Ceftazidime-avibactam for the treatment of febrile neutropenia in HSCT recipients and acute leukemia patients post induction chemotherapy.

Febrile neutropenia is a major complication in patients with acute leukemia or those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Understanding patient characteristics and susceptibility patterns in febrile neutropenia is essential for appropriate antimicrobial therapy. First-line agents should have Pseudomonas aeruginosa coverage, but with the increase in multi-drug resistant organisms, ceftazidime-avibactam has emerged as a new therapeutic option.

A secure and efficient blockchain enabled federated Q-learning model for vehicular Ad-hoc networks.

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) are growing into more desirable targets for malicious individuals due to the quick rise in the number of automated vehicles around the roadside. Secure data transfer is necessary for VANETs to preserve the integrity of the entire network. Federated learning (FL) is often suggested as a safe technique for exchanging data among VANETs, however, its capacity to protect private information is constrained.

Burr Hole Reconstruction Techniques: A Systematic Review of Materials and Outcomes.

Background: Burr holes can lead to cranial defects that result in cosmetic and functional issues. Effective reconstruction of these burr holes is crucial for improving patient outcomes, yet there is no consensus on the optimal techniques and materials.

Objective: This systematic review critically evaluates the efficacy and safety of various materials used in neurosurgical practice for burr hole reconstruction.

Guidance reconciliation and practice question prioritization for a World Health Organization's Ebola and Marburg Disease guideline.

Objective: To describe the processes of reconciling overlapping guidance and prioritizing practice questions for a World Health Organization (WHO) guideline on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for Ebola and Marburg disease.

Methods: This work involved the reconciliation of guidance, the generation of potential practice questions and the prioritization of those questions. Contributors included the WHO secretariat, the WHO steering group, the guideline methodologists, and the guideline development group (GDG).

Diagnostic and prognostic potential of left atrial strain in cardiovascular disease: a narrative review.

Left atrial strain (LAS) was recently introduced as a parameter that reflects on left atrial function. Consequently, changes in LAS can inform the development of cardiovascular diseases, hence providing a window for non-invasive and cost-effective testing of these diseases and their complications at early stages of development, potentially offering a segway towards preventive interventions. LAS has yet to be implemented into standard practice.

The Utility of Interferon-γ Release Assays in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Patients With Cancer.

Background: Patients with cancer are at elevated risk for tuberculosis (TB) reactivation. Diagnosis of latent TB infection and TB disease remains challenging in this patient population despite the advent of interferon-γ release assays (IGRA).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all patients with cancer who had IGRA testing (QuantiFERON-TB [QFT-TB] or T-SPOT.

Lymphocytic Esophagitis: A Histologic Pattern of Various Underlying Disorders.

Background: Lymphocytic esophagitis (LyE) is a rare condition that has been reported in several case studies, but its diagnostic criteria and clinical significance are inconsistent. There are no established clinical associations, except for Crohn's disease in children. Our study aimed to determine if patients with LyE have distinct demographic or clinical characteristics when compared with patients with increased intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in their esophageal biopsy.

Impact of smoking on the detection of brain aneurysms in general population screening: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: While the relationship between smoking and subarachnoid hemorrhage is well established, data regarding the probability of detecting unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) in smokers remain sparse. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between smoking and the likelihood of identifying UIAs in healthy asymptomatic patients who underwent brain imaging for indications unrelated to UIAs.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines.

Shared Decision-Making in Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: Understanding Surgeon and Patient Perspectives Regarding When It Is Time for Surgery.

Background: Although total hip and total knee arthroplasty are highly successful operations, the decision of whether and when to undergo surgery is highly subjective and discretionary, and specific guidelines regarding readiness for surgery remain elusive. The nature of these decisions underscores the importance of shared decision-making, which is founded on the concept that patients substantially contribute to determining their own readiness for surgery. The OPTION survey was developed as a conversation aid to facilitate shared decision-making in the context of total joint arthroplasty.

Lesser-Known Cyanotoxins: A Comprehensive Review of Their Health and Environmental Impacts.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are a diverse phylum of photosynthetic, Gram-negative bacteria and one of the largest microbial taxa. These organisms produce cyanotoxins, which are secondary metabolites that can have significant impacts on both human health and the environment. While toxins like Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsins are well-documented and have been extensively studied, other cyanotoxins, including those produced by and , remain underexplored.

Veratridine Induces Vasorelaxation in Mouse Cecocolic Mesenteric Arteries.

The vegetal alkaloid toxin veratridine (VTD) is a selective voltage-gated Na (Na) channel activator, widely used as a pharmacological tool in vascular physiology. We have previously shown that Na channels, expressed in arteries, contribute to vascular tone in mouse mesenteric arteries (MAs). Here, we aimed to better characterize the mechanisms of action of VTD using mouse cecocolic arteries (CAs), a model of resistance artery.

Metabolic Syndrome as a Risk Factor Among Lebanese Patients with Substance Use Disorder Undergoing Treatment for Recovery Through Rehabilitation or Opioid Substitution Treatment.

Data about metabolic syndrome (MS) in people who use drugs (PWUD) undergoing treatment for recovery are limited. We aimed to explore the extent of the MS and its predominant components and determinants in a sample of PWUD undergoing treatment for recovery through rehabilitation or opioid substitution treatment (OST) in Lebanon. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of each treatment modality on the MS; This was a cross-sectional study, in which demographics and treatment-related, nutritional, and biochemical data of the participants were collected.

