Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Sourced Exosomes as Potentially Novel Remedies for Severe Dry Eye Disease.

Severe dry eye disease (DED) is an inflammatory condition characterized by a lack of sufficient moisture or lubrication on the surface of the eye, significantly impacting the quality of life and visual function. Since detrimental immune response is crucially responsible for the development and aggravation of DED, therapeutic agents which modulate phenotype and function of eye-infiltrated inflammatory immune cells could be used for the treatment of severe DED. Due to their potent immunomodulatory properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent potentially new remedies for the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases.

Genotypic Spectrum in a Cohort of Sri Lankan Patients With Homocystinuria.

Homocystinuria due to cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency is a rare metabolic disorder inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. Spectrum of genetic variants in gene and their correlation with the phenotypes of homocystinuria in Sri Lankan patients have not been reported to date. The objective of this study was to identify the genotypes and genotype-phenotype correlations in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency.

Does p-lactate increase in patients with GSD1 after ingesting a meal with common-size sources of fructose and galactose? Observations from a prospective, non-blinded, crossover pilot study.

Ingestion of fructose and galactose may result in elevated lactate concentrations in patients with glycogen storage disease type 1 (GSD1). In this randomized cross-over pilot study, 7 patients with GSD 1a (6) and GSD1b (1) orally consumed a common-size fructose and galactose from either 200 mL of skimmed milk, 200 mL juice or 200 mL water. This was given after a night with their usual dietary treatment using either cornstarch, glycosade or continuous feed.

A novel prediction model for survival in individual patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator: Analysis of the new Japan cardiac device treatment registry database.

Background: Accurate prediction for survival in individualized patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-D) is difficult.

Methods: We analyzed the New Japan cardiac device treatment registry (JCDTR) database to develop a survival prediction model for CRT-D recipients.

Results: Four hundred and eighty-two CRT-D recipients, at the implantation year 2018-2021, with a QRS width ≥120 ms and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% at baseline, were analyzed.

Comparison of physico-chemical properties of different types of orthopedic acrylic cement.

Analyzing the chemical composition of different kinds of acrylic cement is necessary to understand their properties and suitability for curing bone defects. Conducting various chemical tests can give valuable insight into the composition, viscosity, and performance characteristics of each kind of cement, Therefore, our study aimed to find safety standards and the effectiveness of these products for medical applications. The polymeric characterization was determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Ginsenoside Rk2 alleviates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by enhancing AKT membrane translocation and activation.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) poses a significant threat to clinical outcomes and graft survival during hemorrhagic shock, hepatic resection, and liver transplantation. Current pharmacological interventions for hepatic IRI are inadequate. In this study, we identified ginsenoside Rk2 (Rk2), a rare dehydroprotopanaxadiol saponin, as a promising agent against hepatic IRI through high-throughput screening.

Inducing apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia; mechanisms and limitations.

Acute myeloid leukemia is the expansion of leukemic stem cells which might originate from a stem cell or a progenitor which has acquired self-renewal capacity. An aggregation of leukemic blasts in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and extramedullary tissue will result in acute myeloid leukemia. The main difficulty in treating acute myeloid leukemia is multidrug resistance, leading to treatment failure.

Advancements in Detection Methods for in Food: A Comprehensive Review.

Non-typhoidal species are one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal disease in North America, leading to a significant burden on the healthcare system resulting in a huge economic impact. Consequently, early detection of species in the food supply, in accordance with food safety regulations, is crucial for protecting public health, preventing outbreaks, and avoiding serious economic losses. A variety of techniques have been employed to detect the presence of this pathogen in the food supply, including culture-based, immunological, and molecular methods.

The need for pediatric sleep education to enhance healthcare for children and adolescents: A global perspective from a survey of members of the international pediatric sleep association.

Introduction: Sleep concerns have become increasingly common over the past few decades. This study outlines the perceived needs and gaps in pediatric sleep education, drawing insights from a diverse international cohort of pediatric sleep health professionals.

Methods: International Pediatric Sleep Association (IPSA) members were invited to complete an online survey examining a variety of topics related to pediatric sleep education developed by the education committee.

'Real-life' approach to applying PK/PD principles in infectious diseases clinical practice without access to prompt TDM.

Introduction: Infectious disease treatments are transitioning from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more tailored approach. The increasing adoption of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antimicrobials is a clear example of this trend. Routine antimicrobial TDM in critically ill patients should be mandatory.

Molecular Characterization of in Mazandaran Province, North of Iran.

is a parasitic nematode that lives in the mucosa of the small intestine and causes strongyloidiasis in humans. Mazandaran is among the endemic areas of this parasite in Iran. For detecting larvae in stool samples, various techniques, such as PCR technique have been used.

