Photothermal Coating on Zinc Alloy for Controlled Biodegradation and Improved Osseointegration.

Zinc (Zn) and its alloys are promising biomaterials for orthopedic applications due to their degradability and mechanical properties. Zn plays a crucial role in bone formation, but excessive early release may cause cytotoxicity and inhibit osseointegration. To solve this, we developed a near-infrared (NIR) light-controlled polycaprolactone/copper-sulfur (PCL/CuS) coating that slows degradation and enhances osseointegration of Zn alloys.

Measuring the age-friendliness of cities in the Russian Federation: The translation, validation and application of the age-friendly cities and communities Questionnaire in the city of Kazan.

Numerous cities in the Russian Federation have joined the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities since 2011. In order to do quantitative evaluations of the age-friendliness of cities, the Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ) was developed in the Netherlands. The purpose of this study was to translate and test the validity and reliability of the AFCCQ for use in the Russian Federation, and to study the views on the age-friendliness of the city of Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan from an intergenerational perspective.

Novel insights into mechanisms and therapeutics for presbycusis.

Presbycusis, also referred to as age-related hearing loss, poses a substantial burden on both individuals and society. The hallmark of presbycusis is a progressive decrease in auditory sensitivity. Irreversible hearing loss occurs due to the limited regenerative capacity of spiral neurons and peripheral cochlear hair cells (HCs).

Comprehensive analyses reveal the promising value of gasdermins as prognostic biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: In several studies of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), the regulation of tumorigenesis and therapeutic sensitivity by pyroptosis has been observed. However, a systematic analysis of gasdermin family members (GSDMs, including GSDMA/B/C/D/E and PJVK), which are deterministic executors of pyroptosis, has not yet been reported in HNSC.

Methods: We performed comprehensive analyses of the expression profile, prognostic value, regulatory network, and immune infiltration modulation of GSDMs in HNSC on the basis of a computational approach and bioinformatic analysis of publicly available datasets.

Epidemiology, microbiology and clinical impacts of non-tuberculous mycobacteria in adult patients with cystic fibrosis.

Background: Due to its increasing prevalence and suboptimal treatment, non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is an emerging problem in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Detailed description of regional NTM prevalence and distribution, and identification of predictors of NTM acquisition in CF are essential to optimise treatment and surveillance guidelines.

Methods: A retrospective, multi-center analysis was conducted between the years 2020 and 2022 on data from 232 adult patients registered in the Hungarian CF Registry in 2022.

Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections Among Hemodialysis Patients in Northern Tanzania: Insights From a Single-Centre Retrospective Study.

Background And Aims: A catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a life-threatening complication of hemodialysis. It is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality and a costly long hospital stay. Despite its burden, little is known about the factors associated with it and the antibiogram of its responsible causative bacteria.

Evaluating the Association Between Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (Rs1801131 and Rs1801133) Gene Polymorphisms and Severity of Coronary Lesions in Patients With STEMI and NSTEMI: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background And Aims: Mounting evidence have implicated that rs1801131 and rs1801133, located in the Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, may emerge as novel biomarkers for coronary artery disease (CAD). The Synergy between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention with Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score is also an appropriate predictor for revascularization strategy in patients with complex CAD. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between rs1801131 and rs1801133 with the severity of coronary lesions in patients with ST‑Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and Non‑ST‑Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) based on the SYNTAX score.

Analysis of Body Fluid Distribution, Phase Angle and Its Association With Maximal Oxygen Consumption in Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy: An Observational Study.

Background And Aims: Body composition parameters associated with aerobic fitness, mirrored by maximal oxygen consumption (V̇Omax), have recently gained interest as indicators of physical efficiency in facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) allows a noninvasive and repeatable estimate of body composition but is based on the use of predictive equations which, if used in cohorts with different characteristics from those for which the equation was originally formulated, could give biased results. Instead, the phase angle (PhA), a BIA raw bioelectrical parameter reflecting body fluids distribution, could provide reliable data for such analysis.

Virucidal activity of olanexidine gluconate against SARS-CoV-2.

Antiseptics have been used for infection control against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Ethanol (EtOH) was found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, while chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) was less effective. Therefore, virucidal activity may differ between different classes of antiseptic agents.

Effects of therapy in experimental models of Peyronie's disease: a scoping review.

Background: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibrotic disorder affecting the penile tunica albugínea, with unclear pathophysiology despite centuries of recognition.

Aim: This scoping review maps the effects of interventions in basic PD research, synthesizing evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies to guide future investigation.

Methods: In October-November 2023, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase (Ovid), Science of Web, and Scopus, following SRYCLE's guidelines.

The value of 5-HT, leptin, and NE in the classification of premature ejaculation.

Background: While premature ejaculation (PE) can be divided into lifelong PE (LPE), acquired PE, natural variable PE (NPE), and subjective PE (SPE), there is no objective method to classify PE.

Aim: To determine the value of serum serotonin (5-HT), leptin, and norepinephrine (NE) levels in the classification of PE.

Methods: From July 2023 to July 2024, we recruited 150 participants and divided them into 4 groups: LPE (43 cases), NPE (32 cases), SPE (35 cases), and non-PE (40 cases) groups.

Unveiling intimacy: sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction among Pakistani males in Karachi.

Background: In Asian countries, discussing sex-related issues remains a taboo. Sexual dysfunction is not even considered a serious disorder in Pakistan.

Aim: To explore sexual dysfunction and marital satisfaction within the Pakistani context to develop supportive intervention programs.

