TGF-beta plays dual roles in immunity and pathogenesis in leishmaniasis.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), displaying a dual role in immunosuppression and pathogenesis, has emerged as a key regulator of anti-leishmanial immune responses. In Leishmania infections, TGF-β drives immune deviation by enhancing regulatory T-cell (T-reg) differentiation and inhibiting macrophage activation, suppressing critical antiparasitic responses. This cytokine simultaneously promotes fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix production, and fibrosis in infected tissues, which aids in wound healing but impedes immune cell infiltration, particularly in visceral leishmaniasis, where splenic disorganization and compromised immune access are notable.

FIGG at 5: An update on U.S. public perspectives on forensic investigative genetic genealogy five years after its introduction to criminal investigations.

In 2018, after law enforcement announced it had used a technique called forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) to identify the Golden State Killer, we conducted a U.S. general population survey and found most respondents supported using FIGG to solve violent crimes.

Temozolomide-Promoted MGMT Transcription Contributes to Chemoresistance by Activating the ERK Signalling Pathway in Malignant Melanoma.

Tumour cells possess a multitude of chemoresistance mechanisms, which could plausibly contribute to the ineffectiveness of chemotherapy. O-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is an important effector protein associated with Temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in various tumours. To some extent, the expression level of MGMT determines the sensitivity of cells to TMZ, but the mechanism of its expression regulation has not been fully elucidated.

Association between glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and risk of diabetic retinopathy: a disproportionality analysis using FDA adverse event reporting system data.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Concerns have emerged regarding their potential link to diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods: To evaluate the association between GLP-1 agonists and DR, a disproportionality analysis was conducted using FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data from Q4/2003 to Q2/2024 via OpenVigil 2.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Ultrasonography and Color Doppler in Diagnosis of Intraosseous Jaw Lesions: An Study.

Aim: The current investigation aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography and color Doppler performed in the diagnosis of intraosseous jaw lesions.

Materials And Methods: A total of 30 patients with intraosseous jaw lesions between the ages of 12 and 60 were selected for the present study. For every jaw lesion, a preliminary diagnosis was done using preoperative conventional radiographs.

Assessment of the Oropharyngeal Space Using CBCT and Its Impact on Volume of Airway Prior and after Denture Placement: Study.

Aim: The current study aimed to assess the oropharyngeal space using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and its effect on airway volume both before and after denture placement.

Materials And Methods: For this investigation, a total of 15 individuals with fully edentulous upper and lower ridges, ranging in age from 40 to 70, were taken into consideration. A recording of the pulmonary function test was made both prior to and following full denture recovery.

Comparative Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Color Stability of Polyetheretherketone with Conventional Interim Prosthetic Materials: An Study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the surface roughness and color stability of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with those of conventional interim prosthetic materials like polymethylmethacrylate, bis-acrylic composite, and rubberized diurethane dimethacrylate, following immersion in solutions of varying pH value.

Materials And Methods: A total of 320 circular discs with 10 mm diameter and 2 mm height were divided based on the fabrication ( = 80)-group A: polymethylmethacrylate; group B: bis-acrylic composite; group R: rubberized diurethane; and group P: hot-pressed PEEK-and were subjected to baseline measurement of roughness ( = 40) and color ( = 40) using 3D profilometer and UV-Vis spectrophotometer, respectively. Later, 10 samples from each group were immersed in distilled water, black coffee, green tea, and Pepsi, respectively, for 120 days, and measurements of roughness and color were repeated.

Effectiveness of Fenugreek as an Adjuvant in the Management of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fenugreek as an adjuvant in managing oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), specifically leukoplakia, lichen planus, and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF).

Materials And Methods: Twenty-one participants prediagnosed with OPMDs were randomly divided into a study group (SG) and a control group (CG), with 10 participants in SG and 11 in CG, respectively. The SG received 2 gm of fenugreek as an adjuvant with standard systemic treatments tailored to the respective lesions: intralesional injection of vitamin A 1,00,000 IU (Aquasol A) and topical application of triamcinolone acetonide 0.

Portomesenteric Venous Thrombosis Presenting as Bowel Gangrene.

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) typically arises in patients with underlying cirrhosis, hepatobiliary malignancies, abdominal inflammatory conditions, or hematologic disorders. However, in non-cirrhotic individuals, PVT is less common and may initially present with minimal symptoms, escalating significantly if it extends to the mesenteric veins. Here, we present the case of a 37-year-old male with combined portal and mesenteric venous thrombosis, manifesting as acute intestinal obstruction.

Bioaugmented design and functional evaluation of low damage implantable array electrodes.

Implantable neural electrodes are key components of brain-computer interfaces (BCI), but the mismatch in mechanical and biological properties between electrode materials and brain tissue can lead to foreign body reactions and glial scarring, and subsequently compromise the long-term stability of electrical signal transmission. In this study, we proposed a new concept for the design and bioaugmentation of implantable electrodes (bio-array electrodes) featuring a heterogeneous gradient structure. Different composite polyaniline-gelatin-alginate based conductive hydrogel formulations were developed for electrode surface coating.

Environment scan of generative AI infrastructure for clinical and translational science.

