Immigrant experiences of harm in sexual and reproductive healthcare in Spain.

The medical encounter represents a site where patients may be harmed, with intersecting vulnerabilities shaping the risk and nature of this harm. Sexual and reproductive healthcare is an important site for exploring this dynamic. Questions concerning how immigrant women experience sexual and reproductive healthcare abound, with researchers and practitioners calling for greater attention to a population whose experiences are underrepresented in existing literature.

Bloodstream infection in a neonatal intensive care unit: Epidemiology, Antifungal susceptibility and new drug delivered strategies.

Bloodstream infection in neonates is a complicated disease and presents a major challenge both in diagnosis and in therapeutic intervention. The focus of the present study was to investigate the incidence, the species distribution and the risk factors associated with mortality of bloodstream infections in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and evaluating the antifungal susceptibility of traditional antifungal drugs and three nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles. A total of 458 patients were evaluated, and 9.

Silk-based biomaterials for tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering (TE) involves repairing, replacing, regeneration, or improving the function of tissues and organs by combining cells, growth factors and scaffold materials. Among these, scaffold materials play a crucial role. Silk fibroin (SF), a natural biopolymer, has been widely used in the TE field due to its good biodegradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties attributed to its chemical composition and structure.

Etoposide-loaded lipopolymer nanoparticles promote Smac minetic activity against inhibitor of apoptosis protein for glioblastoma treatment.

Encapsulated BV6 and SM164, two bivalent second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac) mimetics, in etoposide (ETO)-lipopolymer nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed to deplete inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP), impair DNA, and produce antagonistic effects on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in nude mice. The NPs, composed of cocoa butter (CB) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), were stabilized by glycerol monostearate and Pluronic F-127, and grafted with transferrin (Tf) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) to dock the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and degenerated dopaminergic neurons. The dual-targeting NPs increased the BBB permeability of BV6, SM164 and ETO via recognizing Tf receptor (TfR) and N-acetylglucosamine that are abundantly expressed on brain microvascular endothelial cells.

Antheraea pernyi silk nanofibrils with inherent RGD motifs accelerate diabetic wound healing: A novel drug-free strategy to promote hemostasis, regulate immunity and improve re-epithelization.

The chronic inflammation and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-induced tissue degradation significantly disrupt re-epithelization and delay the healing process of diabetic wounds. To address these issues, we produced nanofibrils from Antheraea pernyi (Ap) silk fibers via a facile and green treatment of swelling and shearing. The integrin receptors on the cytomembrane could specifically bind to the Ap nanofibrils (ApNFs) due to their inherent Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motifs, which activated platelets to accelerate coagulation and promoted fibroblast migration, adhesion and spreading.

CuSeO@f-CNFs: A superoxide nanozyme for the selective nanomolar determination of the key cardiovascular biomarker, Glutathione.

Nanocomposites that mimic the characteristics of enzymes, commonly as nanozymes, can function as an efficient sensing material with high selectivity towards the targeted biological macromolecule. These nanozymes overcome of the challenges that arise when using natural enzymes as sensing material. This study presents a novel nanozyme, Copper Selenite (CuSeO) nanoparticles mounted on f-CNF, to electrochemically determine a potential cardiovascular biomarker, Glutathione (GSH).

SEEG guided mapping of primary motor cortex in children with epilepsy.

Background: Direct cortical electrical stimulation remains the gold standard for delineation of the primary motor cortex in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) undergoing epilepsy surgery evaluation OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of functional motor mapping through Stereo-EEG (SEEG) electrode contacts in children with DRE at our institute.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of children who underwent SEEG evaluation and functional cortical mapping via bipolar electrical stimulation at our institution between July 2020 and June 2024. Detailed clinical, radiological and neurophysiological variable were extracted; qualitative and quantitative variables were summarized using appropriate descriptive statistics.

Distribution and morphology of CGRP-IR axons in flat-mounts of whole male and female mouse atria.

