High burden of abnormal cervical smears in South African primary health care: health programmes implications.

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignancy among South African women and the load of abnormal cervical smears has clinical, programmatic and policy implications. This cross-sectional study of women who presented for cervical cancer screening aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical smears and associated factors in primary health care (PHC) facilities in Gauteng-the most densely populated province in South Africa. A questionnaire collected data on socio-demography, tobacco use, sexual behaviours, HIV status, past treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and cervical cancer screening in the past 10 years.

Accuracy of two-compartment modelling of gas exchange with ventilation-perfusion mismatch in inhalational anesthesia.

Background: Multi-compartment computer models of heterogeneity in alveolar ventilation-perfusion ratios (VA/Q scatter) across the lung explain the significant alveolar-arterial (A-a) partial pressure gradients and associated alveolar dead-space fractions (VDA/VA) seen in anesthetized patients for both carbon dioxide and for anesthetic gases of different blood solubilities. However, the accuracy of a simpler two-compartment model of VA/Q scatter to do this has not been tested or compared to calculations from the traditional Riley model with "ideal", unventilated (shunt) and unperfused (deadspace) compartments.

Methods: Measurements of gas partial pressures in inspired and expired gas and arterial and mixed venous blood from 29 patients undergoing inhalational general anesthesia for cardiac surgery was used to compare the accuracy of two simple models of VA/Q scatter and lung gas exchange in predicting measured alveolar and arterial partial pressure differences, and associated alveolar dead-space calculations for the modern anesthetic gases isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane.

Quantum leadership: new approach in managing shoulder dystocia in simulation-based training.

Background: Shoulder dystocia, a challenging condition for obstetricians, poses significant risks to both maternal and neonatal health, including maternal postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal hypoxia, and brachial plexus injury. Despite being unpredictable and unpreventable, effective management can mitigate these risks. Miscommunication and poor leadership are responsible for 72% of medical errors, which further highlights the importance of robust leadership skills in obstetric emergencies.

Enhanced Transepithelial Riboflavin Delivery Across the Cornea Using Magnetic Nanocarriers.

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia characterized by irregular astigmatism, leading to corneal scarring and decreased vision. Corneal cross-linking (CXL) is the standard treatment to halt disease progression, but its effectiveness in transepithelial (epithelium-on, epi-on) approaches is limited by the low permeability of the corneal epithelium to riboflavin (Rb). This study aimed to enhance transepithelial Rb penetration in bovine corneas using Rb-modified tannic acid-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Rb-TA-SPIONs) under an external magnetic field.

Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on plasma levels of EETs, arachidonic acids derived lipid mediators.

Background: Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are closely associated with lipoprotein metabolism, and changes in lipid profiles potentially affect their levels and functions. Given the alterations in lipid metabolism after cholecystectomy, this study aimed to investigate the levels of four EET regioisomers (free and esterified) and lipid profiles in patients with cholelithiasis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and explore correlations between these parameters.

Methods: This prospective study involved 40 patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis who underwent LC.

and through the pig meat chain in Sardinia: occurrence, antimicrobial resistance and genetic insight.

This study aimed to characterize Salmonella and Yersinia enterocolitica detected in fattening pigs in Sardinia, examining genetic similarity and antimicrobial resistance of isolates from farms and slaughterhouses and evaluating carcass hygiene. Environmental samples were collected from six pig farms, and the same pigs were also sampled at the slaughterhouses. Palatine tonsils, mesenteric lymph nodes, colon content, and carcass surface samples were collected and tested for Salmonella and Y.

Cardiac sarcoidosis; update for the heart failure specialist.

Purpose Of Review: This review presents contemporary data on epidemiology, common presentations, investigations and diagnostic algorithms, treatment and prognosis. It particularly focuses on topics of most relevance to heart failure specialists, including what left ventricle (LV) function changes can be expected after treatment and outcomes to all standard and advanced heart failure therapies.

Recent Findings: Around 5% of sarcoidosis patients have clinically manifest cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), presenting with significant arrhythmias (such as conduction disturbances and ventricular arrhythmias) or newly developed unexplained heart failure.

Small Remnants versus Large Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: Small remnants may penetrate the arterial intima more efficiently compared to large triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRL). We tested the hypothesis that the importance of remnant cholesterol for the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) may depend on the size of the remnants and TGRL carrying cholesterol.

Methods: The cholesterol content of small remnants and large TGRL were measured in 25 572 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study (2003-2015) and in 222 721 individuals from the UK Biobank (2006-2010) using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

A pilot, randomized controlled trial of Dual Daily HIV and sexually transmitted infection pre-exposure prophylaxis using tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine and doxycycline in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men and transgender women: The DuDHS Study.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women experience high sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates. This study evaluated the feasibility of doxycycline pre-exposure prophylaxis (doxyPrEP) for STI prevention in these key populations.

Methods: Sexually-active MSM and transgender women without HIV with prior syphilis were recruited.

Topical review: Challenges and solutions for eye care in long-term care.