Evaluation of Retentive Force and Long-Term Performance of 4 Mol% Yttria Partially Stabilized Zirconia (4Y-PSZ) Double Crowns.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effects of taper angle and the number of insertion-removal cycles on the retention force of 4 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (4Y-PSZ) double crowns over time.

Materials And Methods: Primary and secondary crowns were fabricated using 4Y-PSZ with taper angles of 2°, 4°, and 6° (n=15). Retention force during crown removal was measured after applying 50-N and 100-N loads.

Assessment of Health Literacy in Parents of Children With Familial Mediterranean Fever Using the Turkish Health Literacy Scale.

Background Health literacy (HL) refers to the ability of individuals to find, understand, and use information and resources to make informed health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. Managing chronic diseases in children and adolescents requires active family involvement. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the HL levels of parents of children diagnosed with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

The Added Role of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Staging Uterine Cervical Cancer.

Background: Cervical cancer is considered one of the most common gynecological malignancies with an increased incidence in developing countries. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a valuable role in staging cervical cancer and providing valuable information necessary for selecting the appropriate treatment plan, while closely correlating with the prognosis of the patient.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the preoperative loco-regional staging of cervical carcinoma.

A Rare Case of Spinal Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis That Caused Tetraplegia After Myelography.

Hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) is a rare inflammatory disease that causes the thickening of the dura mater. Its etiology is mainly classified as idiopathic or secondary, and autoimmune disease is one of the main causes of secondary HP. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and IgG4-related disease are common among autoimmune diseases.

An Unusual Case of Hemolytic Anemia: A Case Report.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a potentially severe condition with clinical manifestations ranging from nonspecific symptoms, such as asthenia and glossitis, to severe hematological problems, including pancytopenia and megaloblastic anemia. One of the rare phenomena associated with this condition is pseudo-thrombotic microangiopathy (pseudo-TMA), which can mimic diseases such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), leading to possible misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. In this article, we present the case of a 62-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug use, untreated hepatitis C, smoking, and alcoholism.

Visual Improvement Following Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Orbital Apex Vascular Tumor.

Orbital apex lesions represent a clinical challenge since they are difficult to remove surgically and may induce significant functional defects. The orbital apex is an area of convergence of neurovascular elements passing through the various local osseous foramina and the congestion of several critical anatomical structures in a confined space increases the risk of intraoperative complications. Radiotherapy is an alternative treatment option in such cases but may also induce radiation toxicity.

Prevalence and Postpartum Screening Practice for Type 2 Diabetes Following Gestational Diabetes (GDM) in a Tertiary Care Center in Western Saudi Arabia: A Three-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives This study analyzed the practices and findings on postpartum type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) screening among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Western Saudi Arabia, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2018. It involved 642 nondiabetic women with a confirmed diagnosis of GDM, who were followed until delivery.

Chest pain in a multi-ethnic population: A community-based study on sex differences in chest pain prevalence and care contacts.

Objective: While chest pain is a common symptom, its prevalence among women and men across ethnic groups is unknown. Moreover, how chest pain is associated with general practitioner (GP) and cardiologist visits in women and men across ethnic groups, remains to be determined.

Design: We used baseline data on 12423 women and 9071 men from the multi-ethnic HELIUS cohort (Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 2011-2015).

Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio as an independent predictor of long-term mortality in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease patients: A propensity score-matched study: UACR and Long-term Mortality in ASCVD.

Background And Aims: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of mortality, and while the association between the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and cardiovascular risk is recognized, the specific impact of UACR on the long-term survival of ASCVD patients remains not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of UACR on the long-term risk of all-cause mortality in patients with ASCVD.

Methods: This study included ASCVD patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018.

Effect of modified investment and casting system on the recasting properties of high-gold alloy.

Background/purpose: High gold (Au) alloys have many advantages, such as good mechanical properties and stable chemical properties for dental restoration. The purpose of this investigation was to investigate the effect of zirconia (ZrO)-magnesia (MgO)-based investment combined with an argon arc vacuum pressure (Ar-arc VP) casting process on the recasting of high Au alloys.

Materials And Methods: The recasting Au alloys were compared between the control group of conventional SiO-based investment/horizontal centrifugal (HC) casting and the experimental group of ZrO-MgO-based investment/Ar-arc VP die casting.

Striving for excellence in a little red dot: Exploring the evolution of oral and maxillofacial surgery training and practice in Singapore.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) is a field that straddles knowledge and clinical experience from both medical and dental specialties. In the small island nation of Singapore, the rapidly and constantly changing needs of its diverse and aging population, as well as changes in the mindsets of both students and educators have led to many developments in the local OMS program. Tied to the only dental school in the country, the curriculum of the training program has kept up with the changes in the demographics and attitudes of the local patient pool, which comprises a multicultural population with both traditional and modern mindsets.

Implant position accuracy using dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) combined with augmented reality: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background/purpose: Computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) is increasingly performed to reduce deviations in implant position. Dynamic CAIS or navigation systems provide instant display of implant drilling instruments and patient positions directly on the computer monitor. Augmented reality (AR) technology allows operators to visualize real-time information projected onto the lenses of AR glasses.

Creating an extracellular matrix-like three-dimension structure to enhance the corrosion resistance and biological responses of titanium implants.

Background/purpose: Titanium (Ti) is extensively used in dental and orthopedic implants due to its excellent mechanical properties. However, its smooth and biologically inert surface does not support the ingrowth of new bone, and Ti ions may have adverse biological effects. The purpose is to improve the corrosion resistance of titanium and create a 3D structured coating to enhance osseointegration through a very simple and fast surface treatment.