The assessment of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in residency: the benefits of a four-year longitudinally integrated curriculum.

Context: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has diverse applications across various clinical specialties, serving as an adjunct to clinical findings and as a tool for increasing the quality of patient care. Owing to its multifunctionality, a growing number of medical schools are increasingly incorporating POCUS training into their curriculum, some offering hands-on training during the first 2 years of didactics and others utilizing a longitudinal exposure model integrated into all 4 years of medical school education. Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (MWU-AZCOM) adopted a 4-year longitudinal approach to include POCUS education in 2017.

Refinement of a Published Gene-Physical Activity Interaction Impacting HDL-Cholesterol: Role of Sex and Lipoprotein Subfractions.

Large-scale gene-environment interaction (GxE) discovery efforts often involve analytical compromises for the sake of data harmonization and statistical power. Refinement of exposures, covariates, outcomes, and population subsets may be helpful to establish often-elusive replication and evaluate potential clinical utility. Here, we used additional datasets, an expanded set of statistical models, and interrogation of lipoprotein metabolism via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based lipoprotein subfractions to refine a previously discovered GxE modifying the relationship between physical activity (PA) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C).

Sex-associated differences in incentive salience and drinking behaviour in a rodent model of alcohol relapse.

The ability of environmental cues to trigger alcohol-seeking behaviours is thought to facilitate problematic alcohol use. Individuals' tendency to attribute incentive salience to cues may increase the risk of addiction. We sought to study the relationship between incentive salience and alcohol addiction using non-preferring rats to model the heterogeneity of human alcohol consumption, investigating both males and females.

High prevalence of reverse transcriptase inhibitors associated resistance mutations among people living with HIV on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in Francistown, Botswana.

Objectives: We assessed HIV-1 drug resistance profiles among people living with HIV (PLWH) with detectable viral load (VL) and on dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Botswana.

Methods: The study utilised available 100 residual HIV-1 VL samples from unique PLWH in Francistown who had viraemia at-least 6 months after initiating ART in Botswana's national ART program from November 2023 to January 2024. Viraemia was categorized as low-level viraemia (LLV) (VL: 200-999 copies/mL) or virologic failure (VF) (VL ≥1000 copies/mL).

Using system dynamics modeling approach to strengthen health systems to combat cancer: a systematic literature review.

Aim: Dynamic cancer control is a current health system priority, yet methods for achieving it are lacking. This study aims to review the application of system dynamics modeling (SDM) on cancer control and evaluate the research quality.

Methods: Articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus from the inception of the study to November 15th, 2023.

Effects of miRNAs in inborn error of metabolism and treatment strategies.

Metabolism is the name given to all of the chemical reactions in the cell involving thousands of proteins, including enzymes, receptors, and transporters. Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are caused by defects in the production and breakdown of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules, ⁓19-25 nucleotides long, hairpin-shaped, produced from DNA.

The depth of arterial supply of forehead: a meta-analysis.

Background: The rapid growth of aesthetic medicine has led to an increased demand for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in the frontal region of the face. However, alongside this rise in popularity, there is a growing awareness of the potential complications associated with these procedures especially connected with fillers. The intricate vascular anatomy of the forehead, specifically the supratrochlear (STA) and supraorbital (SOA) arteries, poses significant risks if not thoroughly understood.

Stigma, Depression, and Attitudes Towards Seeking Psychological Help Among Nurses: The Role of Personal Stigma as an Inconsistent Mediator.

Rationale: Identifying whether perceived stigma or personal stigma more significantly affects nurses' attitudes towards seeking psychological help is essential for effectively addressing current challenges and facilitating early intervention for the well-being of nurses and their patients.

Aims And Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the mediating roles of personal stigma and depression in the relationship between perceived stigma among nurses and their attitudes towards seeking psychological help.

Methods: The sample of this descriptive cross-sectional study consisted of 302 nurses working in a university hospital in southern Turkey, selected using the purposive sampling method, between April 1 and May 1, 2021.

Associations of Tai Chi With Depression and Anxiety Among Older Adults: Nationwide Study Findings From a Network Perspective.

Within the global population, depression and anxiety are common among older adults. Tai Chi is believed to have a positive impact on these disturbances. This study examined the network structures of depression and anxiety among older Tai Chi practitioners vs non-practitioners.

Investigation of Anti-Apoptotic Effects and Mechanisms of Astragaloside IV in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Background: Ischemic stroke is a prevalent and life-threatening cerebrovascular disease that is challenging to treat and associated with a poor prognosis. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a primary bioactive component of Astragali radix, has demonstrated neuroprotective benefits in previous studies. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms through which AS-IV may treat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI).

Effects of double data extraction on errors in evidence synthesis: a crossover, multicenter, investigator-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: The objective was to investigate the role of double extraction in reducing data errors in evidence synthesis for pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Design: Crossover randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Setting: University and hospital with teaching programs in evidence-based medicine.

A medical trailblazer in the Ottoman Empire: The legacy of Dr Caroline Frances Hamilton (1861-1944).

This article explores the life and work of Dr Caroline F. Hamilton, one of the pioneering female physicians sent from the USA to the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. Over a career spanning three decades, Hamilton provided critical medical care, especially to women, at the Azariah Smith Memorial Hospital in Aintab, overcoming legal, cultural, and political obstacles to become one of the first women licensed to practise medicine in the region.

Filamin A C-terminal fragment modulates Orai1 expression by inhibition of protein degradation.

Filamin A (FLNA) is an actin-binding protein that has been reported to interact with STIM1 modulating the activation of Orai1 channels. Cleaving of FLNA by calpain leads to a C-terminal fragment that is involved in a variety of functional and pathological events, including pro-oncogenic activity in different types of cancer. Here we show that full-length FLNA is downregulated in samples from colon cancer patients as well as in the adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29.