A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Plans for Marginal Enamel Fractures in Anterior Teeth.

Marginal enamel fractures (MEF) are a common clinical concern in dentistry, particularly in anterior teeth. These fractures occur at the enamel margins and their etiopathogenesis involves a complex interplay of mechanical, chemical, and biological factors. The ongoing research focuses on an overview of MEF to improve the knowledge about this condition.

Optimized Extraction of Polyphenols from Kiwifruit Peels and Their Biological Activities.

(1) Background: Kiwifruit is a globally valued fruit. Its industrial processing produces a substantial amount of waste, particularly peels, which present an appealing potential source of bioactive compounds. This study focuses on optimizing the extraction of phenolics from kiwi peels using a water bath (WB) and infrared irradiation (IR) and assessing their biological activities.

Past, present, and future of electrical impedance tomography and myography for medical applications: a scoping review.

This scoping review summarizes two emerging electrical impedance technologies: electrical impedance myography (EIM) and electrical impedance tomography (EIT). These methods involve injecting a current into tissue and recording the response at different frequencies to understand tissue properties. The review discusses basic methods and trends, particularly the use of electrodes: EIM uses electrodes for either injection or recording, while EIT uses them for both.

Retraction to "A data mining technique for detecting malignant mesothelioma cancer using multiple regression analysis".

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0746.].

Targeting GSK-3β for adipose dysfunction and cardiovascular complications of metabolic disease: An entangled WNT/β-catenin question.

Individuals with metabolic syndrome have a high risk of developing cardiovascular disorders that is closely tied to visceral adipose tissue dysfunction, as well as an altered interaction between adipose tissue and the cardiovascular system. In metabolic syndrome, adipose tissue dysfunction is associated with increased hypertrophy, reduced vascularization, and hypoxia of adipocytes, leading to a pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory environment. Among the pathways regulating adipose tissue homeostasis is the wingless-type mammary tumor virus integration site family (Wnt) signaling pathway, with both its canonical and non-canonical arms.

Access to specialist plastic surgery in rural vs. Urban areas of Africa.

Introduction: Plastic surgery is an essential yet underdeveloped field in many African nations, especially in rural areas. The demand for plastic surgery is increasing, but differences in access to respective services between rural and urban domiciles remain ever existent, despite the exponentiation of trauma, burns, and congenital disorders. According to this review, urban areas have access to better facilities and specialized surgeons, while rural areas frequently lack infrastructure, educated healthcare personnel, and medical resources.

The association of reduced ejection fraction with the outcomes of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Objectives: It is estimated that 20% of patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair suffer from cardiomyopathy. This study examines the impact of reduced ejection fraction (EF) on the outcomes of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and compares the different types of cardiomyopathies causing reduction of EF. Our hypothesis is that reduction in EF is associated with higher mortality after EVAR.

Predicting Consanguinity Rates from Exome Sequencing Data in the Lebanese Population.

Consanguinity, prevalent in certain populations because of cultural and social factors, significantly increases the risk of genetic autosomal recessive disorders. In Lebanon, consanguineous marriages constitute 35.5% of unions, with first cousin marriages being the most common.

A multicenter evaluation of penile curvature correction in men with Peyronie's disease undergoing inflatable penile prosthesis placement.

Background: Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) insertion is recommended for the treatment of patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) and significant erectile dysfunction (ED); adjunctive procedures can be used for residual curvature after IPP placement.

Aim: To assess the management of penile curvature correction in PD patients undergoing IPP procedures within a large multinational, multicenter cohort.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on PD patients treated with IPP by 11 experienced prosthetic surgeons.

First Report of ' Phytoplasma asteris' (16SrI-B subgroup) associated with stunting and little leaves of guar ( L.) in the world.

Guar or cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is a leguminous crop well-suited for cultivation in arid and semi-arid regions. India accounts for 90% of world's guar production.

12-month outcomes of ziv-aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration in eyes previously treated with aflibercept.

Purpose: To investigate the 12-month outcomes of ziv-aflibercept for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) in eyes previously treated with aflibercept.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients with nAMD previously treated with aflibercept for at least 12 months and subsequently transitioned to ziv-aflibercept between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2022, for a period of at least 12 months. Participants were identified, and their clinical and imaging information was extracted from our electronic health records system.

Survey of Geriatric Competencies and Curricular Models in Entry-Level DPT Programs in the United States.

Background And Purpose: Nearly 2 decades have elapsed since the last national survey examining entry-level PT geriatric content. Furthermore, no survey has been completed investigating the extent to which the "Essential Competencies in the Care of Older Adults at the Completion of Entry-level Physical Therapist Professional Program of Study" were incorporated into DPT programs. The purpose of this study is to identify the extent to which DPT programs include geriatric topics and the Essential Competencies within curricula and determine geriatric content requiring proficiency for entry-level practice.

Development of the Revised Entry-Level Essential Competencies in the Care of Older Adults: Linking Domains of Competence, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Standards, and the Geriatric 5Ms.

Purpose: Geriatric physical therapy (PT) has evolved since 2011, when the Essential Competencies (ECs) in the Care of Older Adults at the Completion of the Entry-level Physical Therapy Professional Program of Study were published. The purpose of the ECs was to ensure that all entry-level physical therapists were prepared to meet the unique needs of the growing older adult population. Changes in population demographics, medical and research advances, coupled with advancements in the profession of PT, necessitate a revision of the ECs.