This study reports a comprehensive environmental scan of the generative AI (GenAI) infrastructure in the national network for clinical and translational science across 36 institutions supported by the CTSA Program led by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the United States. Key findings indicate a diverse range of institutional strategies, with most organizations in the experimental phase of GenAI deployment. The results underscore the need for a more coordinated approach to GenAI governance, emphasizing collaboration among senior leaders, clinicians, information technology staff, and researchers.

A cross-sectional study to estimate the cost of managing patients with acute on chronic liver failure at a tertiary care centre.

Background: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a life threatening disease. This study seeks to identify factors that contribute to greater financial burden in ACLF.

Methods: In total, 55 patients were included.

Advancements in Artificial Intelligence in Noninvasive Cardiac Imaging: A Comprehensive Review.

Background: Technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining cardiac imaging by providing advanced tools for analyzing complex health data. AI is increasingly applied across various imaging modalities, including echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and nuclear imaging, to enhance diagnostic workflows and improve patient outcomes.

Hypothesis: Integrating AI into cardiac imaging enhances image quality, accelerates processing times, and improves diagnostic accuracy, enabling timely and personalized interventions that lead to better health outcomes.

Pattern of antibiotic dispensing at pharmacies according to access, watch, reserve (AWaRe) classification: multicenter study after COVID-19 waves in different districts of Pakistan.

Objective: The dispensing of non-prescription antibiotics is a worldwide concern, and antibiotics should only be dispensed with a legitimate prescription.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the simulated client methodology, with data collected, recorded, and analyzed using SPSS.

Results: The simulated client visited 210 pharmacies, of which 70 dispensed antibiotics without a prescription.

Nursing professionalism and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: A higher level of nursing professionalism improves autonomy among nurses, the quality of nursing care, and patient outcomes. However, inconsistent findings on the prevalence of nursing professionalism and associated factors have been reported among studies conducted in Ethiopia, and a meta-analysis of pooled results have not been performed. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence of higher levels of nursing professionalism and factors associated with it.

Antibiotic susceptibility and molecular characterization based on whole-genome sequencing of Staphylococcus aureus causing invasive infection in children and women living in Southwest China during 2018-2023.

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common pathogens that colonizes human skin/mucous membranes, where it causes local infection that can progress to invasive infection, resulting in high morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic susceptibility and molecular characteristics of invasive S. aureus in children and women in Southwest China from 2018 to 2023 to provide novel insights helpful in preventing and treating S.

The BLM-TOP3A-RMI1-RMI2 proximity map reveals that RAD54L2 suppresses sister chromatid exchanges.

Homologous recombination is a largely error-free DNA repair mechanism conserved across all domains of life and is essential for the maintenance of genome integrity. Not only are the mutations in homologous recombination repair genes probable cancer drivers, some also cause genetic disorders. In particular, mutations in the Bloom (BLM) helicase cause Bloom Syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by increased sister chromatid exchanges and predisposition to a variety of cancers.

Jigsaw technique: Will it help Gen Z nursing students?

This research focuses on Generation Z (Gen Z) students, specifically those in nursing colleges. Gen Z individuals display unique characteristics in terms of thinking, personality, lifestyle, and learning preferences compared to preceding generations, necessitating adaptations in teaching methodologies within nursing schools. This study explores the effectiveness of the Jigsaw Technique (JST) in engaging first-year undergraduate nursing students in learning process.

Assessment and management for latent tuberculosis before advanced therapies for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: A comprehensive review.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium TB, is the most significant infectious cause of mortality across the globe. While TB disease can prey on immunocompetent individuals, it is more likely to occur in immunocompromised individuals. Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are a group of diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurative, autoimmune blistering diseases, and others) where there may be a need for systemic immunosuppression to control the disease manifestations, treat symptoms and improve long term outcomes.

Understanding the Dual Role of Macrophages in Tumor Growth and Therapy: A Mechanistic Review.

Macrophages are heterogeneous cells that are the mediators of tissue homeostasis. These immune cells originated from monocytes and are classified into two basic categories, M1 and M2 macrophages. M1 macrophages exhibit anti-tumorous inflammatory reactions due to the behavior of phagocytosis.

Explore barriers to using the internet for health information access in African countries: A systematic review.

Background: The Internet is a crucial source of health information, providing access to vast volumes of high-quality, up-to-date, and relevant healthcare information. Its impact extends beyond information access, influencing medical practice through the widespread adoption of telemedicine and evidence-based medicine. Despite the significant global increase in internet usage, Africa lags in internet penetration, particularly in utilizing the internet for health information.

Evidence synthesis of health policy and systems research in rehabilitation: a protocol for Cochrane overviews of systematic reviews on delivery, governance, financial arrangements, and implementation strategies.

Cochrane Rehabilitation and the World Health Organization (WHO) Rehabilitation Program are collaborating to produce four Cochrane overviews of systematic reviews that synthesize the current evidence from health policy and systems research (HPSR) in rehabilitation. They will focus on the four pillars of HPSR identified by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care (EPOC) taxonomy: delivery arrangements, financial arrangements, governance arrangements, and implementation strategies. The protocol describes why HPSR is currently needed in rehabilitation, provides detailed information on the four EPOC pillars in interaction with rehabilitation and reports the Cochrane methods that will be followed to produce the overviews.