AI predictive models and advancements in microdissection testicular sperm extraction for non-obstructive azoospermia: a systematic scoping review.

Study Question: How accurately can artificial intelligence (AI) models predict sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients undergoing micro-testicular sperm extraction (m-TESE) surgery?

Summary Answer: AI predictive models hold significant promise in predicting successful sperm retrieval in NOA patients undergoing m-TESE, although limitations regarding variability of study designs, small sample sizes, and a lack of validation studies restrict the overall generalizability of studies in this area.

What Is Known Already: Previous studies have explored various predictors of successful sperm retrieval in m-TESE, including clinical and hormonal factors. However, no consistent predictive model has yet been established.

Socioeconomic predictors of preventive health check-ups by a general practitioner in the Czech Republic.

Health is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. The importance of health promotion is growing in the context of an aging population and increasing life expectancy. Prevention is often underestimated and neglected by citizens.

Greater return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction combined with anterolateral ligament reconstruction compared with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction alone: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the return to sports, return to competition, Tegner score and anterior cruciate ligament-return to sports injury (ACL-RSI) scores between patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) combined with anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR) and those who underwent ACLR alone.

Methods: Two independent reviewers conducted a literature search in PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library in July 2024, followed by data extraction and quality assessment. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analysis guidelines.

HIV interventions across the care continuum for adolescents in high-burden countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Adolescents (10-19 years old) have poor outcomes across the prevention-to-treatment HIV care continuum, leading to significant mortality and morbidity. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions that documented HIV outcomes among adolescents in HIV high-burden countries.

Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between January 2015 and September 2024, assessing at least one HIV outcome along the prevention-to-care cascade, including PrEP uptake, HIV testing, awareness of HIV infections, ARV adherence, retention, and virological suppression.

Association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists use and change in alcohol consumption: a systematic review.

Background: Despite the availability of various pharmacological and behavioural interventions, alcohol-related mortality is rising. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the existing literature on the association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists use (GLP-1 RAs) and alcohol consumption.

Methods: Electronic searches were conducted on Ovid Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, clintrials.

L-arginine in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial.

Background: Therapeutic advancements for the polyglutamine diseases, particularly spinocerebellar degeneration, are eagerly awaited. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic effects of L-arginine, which inhibits the conformational change and aggregation of polyglutamine proteins, in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6).

Methods: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial (clinical trial ID: AJA030-002, registration number: jRCT2031200135) was performed on 40 genetically confirmed SCA6 patients enrolled between September 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021.

A noninvasive urinary microRNA-based assay for the detection of pancreatic cancer from early to late stages: a case control study.

Background: Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and has a low survival rate primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and the lack of effective early detection methods. We introduce here a novel, noninvasive urinary extracellular vesicle miRNA-based assay for the detection of pancreatic cancer from early to late stages.

Methods: From September 2019 to July 2023, Urine samples were collected from patients with pancreatic cancer (n = 153) from five distinct sites (Hokuto Hospital, Kawasaki Medical School Hospital, National Cancer Center Hospital, Kagoshima University Hospital, and Kumagaya General Hospital) and non-cancer participants (n = 309) from two separate sites (Hokuto Hospital and Omiya City Clinic).

Factors Influencing Self-Care Practices and Blood Pressure Among Individuals with Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Self-care practices are crucial for optimizing blood pressure control and are influenced by multilevel factors.

Objective: To examine the influences of multilevel factors on hypertension self-care practices among individuals with uncontrolled hypertension and to determine the relationship between hypertension self-care practices and blood pressure.

Methods: The study was conducted in primary, secondary, and tertiary care settings in Bangkok, selected for convenience, where individuals with uncontrolled hypertension were recruited using a convenience sampling method based on specific inclusion criteria.

Predictors of prolonged hospital length of stay and mortality in adult patients with diabetic ketoacidosis in Lebanon: a monocentric retrospective study.

Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute complication in patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus that could progress to fatal outcomes if not identified and treated promptly. DKA poses a substantial impact on healthcare systems. In this study, we aim to identify the predictors of prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS) and mortality in patients admitted with DKA.

The role of avocado plant and its derivatives in the management of diabetes mellitus: a natural approach to glycemic control.

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge that leads to severe complications, negatively impacting overall health, life expectancy, and quality of life. Herbal medicines, valued for their accessibility and therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects, have been promoted as potential treatments. Managing conditions like diabetes, characterized by free radical production and cytokine-driven inflammation, is vital due to the active components in plants that exert direct pharmacological effects.

Medication non-adherence: reflecting on two decades since WHO adherence report and setting goals for the next twenty years.

Background: Non-adherence to medication remains a persistent and significant challenge, with profound implications for patient outcomes and the long-term sustainability of healthcare systems. Two decades ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) dedicated its seminal report to adherence to long-term therapies, catalysing notable changes that advanced both research and practice in medication adherence. The aim of this paper was to identify the most important progress made over the last 2 decades in medication adherence management and to initiate a discussion on future objectives, suggesting priority targets for the next 20 years.

Evolution of community-associated MRSA: a 20-year genomic and epidemiological study in Region Örebro County, Sweden.

Background: Methicillin-resistant (MRSA) has been an issue in healthcare since the 1960s. It was initially found only in healthcare facilities, but in the late 1990s it began to be seen with no healthcare connexion. The mechanisms of intercontinental and national spread are not fully understood, as sometimes novel outbreaks occur without any identifiable source or connexion to locally dominant clonal clusters.