Mechanical Analysis of Phellinus Linteus-Induced Apoptosis of Hepatoma Cells.

Liver cancer is prevalent with the third highest mortality rate globally. The biomechanical properties of cancer cells play a crucial role in their proliferation and differentiation. Studying the morphological and mechanical properties of individual living cells can be helpful for early diagnosis of cancers.

Effect of Triheptanoin on Caudate Atrophy and Motor Scores in Patients With Early-Stage Huntington Disease: A Phase II Study.

Background And Objectives: Brain energy deficiency occurs at the early stage of Huntington disease (HD). Triheptanoin, a drug that targets the Krebs cycle, can restore a normal brain energetic profile in patients with HD. In this study, we aimed at assessing its efficacy on clinical and neuroimaging structural measures in HD.

An exploration of the relationship between ineffective modes of mentalization and difficulties related to borderline personality disorder: A network approach.

Background: The mentalization-based perspective of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) underscores fluctuating interpersonal functionality, believed to arise from suboptimal mentalization modes, including hyper- and hypomentalizing. The connection between ineffective mentalizing and specific BPD challenges remains ambiguous. Network theory offers a unique means to investigate the hypothesis that distinct yet interconnected mental challenges ('symptoms') construct 'disorders' through their continuous mutual interactions.

Therapeutic Dilemmas Arising From a Serpentine Thrombus Across a Patent Foramen Ovale in a Patient With Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

A thrombus straddling a patent foramen ovale (TSPFO) is a rare condition that presents significant health risks, including stroke or myocardial infarction, and can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. We report the case of a 42-year-old female with morbid obesity who presented with sudden shortness of breath due to a bilateral pulmonary embolism. Imaging revealed a thrombus extending from the right atrium to the left atrium through the patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Risk Factors Associated With the Development of Calciphylaxis in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review.

Calciphylaxis is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease that is not yet completely understood. It occurs mainly in patients with chronic kidney disease termed calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) but also affects patients with normal renal function. Although this disease's pathogenesis is unclear, it is associated with the dysregulation of calcium and phosphate and subsequent calcification of peripheral arterioles.

Effect of maternal beta-blocker treatment on mean fetal heart rate.

Background: During pregnancy, the prescription of beta-blockers to the mother may be necessary for pre-existing chronic conditions. Their use raises concerns due to potential effects on the fetus.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of beta-blockers on mean fetal heart rate in pregnant women treated with these medications compared to an untreated patient group.

Risk Factors and Predictive Accuracy of the Rotterdam Risk Index for Wound Dehiscence Following Abdominal Surgery.

Background Wound dehiscence (WD) is a major postoperative complication following abdominal surgeries, particularly exploratory laparotomy. Identifying preoperative risk factors and using predictive tools, such as the Rotterdam Risk Index (RRI), are crucial for early intervention and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with WD and assess the predictive accuracy of the RRI in a cohort of patients undergoing abdominal surgeries.

Self-Assembly Behavior of Zein on Two Different Substrates Visualized by Atomic Force Microscopy.

When protein molecules come into contact with different types of substrate materials, the surface properties of the substrate will have a significant effect on their self-assembly behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the self-assembly behavior of zein molecules on the two different substrates. Herein, the microstructure of zein molecules on the surface of two typical substrates, mica and glass, were characterized in detail by atomic force microscopy.

Evaluating the Efficacy of Common Femoral Endarterectomy With Profundoplasty: A Three-Year Single-Center Perspective.

Background: This study aims to synthesise recent findings on the outcomes of common femoral endarterectomy (CFE) with profundoplasty, evaluating the efficacy, complications, and predictors of long-term success in patients undergoing this procedure.

Patients And Methods: This is a descriptive retrospective study assessing the outcomes of CFE with profundoplasty. All patients with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) who attended and underwent CFE with profundoplasty with or without iliac intervention at Glan Clwyd Hospital (Wales, United Kingdom) were studied.

Iron Deficiency Anemia as a Rare Presentation of Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis Caused by a Rare Organism.

Infective endocarditis commonly presents with fever, malaise, fatigue, and chest pain. However, this case report details an atypical presentation of infective endocarditis when a 63-year-old male patient was referred by his general practitioner to the emergency department with shortness of breath and substantial weight loss to investigate his symptomatic anemia. His initial assessments revealed severe iron deficiency anemia without any gastrointestinal or any other source of bleeding.

Community readiness to address disparities in access to cancer, palliative and end-of-life care for ethnic minorities.

Background: Inequalities in cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care services remain a significant challenge, particularly for ethnic minorities who face systemic barriers such as limited awareness, cultural stigmas, and language differences. These disparities hinder equitable access to essential services and contribute to poorer health outcomes for affected communities. Addressing these challenges requires targeted, culturally sensitive initiatives that promote both awareness and uptake of care.

