Lactoferrin as a Versatile Agent in Nanoparticle Applications: From Therapeutics to Agriculture.

Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a potent choice for various applications, from drug delivery to agricultural studies, serving as an alternative and promising methodology for future advancements. They have been widely explored in delivery systems, demonstrating immense promise and high efficiency for the delivery of numerous biomolecules such as proteins and anticancer agents, either solely or modified with other compounds to enhance their capabilities. In addition, the utilization of NPs extends to antimicrobial studies, where they are used to develop novel antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral formulations with advanced characteristics.

Surface Characterization of Bone-Level and Tissue-Level PEEK and Titanium Dental Implant Scan Bodies After Repeated Autoclave Sterilization Cycles.

Sterilization is required for any biomedical device intended to be used in contact with the human body. Several studies have reported alterations in the bulk and surface properties of such devices after repeated sterilization cycles. These surface modifications may influence other clinical parameters.

FSH/LH co-stimulation in Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) and hypo-responder patients - Arabian gulf delphi consensus group.

Background: In a global effort to assess expert perspectives on the use of recombinant gonadotropins, recombinant human luteinizing hormone (r-hLH) and recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH), a consensus meeting was held in Dubai. The key aim was to address three critical questions: What are the factors that influence follicle response to gonadotropins? Which categories of patients are most likely to benefit from LH supplementation? And what are the optimal management strategies for these patients?

Methods: A panel of thirty-six experts reviewed and refined the initial statements and references proposed by the Scientific Coordinator. Consensus was defined as agreement or disagreement by more than two-thirds (66%) of the panel members for each statement.

The effect of automated insulin delivery system use on diabetes distress in people with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aims: Diabetes distress (DD) is prevalent among people with diabetes. While automated insulin delivery systems (AIDs) improve glycaemic control, their impact on DD is unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of AIDs on DD in people with diabetes and their caregivers.

Excellent response to levetiracetam for recurrent prolonged sleep attacks in an 18-year-old male: a case report.

Background: Sleep disorders are a common health problem that can be classified into many types that are distinguished by their history and characteristics. In this case report, we discuss a case of a patient suffering from recurrent unusual prolonged sleep attacks lasting up to 9 days that responded excellently to levetiracetam.

Case Presentation: An 18-year-old Syrian male patient presented to the neurology department complaining of recurrent prolonged sleep episodes lasting for 9 days.

Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach to Acute Chest Pain: Perspectives From Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Internal Medicine.

Background: Acute chest discomfort is a common clinical problem that has to be well understood and managed collaboratively by specialists from many fields of medicine.

Objective: This study aimed to explore and evaluate the perspectives of healthcare professionals in family, emergency, and internal medicine regarding the management of acute chest pain, with a specific focus on diagnostic practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and protocol adherence to establish best practices for a unified approach.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study, conducted from June 2022 to July 2024, included 218 healthcare professionals with over a year of experience in family, emergency, and internal medicine, selected through convenient sampling from hospitals such as Lady Reading Hospital, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Mardan Medical Complex, and Government Mian Meer Hospital.

Impact of taxation on tobacco products prices in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

Background: In 2016, the 6 Gulf Cooperation Council countries agreed to implement a harmonized excise tax on tobacco products, at a rate of 100% of the pre-tax price.

Aim: To assess the implementation of tobacco taxation in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates and its impact on consumer prices, affordability and substitution possibilities.

Methods: This study conducted simple descriptive analysis of open-source secondary data reported to WHO by Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates on cigarette excise taxes, price levels, price dispersion, and affordability.

Banning tobacco products sales to adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Background: Tobacco use poses a challenge to public health in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Although restricting access to tobacco can reduce consumption among adolescents, there is limited knowledge of how to implement the tobacco sales ban policy in the sub-region.

Aim: To assess implementation of the ban on tobacco products sales to adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries as recommended in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Phytochemical profiling and fractionation of extract versus silver nanoparticle-modified extract: assessment of photoprotective, anti-hemolytic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Introduction: This study investigates the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Helianthemum lippii extract and evaluates their photoprotective, anti-hemolytic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties compared to various extract fractions, including total aqueous extract (AE), flavonoid monoglycosides (FMG), flavonoid diglycosides/triglycosides (FDG/FTG), tannins (TN), and anthocyanins (AC). Helianthemum lippii is rich in bioactive compounds such as caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic acid, known for their therapeutic potential. This study aims to determine whether embedding these phytochemicals into Ag NPs enhances their biomedical applications compared to the natural extract fractions.

Optimisation of railway tamping scheduling.

This research was devoted to optimising opportunistic tamping scheduling to present a cost-effective approach that considers both preventive and corrective tamping activities. To achieve this, we formulated the track geometry tamping scheduling problem as a mixed integer linear programming model and employed a genetic algorithm for its resolution. Key track quality indicators, including the standard deviation of the longitudinal level and single defects, were considered.

Surgical Versus Conservative Management of Delayed Presentation of Acute Biliary Disease: A Systematic Literature Review.