Due to a lack of anatomical studies utilizing female specimens, it is unclear how the nociceptive innervation of the mouse heart compares between sexes. To address this, flat-mount preparations of the left and right atria of male and female mice were immunohistochemically labeled for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP, a common marker for nociceptive nerves), imaged, and digitally traced in high quality. The results show that 1) A network of CGRP-IR axons densely innervated the right and left atria.

Safety and efficacy of tamoxifen in non-ambulant patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial (TAMDMD Group B).

Most patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are non-ambulant. Preserving proximal motor function is crucial, rarely studied. Tamoxifen, a selective oestrogen receptor modulator, reduced signs of muscular pathology in a DMD mouse model.

Paradoxical effects of inhibition of Δ14-reductase and Δ7-reductase on porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development after parthenogenetic activation.

Follicular fluid-derived meiosis-activating sterol (FF-MAS), an intermediate in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, plays a crucial role in the meiotic resumption of mammalian oocytes. Maintaining a high concentration of FF-MAS in vitro is challenging; therefore, AY9944 A-7, an inhibitor of Δ14-reductase [which converts FF-MAS to testis meiosis-activating sterol (T-MAS)] and Δ7-reductase (which converts T-MAS to cholesterol), has been used to enhance oocyte maturation. This study examined the effects of various concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 40 μM) of AY9944 A-7 on porcine oocyte maturation and subsequent embryo development.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of prepared thymol@UIO-66 and thymol/ZnONPs@UIO-66 nanoparticles against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: A synergistic approach.

This study introduces a novel approach to enhance the antibacterial properties of UIO-66 by incorporating both Thymol and ZnO nanoparticles within its framework which represents a significant advancement like exhibiting a synergistic antibacterial effect, providing a prolonged and controlled release, and mitigating cytotoxicity associated with the release of free ZnO nanoparticles by combining these two antimicrobial agents within a single, well-defined metal-organic framework. UIO-66 frameworks are investigated as carriers for the natural antimicrobial agent, Thymol, and ZnONPs offering a novel drug delivery system for antibacterial applications. Results demonstrated 132, 90, 184, and 223 nm sizes for UIO-66, ZnONPs, UIO-66 encapsulated Thymol, and UIO-66 encapsulated both Thymol and ZnONPs, respectively.

Self-powered Biomedical Devices: biology, materials, and their interfaces.

Integrating biomedical electronic devices holds profound promise for advancements in healthcare and enhancing individuals' quality of life. However, the persistent challenges associated with the traditional batteries' limited lifespan and bulkiness hinder these devices' long-term functionality and consistent power supply. Here, we delve into the biology and material interfaces in self-powered medical devices by summarizing the intrinsic electric demands in humans, analyzing material and biological mechanisms for electricity generation and storage, and discussing the pathways toward self-chargeable powering.

Characterization of motor nerve stimulation using sinusoidal low frequency alternating currents and cuff electrodes.

Objective: Direct electrical neurostimulation using continuous sinusoidal low frequency alternating currents (LFAC) is an emerging modality for neuromodulation. As opposed to the traditional rectangular pulse stimulation, there is limited background on the characteristics of peripheral nerves responses to sinusoidal LFAC stimulation; especially within the low frequency range (<50Hz). In this study, we demonstrate LFAC activation as a means to activate motor nerves by direct bipolar nerve stimulation via cuff electrodes, and characterize the factors of activation.

A family-based behavioral group obesity randomized control feasibility trial across a clinical trials network: a focus on contact hours.

Objective: This ancillary study's purpose is to describe the relationship between dose of treatment and body mass index (BMI) outcomes in a tele-behavioral health program delivered in the IDeA States Pediatric Clinical Trials Network to children and their families living in rural communities.

Methods: Participants randomized to the intervention were able to receive 26 contact hours (15 hr of group sessions and 11 hr of individual sessions) of material focused on nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral caregiver training delivered via interactive televideo. Dose of the intervention received by child/caregiver dyads (n = 52) from rural areas was measured as contact hours.