Background: The prevalence of visual impairment among individuals living in long-term care (LTC) is substantial, yet eye care is often disregarded and inadequately addressed. This neglect contributes to a decline in quality of life for residents. Thus, understanding the challenges faced by stakeholders in providing eye care for residents might suggest opportunities to improve eye health outcomes.

Management of forgotten double J stents: insight from a systematic review of case reports.

Background: Double J Stent is one of the procedures frequently performed in the field of urology. Forgotten DJ Stent is a problem that can cause serious complications. This systematic review aims to explore complications and management of patients with forgotten double J stents.

Whole-genome sequence of subsp. serovar 17: l,v:z: a new serovar isolated from a nose-horned viper in Republic of Serbia.

We report the draft genome sequence of enterica subsp. serovar 17: l,v:z isolated from a nose-horned viper () in Republic of Serbia which might be considered a new serovar of .

Insulin sensitivity in moderately severe to acute severe ulcerative colitis.

Background: Patients hospitalized with moderately severe or acute severe ulcerative colitis (UC) may experience metabolic disturbances, including alterations in insulin resistance due to inflammation and the administration of glucocorticoids (GCs). This pilot study aimed to evaluate insulin sensitivity in patients hospitalized for moderately severe to severe UC.

Method: Patients hospitalized for moderately-severely active UC at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden, were eligible for inclusion.

The Association Between Blepharitis and Lower Eyelid Ectropion in a Large Cohort of Patients.

Purpose: Blepharitis and lower eyelid ectropion are highly prevalent ocular conditions occurring in 37%-46% and 2-3% of the general adult population, respectively. Blepharitis has multifactorial origins and involves anterior and posterior types of eyelid inflammation. Lower eyelid ectropion results in ocular surface exposure, epiphora and chronic conjunctivitis.

Medication adherence and attitudes in adolescent psychiatry: Key influences.

Adolescents with mental illnesses often struggle with adhering to prescribed medication regimens. This study investigates how patient perceptions influence medication adherence among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. It also examines the role of patient characteristics and medication-related factors on adherence and attitudes.

Neoantigen mRNA vaccines and AA receptor antagonism: A strategy to enhance T cell immunity.

Although neo-antigen mRNA vaccines are promising for personalized cancer therapy, their effectiveness is often limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The adenosine AA receptor (AAR) inhibits dendritic cell (DC) function and weakens antitumor T cell responses through hypoxia-driven mechanisms within the TME. This review explores a novel strategy combining neo-antigen mRNA vaccines with AAR antagonists (AARi).

A comparison of maximal isometric force in the first pull, transition and second pull of the clean and their contribution to predict performance in national and international level weightlifters.

This study aimed to examine differences in isometric peak force (PF) at the start of the first pull, transition, and second pull phases of the clean, and determine their contribution in explaining the variance in snatch and clean & jerk (C&J) performance. Thirty-one national and international level male and female weightlifters participated. Isometric start position pull (ISPP), isometric transition position pull (ITPP), and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) PF, along with competition performance, were analysed both in absolute and allometrically scaled terms.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and psychometric properties of the Finnish version of the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ).

Objectives: This study aimed to translate and adapt the Malocclusion Impact Questionnaire (MIQ) into Finnish; to estimate its psychometric properties when applied to Finnish adolescents; and to estimate the effect of demographic characteristics on the perceived impact of malocclusion.

Methods: The Finnish version of MIQ (MIQ-Fi) was established through translation, back-translation, and a pilot study. Psychometric properties were estimated using factorial validity (confirmatory factor analysis [CFA]), convergent validity (Average Variance Extracted [AVE]), and reliability (αordinal and ω).

Cost-Effective Quality of Life Improvement While Reducing Health Care Professional Burnout With an AI-Driven Intervention for Personalized Medicine.

Background And Aims: Burnout affects >50% of physicians and nurses. Spotlight-AQ is a personalized digital health platform designed to improve routine diabetes visits. We assessed cost-effectiveness, visit length, and association with health care professional (HCP) burnout.

Multivalvular vs single-valve infective endocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Infective endocarditis is characterized by the colonization of heart valves by virulent microorganisms. It commonly manifests as involvement of a single heart valve -single-valve infective endocarditis (SIE), while in some patients, two or more heart valves are concomitantly infected -multivalvular infective endocarditis (MIE). The risk of complications and prognosis of MIE as opposed to SIE are unknown.

Extracellular thiol isomerase ERp5 regulates integrin αIIbβ3 activation by inhibition of fibrinogen binding.

Recent studies have shown that anti-ERp5 antibodies inhibit platelet activation and thrombus formation; Moreover, ERp5-deficient platelets exhibit enhanced platelet reactivity via regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In this study, we used a new ERp5-knockout mouse model as well as recombinant ERp5 (rERp5) protein, to examine the role of ERp5 in platelet function and thrombosis. Although platelet-specific ERp5-deficient mice had decreased platelet count, the mice had shortened tail-bleeding times and enhanced platelet accumulation in FeCl-induced mesenteric artery injury, compared with wild-type mice.