Exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promote healing of complex perianal fistulas in rats.

Background: Complex perianal fistulas, challenging to treat and prone to recurrence, often require surgical intervention that may cause fecal incontinence and lower quality of life due to large surgical wounds and potential sphincter damage. Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) and their exosomes (hUCMSCs-Exo) may promote wound healing.

Methods: This study assessed the efficacy, mechanisms, and safety of these exosomes in treating complex perianal fistulas in SD rats.

THBS2 + cancer-associated fibroblasts promote EMT leading to oxaliplatin resistance via COL8A1-mediated PI3K/AKT activation in colorectal cancer.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) exert multiple tumor-promoting functions and are key contributors to drug resistance. The mechanisms by which specific subsets of CAFs facilitate oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been fully explored. This study found that THBS2 is positively associated with CAF activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance at the pan-cancer level.

Swab Testing to Optimize Pneumonia treatment with empiric Vancomycin (STOP-Vanc): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Vancomycin, an antibiotic with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is frequently included in empiric treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) despite the fact that MRSA is rarely implicated in CAP. Conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on nasal swabs to identify the presence of MRSA colonization has been proposed as an antimicrobial stewardship intervention to reduce the use of vancomycin. Observational studies have shown reductions in vancomycin use after implementation of MRSA colonization testing, and this approach has been adopted by CAP guidelines.

Aicardi-Goutières syndrome type 6: report of ADAR variant and clinical outcome after ruxolitinib treatment in the neonatal period.

Background: Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome is a monogenic type 1 interferonopathy with infantile onset, characterized by a variable degree of neurological damage. Approximately 7% of Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome cases are caused by pathogenic variants in the ADAR gene and are classified as Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome type 6. Here, we present a new homozygous pathogenic variant in the ADAR gene.

MicroRNA-668 alleviates renal fibrosis through PPARα/PGC-1α pathway.

Background: The involvement of microRNA-668 (miR-668) in the onset and progression of renal fibrosis remains unclear. To this end, we aimed to explore the relevant mechanism of miR-668 in renal fibrosis.

Methods: C57BL/6 J male mice were randomly divided into sham-operated, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), and UUO-fenofibrate groups.

Prognostic value and immune infiltration of a tumor microenvironment-related PTPN6 in metastatic melanoma.

Background: Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most invasive and lethal skin malignant tumors. Compared to primary melanoma, metastatic melanoma (MM) presents poorer treatment outcomes and a higher mortality rate. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in MM progression and immunotherapy resistance.

A cross-sectional study assessing customers' perception, satisfaction, and attitude toward e-pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Electronic pharmacy (e-pharmacy) services are growing rapidly, offering increased accessibility, privacy, and value. Understanding e-pharmacy customer satisfaction, attitudes, and perceptions in Saudi Arabia is crucial for improving the services and enhancing health outcomes. This study aims to examine customers' perceptions, preferences, satisfaction, and experiences with electronic pharmacy services, including community pharmacy e-commerce.

Economic evaluation of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B virus infection: evidence from a lower-middle income country.

No cost-effectiveness information of preventive strategies for mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) has existed for policy decision making. This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of alternative strategies to prevent MTCT of HBV in Vietnam. Cost-utility analysis using a hybrid decision-tree and Markov model were performed from healthcare system and societal perspectives.

Phase 1 study of AYP-101 (soybean phosphatidylcholine): safety, pharmacokinetics, and lipid profile effects for reducing submental fat.

Background: Excessive submental fat under the chin is a known aesthetic concern because of its negative impact on facial appearance and psychological well-being. AYP-101 is a newly developed injectable agent containing 93% soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) designed to reduce submental fat. We conducted a phase 1 study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetic (PK), and lipid profile effects of AYP-101.

Effects of specific symbiotic supplements on anthropometric measurements, glycaemic control, and lipid profiles among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in two teaching hospitals in Baghdad/Iraq: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Experimental and clinical studies have suggested that symbiotics might effectively manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by modulating the intestinal microbiota. However, these studies' limited sources, small sample sizes, and varied study designs have led to inconsistent outcomes regarding glycaemic control. This study aimed to investigate the effects of symbiotics on the anthropometric measures, glycaemic control, and lipid profiles of patients with T2DM.

Association between serum albumin levels at admission and clinical outcomes in pediatric intensive care units: a multi-center study.

Background: Albumin, a vital component in regulating human blood oncotic pressure, plays an important role in the prediction of prognosis in pediatric patients.Previous research identified significant differences in serum albumin levels of healthy and critically ill children.