Biliary sepsis, characterized by contamination and infection of the biliary tract, poses a serious medical issue with detrimental effects on the patients. While cholecystectomy is the usual treatment for symptomatic gallstones, the most desirable management approach for biliary sepsis remains debated, prompting a scientific evaluation of the long-term effects of cholecystectomy. To compare the long-term outcomes of biliary sepsis in patients undergoing cholecystectomy versus conservative management (CM), this study will systematically review the existing literature to clarify differences in recurrence rates, complication rates, and overall survival.

Nutrition literacy profile among adolescents in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Adolescent nutrition literacy and knowledge are associated with nutrient intake and obesity. With the rising prevalence of obesity in Kuwait, limited studies have assessed nutrition literacy among Kuwaiti adolescents. Therefore, this study aims to assess nutrition literacy among Kuwaiti adolescents and examine factors associated with nutrition literacy, such as body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake.

Anaemia, blood transfusions and survival in high-grade endometrial cancer: retrospective study.

Objective: To determine if anaemia and blood transfusions in the perioperative, chemotherapy and radiation treatment periods are associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in high-grade endometrial cancer.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined patients at a single centre treated for high-grade endometrial cancer (2010-2023). This included International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grade 3 endometrioid, serous, carcinosarcoma, mixed, clear cell, mucinous, dedifferentiated and undifferentiated histology.

Pleurotus Ostreatus Copper Nanoparticles: In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antidiabetic Activities.

The rapid growth of nanotechnology has opened new frontiers in biomedical applications, particularly through the use of metal nanoparticles. This study explores the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using an aqueous extract of Pleurotus ostreatus (PO-CuNPs), and their characterization through UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and EDAX. The synthesized PO-CuNPs demonstrated exceptional antioxidant activity, evident in hydrogen peroxide scavenging and phosphomolybdenum assays.

The Correlation of Red Cell Distribution Width With Peripheral Blood Smear: A Study From a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar.

Objective: Anemia is a condition characterized by a shortage of red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin (Hb). A peripheral blood smear (PBS) test involves examining a blood sample to identify important abnormalities in the red blood cells, white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. The aim of this study was to correlate the red cell distribution width (RDW) with peripheral blood smear findings in anemic patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar.

Cardiovascular Effects of Splenomegaly and Splenectomy in Beta-Thalassemia Major.

Background Beta-thalassemia major is a genetic blood disease complicated by splenomegaly, and splenectomy is a standard therapy for this medical condition. Although splenectomy results not only in the improvement of the hematological status, the long-term consequences to the cardiovascular system are still questionable. Objective The aim of the study was to assess and compare the cardiovascular impact of splenomegaly and splenectomy in patients with beta-thalassemia major.

-5,15-Bis[3-(iso-propyl-idenegalacto-pyran-oxy)phen-yl]-10,20-bis-(4-methyl-phen-yl)porphyrin.

The crystal structure of a glycosyl-ated porphyrin () system, CHNO, where two iso-propyl-idene protected galactose moieties are attached to the position of a substituted tetra-aryl porphyrin is reported. This structure reveals that the parent porphyrin is planar, with the galactose moieties positioned above and below the porphyrin macrocycle. This orientation likely prevents porphyrin-porphyrin H-type aggregation, potentially enhancing its efficiency as a photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy.

Superior pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm with subsequent : an unusual complication of chronic pancreatitis.

The development of an arterial pseudoaneurysm is an unusual complication of chronic pancreatitis. The most commonly involved artery is the splenic artery. This is a case report describing a case of a superior pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient with chronic pancreatitis who developed .

Modern-Day Management of the Dysglycemic Continuum: An Expert Viewpoint from the Arabian Gulf.

Prediabetes is the first stage of a continuum that extends through the diagnosis of clinical type 2 diabetes towards long-standing diabetes with multiple comorbidities. The diagnosis of prediabetes provides an opportunity to interrupt the diabetes continuum at an early stage to ensure long-term optimization of clinical outcomes. All people with prediabetes should receive intervention to improve their lifestyles (quality of diet and level of physical activity), as this has been proven beyond doubt to reduce substantially the risk of conversion to diabetes.

Effect of Smell and Taste of Milk on Feeding Parameters in Preterm Neonates: An Updated Meta-Analysis.

Smell and taste sensations have been linked to positive outcomes in the feeding of premature infants, though the impact on the time required to transition to oral feeding remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of smell and taste interventions on clinical outcomes in preterm infants. We conducted a search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through September 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of smell and taste on clinical outcomes in preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 34 weeks.

Status of robotic surgery in pediatric genitourinary tumors: A systematic review.

Innovative surgical approaches are crucial in pediatric oncology to enhance treatment outcomes and minimize morbidity. Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has shown promise in both surgical precision and recovery in pediatric patients. This systematic review aims to address this gap by examining the current role and impact of RAS in managing pediatric genitourinary tumors, focusing on its feasibility, safety, and patient outcomes.

Intrapolyp Steroid Injection for Nasal Polyposis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrapolyp steroid injection compared with oral steroids, nasal steroid wash, nasal steroid spray, and a control group in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

Data Sources: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and CENTRAL.

Review Methods: Both randomized and non-randomized clinical trials were included.