Guanidinium-Stapled Helical Peptides for Targeting Protein-Protein Interactions.

Peptide stapling has emerged as a versatile approach in drug discovery to reinforce secondary structure elements especially α-helices and improve properties of linear bioactive peptides. Inspired by the prevalence of arginine in protein-protein and protein-DNA interfaces, we investigated guanidinium-stapling as a means to constrain helical peptides. Guanidinium stapling was readily achieved on solid support, utilizing two orthogonally protected lysine or unatural α-amino acid residues with an amino function.

Clinical Presentations and Surgical Outcomes in Patients With Nontraumatic Acute Abdominal Pain: A Prospective Analysis.

Background:  Nontraumatic acute abdominal pain is a common presentation in emergency settings, often requiring surgical intervention. This study aimed to explore the clinical presentations, surgical management, and outcomes in patients with nontraumatic acute abdominal pain, providing insights for improving management strategies.

Methods: This observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in North India and included 433 patients who underwent elective and emergency abdominal surgeries from June 2021 to May 2023.

Identity categories and the dilemma of calling police about family violence.

The under-reporting of family violence is a global problem. Multiple barriers to help-seeking have been identified, including some associated with social identities like race, age and gender. This discursive psychology study examines identity and help-seeking in social interaction.

Exploratory study from an end-of-life research partnership network to improve access for ethnically diverse communities in one region.

Background: Minority ethnic patients are less likely to access timely and effective palliative and end-of-life care and, as a consequence, more likely to experience poorer symptom management and receive more intensive treatments at the end of life. Research activity has the potential to address the aforementioned barriers to improve access. However, there is a need to develop capacity and capability, particularly within underserved communities, to provide an infrastructure that can drive research activity informed by the community to benefit the community.

Radial mechanical properties of deoxyribonucleic acid molecules.

Given the small diameter of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the difficulty in studying its radial mechanical properties laid in the challenge of applying a precise and controlled small force. In this work, the radial mechanical properties of DNA were measured in the AFM. DNA adhesion properties were analyzed through force-distance curves and adhesion images.

Impact of Multiprofessional Radiotherapy Peer Review on Multidisciplinary Team Meeting Staging in Head and Neck Cancer.

Aims: Cancer staging is routinely done in a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDM). There is however no established quality assurance (QA) for MDM-recorded cancer staging. Conversely, radiotherapy peer review is a recommended QA process.

Mechanical properties of bone cells studied by atomic force microscopy.

Osteoblasts are the functional cells capable of bone formation in the bone microenvironment and play an important role in bone growth, development, and the maintenance of bone mass. The cells cultured in vitro are derived from preosteoblasts in tissues and possess the ability to divide and proliferate. Osteoblasts form the bone matrix by secreting collagen and other matrix proteins, which provides a foundation for the deposition of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, ultimately resulting in the formation of hard bone tissue.

Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Between Robotic and Laparoscopic Abdominoperineal Resection for Rectal Cancer: Oncological and Short-Term Outcomes.

Minimally invasive surgery, especially robotic surgery, has become increasingly popular in colorectal surgery over the last decade. Robotic-assisted surgery has shown better outcomes than conventional laparoscopic surgery because of superior ergonomics, high-resolution three-dimensional cameras, and articulating instruments; however, issues like the long operative time and cost-effectiveness remain unresolved. This study compares the robotic and laparoscopic approach of abdominoperineal resection (APR) for low rectal cancer to evaluate the superiority of robotic surgery in short-term and oncological outcomes.

Effects of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors on Body Weight, BMI, and Body Composition in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health issue, affecting millions and leading to significant healthcare costs. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have emerged as a potential treatment option. Still, their effects on body weight, body mass index (BMI), and body composition compared to other diabetes medications or placebos remain unclear.

Molecular simulations and machine learning methods for the identification of novel aurora A kinase inhibitors.

Aurora A kinase (AAK) is a serine/threonine kinase that stands out as a crucial regulator of mitosis, the complex process of cell division. Notably, the protein AAK plays vital roles in cell cycle regulation and encompasses centrosome maturation, spindle assembly, and chromosome segregation. All such functionalities are essential for ensuring accurate daughter cell formation.

Feeling valued at work: a qualitative exploration of allied health profession support workers.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore Allied Health Professions (AHP) support worker perceptions of feeling valued and to understand what factors contribute to this feeling of "value".

Design: This was a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews undertaken virtually. The data were analysed using a process of thematic analysis in order to gain an in depth understanding of the factors that affect support workers feeling "valued".