Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia After Cardiac Arrest and Prevention Strategies: A Narrative Review.

: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) poses a significant threat to the clinical outcomes and hospital stays of mechanically ventilated patients, particularly those recovering from cardiac arrest. Given the already elevated mortality rates in cardiac arrest cases, the addition of VAP further diminishes the chances of survival. Consequently, a paramount focus on VAP prevention becomes imperative.

Gelatin Nanoemulsion-Based Co-Delivery of Terbinafine and Essential Oils for Treatment of Biofilms.

Fungal infections represent a significant global health challenge. is a particularly widespread pathogen, with both molecular and biofilm-based mechanisms making it resistant to or tolerant of available antifungal drugs. This study reports a combination therapy, active against , utilizing terbinafine and essential oils incorporated into a gelatin-based nanoemulsion system (T-GNE).

Design of Dielectric Elastomer Actuator and Its Application in Flexible Gripper.

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are difficult to apply to flexible grippers due to their small deformation range and low output force. Hence, a DEA with a large bending deformation range and output force was designed, and a corresponding flexible gripper was developed to realize the function of grasping objects of different shapes. The relationship between the pre-stretch ratio and DEA deformation degree was tested by experiments.

A Robust Normally Closed Pneumatic Valve for Integrated Microfluidic Flow Control.

Accurate fluid management in microfluidic-based point-of-care testing (POCT) devices is critical. Fluids must be gated and directed in precise sequences to facilitate desired biochemical reactions and signal detection. Pneumatic valves are widely utilized for fluid gating due to their flexibility and simplicity.

Identifying Genetic Predisposition to Dozer Lamb Syndrome: A Semi-Lethal Muscle Weakness Disease in Sheep.

Background: Lamb health is crucial for producers; however, the percentage of lambs that die before weaning is still 15-20%. One factor that can contribute to lamb deaths is congenital diseases. A novel semi-lethal disease has been identified in newborn Polypay lambs and termed dozer lamb syndrome.

Cell Type Specific Suppression of Hyper-Recombination by Human RAD18 Is Linked to Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen K164 Ubiquitination.

RAD18 is a conserved eukaryotic E3 ubiquitin ligase that promotes genome stability through multiple pathways. One of these is gap-filling DNA synthesis at active replication forks and in post-replicative DNA. RAD18 also regulates homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA breaks; however, the current literature describing the contribution of RAD18 to HR in mammalian systems has not reached a consensus.

SNP rs9364554 Modulates Androgen Receptor Binding and Drug Response in Prostate Cancer.

(1) Background: Prostate cancer treatment efficacy is significantly influenced by androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathways. SLC22A3, a membrane transporter, has been linked to SNP rs9364554 risk loci for drug efficacy in prostate cancer. (2) Methods: We examined the location of SNP rs9364554 in the genome and utilized TCGA and other publicly available datasets to analyze the association of this SNP with transcription levels.

Cardiovascular Risk Biomarkers in Women with and Without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent metabolic disorder with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that is enhanced by obesity. This study sought to determine whether a panel of cardiovascular risk proteins (CVRPs) would be dysregulated in overweight/obese PCOS patients, highlighting potential biomarkers for CVD in PCOS.

Methods: In this exploratory cross-sectional study, plasma levels of 54 CVRPs were analyzed in women with PCOS (n = 147) and controls (n = 97).

Effects of Replacing Inorganic Sources of Copper, Manganese, and Zinc with Different Organic Forms on Mineral Status, Immune Biomarkers, and Lameness of Lactating Cows.

(Objectives) The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of half-replacement of the supplementary sulfate sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn with methionine-hydroxy-analog-chelated (MHAC) mineral or amino-acid-complexed (AAC) mineral forms in diets on the mineral status, blood immune biomarkers, and lameness of lactating cows. (Methods) Sixty multiparous Holstein cows (158 ± 26 days in milk; body weight: 665 ± 52 kg; milk yield: 32 ± 7 kg/day) were randomly assigned into one of three dietary treatments ( = 20 per group): (1) MHAC: 50% replacement of sulfate minerals with MHAC forms. (2) AAC: 50% replacement of sulfate minerals with AAC forms.

Standardization for Data Generation and Collection in the Dairy Industry: Addressing Challenges and Charting a Path Forward.

Standards for data generation and collection are important for integration and for achieving data-driven actionable insights in dairy farming. Data integration and analysis are critical for advancing the dairy industry, enabling better decision-making, and improving operational efficiencies. This commentary paper discusses the challenges of and proposes pathways for standardizing data generation and collection based on insights from a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders.

Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Therapy Dogs to Animal-Assisted Treatment in an Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program.

Therapy dogs have been increasingly incorporated into a variety of medical treatment programs to improve patients' treatment outcomes and wellbeing. However, research investigating the stress level of therapy dogs in this setting is limited. This is the first randomized-controlled and prospective study that investigated the wellbeing of therapy dogs in an inpatient stroke rehabilitation program.

Clinical Benefit of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin and High Prevalence of Pre-Existing Psychiatric Conditions in Patients with Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) is a locally invasive tumor composed of myofibroblast-like cells and collagen; it does not metastasize but can cause significant local morbidity. Most sporadic cases are associated with mutations in the CTNNB1 gene, which encodes beta-catenin. Various treatments have been used with differing efficacy and toxicity profiles.

Diagnosis and Management of Skin Toxicities in Systemic Treatment of Genitourinary Cancers.