Methods: The present study aims to investigate the correlation between albumin levels measured during pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) admission and clinical outcomes.

Circulating level of growth-differentiation factor 15 and the functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Growth-differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a cytokine involved in cellular stress responses and inflammation. This meta-analysis evaluates the association between circulating GDF-15 levels and functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A comprehensive search of Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang, and CNKI was conducted up to July 15, 2024.

Ultrasound-responsive nanoparticles for nitric oxide release to inhibit the growth of breast cancer.

Gas therapy represents a promising strategy for cancer treatment, with nitric oxide (NO) therapy showing particular potential in tumor therapy. However, ensuring sufficient production of NO remains a significant challenge. Leveraging ultrasound-responsive nanoparticles to promote the release of NO is an emerging way to solve this challenge.

LPL-RH suppresses bone loss in ovariectomised rat models.

Background: Evidence has revealed that oestrogen deprivation-induced osteolysis is microbiota-dependent and can be treated by probiotics. However, the underlying mechanism require further investigation. This study aims to provide additional evidence supporting the use of probiotics as an adjuvant treatment and to explore the pathophysiology of oestrogen-deprived osteolysis.

Comparative analysis of arterial involvement in predominant cranial and isolated extracranial phenotypes of giant cell arteritis using F-FDG PET-CT.

Objective: To investigate differences in arterial involvement patterns on F-FDG PET-CT between predominant cranial and isolated extracranial phenotypes of giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods: A retrospective review of F-FDG PET-CT findings was conducted on 140 patients with confirmed GCA. The patients were divided into two groups: the cranial group, which presented craniofacial ischemic symptoms either at diagnosis or during follow-up, and the isolated extracranial group which never exhibited such manifestations.

Genotypic diversity and virulence factors of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a North Indian tertiary care hospital.

Klebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogen of concern worldwide can be classified as classical K. pneumoniae (cKp) and Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (HvKp).

Association between geriatric nutritional risk index and adverse outcomes in critical ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cohort study of 2824 older adults.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among the elderly, resulting in high rates of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Malnutrition is common in elderly patients and has been associated with poor prognosis in patients with COPD. However, its impact in the ICU setting remains incompletely defined.

Exploring prospects, hurdles, and road ahead for generative artificial intelligence in orthopedic education and training.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), characterized by its ability to generate diverse forms of content including text, images, video and audio, has revolutionized many fields, including medical education. Generative AI leverages machine learning to create diverse content, enabling personalized learning, enhancing resource accessibility, and facilitating interactive case studies. This narrative review explores the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into orthopedic education and training, highlighting its potential, current challenges, and future trajectory.

Evaluation of dentists' clinical practices and antibiotic use in managing endodontic emergencies in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Endodontic emergencies, often presented as acute pain or swelling, constitute a substantial challenge in dental practice. While effective management emphasizes prompt intervention, antibiotics are typically indicated only when systemic signs and symptoms are present. There is limited research exists on evaluating the knowledge and clinical approach of dental practitioners in managing endodontic emergencies from our region of the world.

Nursing students' perception of the clinical learning environment and its impact on academic adjustment: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Background: Academic adjustment significantly influences the progress of nursing students. Understanding clinical education environments can profoundly affect students' academic adjustment. This study aims to determine nursing students' perception of the clinical learning environment and its relationship to academic adjustment.

Gas transport mechanisms during high-frequency ventilation.

By virtue of applying small tidal volumes, high-frequency ventilation is advocated as a method of minimizing ventilator-induced lung injury. Lung protective benefits are established in infants, but not in other patient cohorts. Efforts to improve and extend the lung protection potential should consider how fundamental modes of gas transport can be exploited to minimize harmful tidal volumes while maintaining or improving ventilation.

Physician assistant/associate career flexibility: factors associated with specialty transitions.

Background: Physician assistants/associates (PAs), due to their broad medical education and certification, have the flexibility to change specialties throughout their careers. Prior studies suggest that between half and three-quarters exercise this option at some point in their career, and a third do so within the first decade. However, more research is needed to understand the factors associated with PAs changing vs.

The aluminum standard: using generative Artificial Intelligence tools to synthesize and annotate non-structured patient data.

Background: Medical narratives are fundamental to the correct identification of a patient's health condition. This is not only because it describes the patient's situation. It also contains relevant information about the patient's context and health state evolution.

The association between social support and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder.

Background: Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can arise following childbirth. Despite a growing body of research on postpartum mental health, the relationship between social support and postpartum PTSD remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between social support and postpartum PTSD.