain unknown.

Methods: Individuals who participated in national adult health surveillance from 2012 to 2018 were included. For patients who developed lung cancer during follow-up, a 1:2 control group of nonlung cancer participants was selected after matching.

Outcomes and efficacy of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy using the CMR Versius platform: a prospective study on 118 patients with 1-year follow-up.

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes and efficacy of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the Versius robotic surgical system, aiming to provide comprehensive data on perioperative outcomes, postoperative recovery, and complications.

Patient And Methods: All cases of RARP using the CMR Versius platform performed at Cairo University Hospital over a two-year period were enrolled in this study. All patients had pathologically confirmed prostate cancer in both localized and locally advanced stages.

Exploring the influence of health and digital health literacy on quality of life and follow-up compliance in patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: a prospective, single-center study.

Objective: Given the increasing significance of digital health literacy (DHL) and health literacy (HL) in promoting informed decision-making and healthy behaviors, this study aimed to assess the influence of self-reported HL and DHL on treatment adherence and quality of life among patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TUR-BT) for primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).

Materials & Methods: This single-center observational study involved patients who underwent TUR-BT for NIMBC at a tertiary hospital from May 2022 to February 2024. Before the procedure, the patients' DHL and HL were evaluated using the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire short version and the eHealth Literacy Scale.

Anti-PD-L1 envafolimab combined with anti-VEGF suvemcitug in pretreated solid tumors and hepatocellular carcinoma: an open-label phase II study with safety run-in stage.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been the standard first-line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the efficacy of this combination in post-line treatment is still unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of anti-PD-L1 envafolimab and novel humanized anti-VEGF suvemcitug as second-line treatment for patients with HCC.

Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate for MRAs optimization in HFrEF: lessons learned from the REALIZE-K trial.

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) are a cornerstone of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), offering significant benefits in reducing mortality and hospitalizations. However, their use is often constrained by the risk of hyperkalemia, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease. Patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (SZC), two novel potassium binders, have emerged as highly effective and safe tools for managing hyperkalemia and enabling the optimization of MRA therapy.

Development of a Screening Intervention for Dysphagia in Hospitalised Geriatric Patients.

Prevalence of dysphagia is high in hospitalised geriatric patients, posing risks of complications including malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration, and pneumonia. These complications may lead to reduced daily functioning, frailty, prolonged hospital stays, readmissions, and mortality. Diagnosing dysphagia in geriatric patients is often challenging due to the complex health conditions of this patient group, and overall these patients are at risk of lack of continuity in patient pathways and unnecessary hospitalisations.

In vivo bone regeneration performance of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel-based composite bone cements in ovariectomized and ovary-intact rats: a preliminary investigation.

The objective of this study is to fabricate and develop hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) hydrogel (HG)-based composite bone cements with incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA), beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and with/without polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) for vertebroplasty. For animal study, twenty female Wister rats (250-300 g, 12 weeks of age) were divided into four groups including a two non-ovariectomy (NOVX) groups and two ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis groups. Two prepared biocomposites including HG/β-TCP/HA and HG/β-TCP/HA/PMMA were injected into the tibial defects of both OVX and NOVX rats for evaluating in vivo osteogenesis after 12 weeks.

Natural compounds as modulators of miRNAs: a new frontier in bladder cancer treatment.

Bladder cancer (BC) is a major global health issue with a high recurrence rate and limited effective treatments. Over the past few years, it has become evident that miRNAs play a role in the carcinogenesis process, particularly in regulating genes that promote cancer cell proliferation and invasion. This review focuses on the extent to which natural products can act as potential miRNA modulators for the management of bladder cancer.

Principles, challenges, and advances in ribosome profiling: from bulk to low-input and single-cell analysis.

Ribosome profiling has revolutionized our understanding of gene expression regulation by providing a snapshot of global translation in vivo. This powerful technique enables the investigation of the dynamics of translation initiation, elongation, and termination, and has provided insights into the regulation of protein synthesis under various conditions. Despite its widespread adoption, challenges persist in obtaining high-quality ribosome profiling data.

Responsive cancer care in Asia: stigma and pain must be acknowledged and addressed.

Purpose: This study investigates whether cancer-related stigma and pain among patients with advanced cancer influences their perceptions of receiving responsive care.

Methods: We surveyed 2138 advanced cancer patients from 11 hospitals in eight Asian countries. Participants rated their most recent healthcare visit and a hypothetical patient's experience described in vignettes concerning dignity, clarity of information, and involvement in decision-making.

First-line biologics as a treatment for ulcerative colitis: a multicenter randomized control study.

Background: Despite the availability of several biologics for ulcerative colitis (UC), there remains a critical need to identify first-line treatment biologics. The superiority of infliximab (IFX) over vedolizumab (VED) and ustekinumab (UST) was evaluated as initial UC treatments in patients with biologic-naïve UC.

Methods: This multicenter, randomized control trial was conducted across 20 Japanese medical institutions.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for cavernous malformations: a comprehensive study on symptom relief, hemorrhage rates, and histopathological changes.

This study aims to demonstrate the effect of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) on symptoms, hemorrhage rates, and histopathological changes in patients with cavernous malformations (CMs), regardless of whether the symptomatic lesions are hemorrhagic. This single-center retrospective study evaluated symptomatic patients with single CMs treated with GKRS between 2016 and 2023. The patients' demographic data, presenting symptoms, GKRS radiation dose, complications developed during follow-up (hemorrhage, radiotoxicity), the rate of symptom improvement, and histopathological changes of surgically removed CMs were recorded.