The landscape of available therapeutic options for treatment of genitourinary (GU) cancers is expanding dramatically. Many of these treatments have distinct, sometimes severe, skin toxicities including morbilliform, bullous, pustular, lichenoid, eczematous, psoriasiform, and palmoplantar eruptions. Pruritus and skin pigmentation changes have also been noted.

Chronic Neutrophilic Leukemia: Advances in Diagnosis, Genetic Insights, and Management Strategies.

CNL is a rare subtype of MPNs characterized by persistent neutrophilia, bone marrow hypercellularity, and specific genetic mutations, particularly in the gene. Advances in molecular diagnostics have greatly enhanced our understanding of CNL, distinguishing it from other myeloproliferative disorders and refining diagnostic criteria. This review provides an updated overview of CNL, focusing on breakthroughs in genetic profiling, including novel mutations with potential prognostic value and implications for targeted therapy.

Managing Major Life Changes: An Exploratory Study Using the Bridges Transitions Framework to Help Foster Youth Prepare for Discharge.

Background: Adolescents in foster care endure frequent disruptive transitions, often culminating in discharge to independent living rather than reunification or adoption. Former foster youth fare poorly once on their own, with high rates of homelessness and social disconnection. This study explored the use of the Bridges Transitions Framework near the end of placement to help youth cope with the transition to adulthood.

Direct-Acting Oral Anticoagulants in the Management of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis-Where Do We Stand?

Background: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is a rare cause of stroke, constituting 0.5-3% of all strokes with an extremely varied spectrum of presentation, predisposing factors, neuroimaging findings, and eventual outcomes. A high index of suspicion is needed because timely diagnosis can significantly alter the natural course of the disease, reduce acute complications, and improve long-term outcomes.

Vascularization, Innervation, and Inflammation: Pathways Connecting the Heart-Brain Axis and Implications in a Clinical Setting.

With an aging population, the incidence of both ischemic heart disease and strokes have become the most prevalent diseases globally. These diseases have similar risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. However, there is also evidence of a relationship between the heart and the brain, referred to as the heart-brain axis.

A Narrative Review of Prognostic Gene Signatures in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using LASSO Cox Regression.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HNSCC is recognized as the eighth most commonly occurring cancer globally in men. It is essential to distinguish between cancers arising in the head and neck regions due to significant differences in their etiologies, treatment approaches, and prognoses.

MicroRNAs Expression Profile in MN1-Altered Astroblastoma.

Background/objectives: Astroblastoma is a rare glial neoplasm more frequent in young female patients, with unclear clinical behaviors and outcomes. The diagnostic molecular alteration is a rearrangement of the Meningioma 1 () gene. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important gene expression regulators with strong implications in biological processes.

Advancements in Cardiac Amyloidosis Treatment.

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a progressive condition resulting from the deposition of amyloid fibrils in the heart, which leads to severe diastolic dysfunction and restrictive cardiomyopathy. The disease has two main subtypes: light-chain and transthyretin (TTR) CA, with the latter subdivided into wild-type and hereditary forms. Despite advances in diagnostic imaging, early detection remains a challenge due to non-specific symptoms that mimic other cardiac conditions.

Emerging Trends in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: The New Kids on the Block.

In the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations for 2030, mental health has been identified as a global priority, emphasizing the need to reduce the prevalence, morbidity, and premature mortality associated with mental disorders [...

"My Husband Is a 'Mama's Boy'": Women's Views on Male Engagement in Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in Western Kenya.

There is an increasing global acknowledgment of the critical role that men have as key partners in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH). Most male-engagement initiatives do not address the perceived benefits and risks that women may experience because of increased male participation in MNCH, especially in Kenya. The aim of this study, therefore, is to qualitatively assess how women perceive and experience increased male engagement in MNCH in western Kenya.

"Lack" and "Finally": A Qualitative Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators in Rare Disease Healthcare.

This study explored the experiences of adults with diverse rare diseases (RDs) and RD caregivers with barriers and facilitators to healthcare access in the United States (US), including during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their recommendations for improving access. Adults with RDs and parents/caregivers to children with RDs (N = 1128) completed open-ended survey items. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Climate and Soil Properties Drive the Distribution of Minor and Trace Elements in Forest Soils of the Winter Olympic Core Area.

Minor and trace elements in soil play a crucial role in regulating ecological processes that sustain the functionality of forest ecosystems. In this study, we have selected three conifer forests (, , ), one broadleaf forest () and one mixed forest of and in the Winter Olympic core area and determined the pattern of 12 typical elements (B, Fe, V, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, As, Cu, Zn, Sn and Se) in soils and their main drivers in the three different soil layers (A, B and C horizon) in each soil profile. Our results showed that the concentrations of B, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni and Sn were mainly enriched in the broadleaf forest and mixed broadleaf-conifer forest zones, and the average concentrations of Co, Mn, V, Zn, As and Se were mainly enriched in coniferous forest zones in contrast.

Antarctic Toothfish in the South Orkney Islands: Using Otolith Chemistry to Test Current Hypotheses About Nursery Areas and Demographic Units.

We used otolith chemistry to test and complement current hypotheses regarding habitat use and connectivity between sub-populations in Area 48 of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Sagittal otoliths from 45 fish sampled near the South Orkney Islands were analysed. Their elemental (Li, Na, Mg, Cr, Mn, Sr, Sn, and Ba relative to Ca) and isotopic (δO and δC) signatures were examined in both the nuclear and marginal regions, representing juvenile and adult stages.