Morphogenesis of Aragonite Biomineral Structures by the Nonclassical Colloidal Crystal Growth Mechanism Revisited on the Nanoscale: The Noah's Ark Shell (, L.) Case Study.

Characterization and formation of the biomineral aragonite structures of the Noah's Ark shell ( L.,1758) were studied from structural, morphogenetic, and biochemical points of view. Structural and morphological features were examined using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, while thermal properties were determined by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses.

Concepts of Suffering at the End of Life Amongst Emergency, Palliative Care and Geriatric Medicine Physicians in Malaysia.

Background: Palliative Care, Geriatrics and Emergency physicians are exposed to death, terminally ill patients and distress of patients and their families. As physicians bear witness to patients' suffering, they are vulnerable to the costs of caring-the emotional distress associated with providing compassionate and empathetic care to patients. If left unattended, this may culminate in burnout and compromise professional identity.

Exploring the Credibility of Large Language Models for Mental Health Support: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

Background: The rapid evolution of large language models (LLMs), such as Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT; Google) and GPT (OpenAI), has introduced significant advancements in natural language processing. These models are increasingly integrated into various applications, including mental health support. However, the credibility of LLMs in providing reliable and explainable mental health information and support remains underexplored.

Understanding Individual Differences in Happiness Sources and Implications for Health Technology Design: Exploratory Analysis of an Open Dataset.

Background: Psychologists have developed frameworks to understand many constructs, which have subsequently informed the design of digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) aimed at improving mental health outcomes. The science of happiness is one such domain that holds significant applied importance due to its links to well-being and evidence that happiness can be cultivated through interventions. However, as with many constructs, the unique ways in which individuals experience happiness present major challenges for designing personalized DMHIs.

Contribution of Blood Biomarkers to Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis.

Background And Objectives: Invasive procedures may delay the diagnostic process in multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated the added value of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP), chitinase-3-like 1 (sCHI3L1), and the immune responses to the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded nuclear antigen 1 to current MS diagnostic criteria.

Methods: In this multicentric study, we selected patients from 2 prospective cohorts presenting a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

Cutting-edge: bionanomaterial solutions in the battle against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.

Amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the imperative of our time resides in crafting stratagems of utmost precision to confront the relentless SARS-CoV-2 and quell its inexorable proliferation. A paradigm-shifting weapon in this battle lies in the realm of nanoparticles, where the amalgamation of cutting-edge nanochemistry begets a cornucopia of inventive techniques and methodologies designed to thwart the advances of this pernicious pathogen. Nanochemistry, an artful fusion of chemistry and nanoscience, provides a fertile landscape for researchers to craft innovative shields against infection.

Developing a Profile of Canadian Children With Cerebral Palsy Who Require Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

Purpose: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent motor disability affecting children. Many children with CP have significant speech difficulties and require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to participate in communication. Despite demonstrable benefits, the use of AAC systems among children with CP remains constrained, although research in Canada is lacking.

New PPARα Agonist A190-Loaded Microemulsion for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious side effect of anticancer agents with limited effective preventive or therapeutic interventions. Although fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) agonist, has demonstrated neuroprotective and analgesic properties, its clinical utility is hindered by low receptor affinity, poor subtype selectivity, and suboptimal bioavailability. A190, a highly selective and potent nonfibrate PPARα agonist, offers a promising alternative but is limited by poor aqueous solubility, resulting in reduced oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Deep-Ultraviolet AlN Metalens with Imaging and Ultrafast Laser Microfabrication Applications.

Deep-ultraviolet (DUV) light is essential for applications including fabrication, molecular research, and biomedical imaging. Compact metalenses have the potential to drive further innovation in these fields, provided they utilize a material platform that is cost-effective, durable, and scalable. In this work, we present aluminum nitride (AlN) metalenses as an efficient solution for DUV applications.