Evidence for spinal disinhibition as a pain-generating mechanism in fibromyalgia syndrome.

Introduction: Pain phenomenology in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) shows considerable overlap with neuropathic pain. Altered neural processing leading to symptoms of neuropathic pain can occur at the level of the spinal cord, and 1 potential mechanism is spinal disinhibition. A biomarker of spinal disinhibition is impaired H-reflex rate-dependent depression (HRDD).

Pesticide exposure promotes disease activity by decreasing lymphoproliferative activity and increasing IL-4 production in systemic sclerosis patients.

Background: One of the common findings in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients has been long-term exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides. However, the data available shows an equivocal association between pesticide exposure and autoimmunity in SSc.

Methods: We investigated the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in blood of 20 SSc patients and 17 healthy controls, and also studied their effect on T lymphocytes and their functional responses.

Assessment of decreased ovarian reserve and systemic inflammatory markers.

Given the significance of investigating ovarian reserve in infertile women, the limitations of existing diagnostic tests, and the absence of similar studies in this area, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers in patients with diminished ovarian reserve referred to the fertility clinic of Alzahra Hospital in Rasht in the year 2023. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 174 patients referred to the Alzahra Hospital fertility clinic in Rasht. Patients were divided into two categories based on their serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH):AMH >1.

A 7-point evidence-based care discharge protocol for patients hospitalized for exacerbation of COPD: consensus strategy and expert recommendation.

Acute exacerbations of COPD (ECOPD) are an important event in the life of a COPD patient as it causes significant deterioration of physical, mental, and social health, hastens disease progression, increases the risk of dying and causes a huge economic loss. Preventing ECOPD is therefore one of the most important goals in the management of COPD. Before the patient is discharged after hospitalization for ECOPD, it is crucial to offer an evidence-based care bundle protocol that will help minimize the future risk of readmissions and death.

Role of myeloid-derived suppressor and Th17/Treg cells in post-COVID-19 Rhino-Orbital mucormycosis cases.

Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis (ROCM) cases increased sharply in India during the second COVID-19 wave. Due to uncontrolled hyperglycemia, prolonged steroid use, and high ferritin levels, the immune system was dysregulated throughout this surge. Our study examined post-COVID-19 ROCM patients' T regulatory cell (Treg), T helper 17 cell (Th17) and Myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC) levels before and after three months of treatment.

Lessons for sustaining the elimination of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome in the Caribbean.

This study searched grey literature and PubMed for strategies to sustain the elimination of measles, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome and prevent their reintroduction in the Caribbean. Strategies were categorized at the macro, meso, and micro health levels. Macro strategies include: strong, clear, unified political and technical leadership and support; country ownership and subregional coordination of resources, policies, and programs; government investment in national immunization programs; and timely payment to the Pan American Health Organization Revolving Fund for affordable, good-quality vaccines.

A Comparison of Creatinine, Cystatin C, and Creatinine-Cystatin C Based Equations in HIV/AIDS Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background And Aim: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming prevalent among people living with HIV/AIDS infection, with kidney dysfunction progressing to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). We tested the diagnostic performance of creatinine, cystatin c, and the combined (creatinine + cystatin c)-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in assessing kidney dysfunction in HIV/AIDS patients on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the Saltpond District Hospital, Ghana.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 100 HIV/AIDS patients on ART at the Saltpond District Hospital was conducted.

Is Intraoperative Blood Loss Volume in Elderly Cervical Spine Injury Surgery Greater in Patients with Ankylosis? A Multicenter Survey.

Introduction: Preoperative estimations of blood loss are important when planning surgery for cervical spine injuries in older adults. The association between ankylosis and blood loss in perioperative management is of particular interest. This multicenter database review aimed to evaluate the impact of ankylosis on surgical blood loss volume in elderly patients with cervical spine injury.

Risk Factors for de Novo Postoperative Urinary Retention in Posterior Lumbar Spine Surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objective: De novo postoperative urinary retention (POUR) after lumbar posterior decompression surgery for lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LSCS) is a statistically known but uncommon complication for both patients and spine surgeons. The aim of this study is to review clinical data and imaging findings and identify preoperative predictors of de novo POUR.

Study of Conduction Blocks in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction – A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Conduction blocks complicating ST(ST-segment)-elevation myocardial infarction are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Research indicates that anterior and inferior wall myocardial infarction were the most encountered causes of blocks but with conflicting results. However, patterns of conduction blocks have not been widely established in our population.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flare Triggered by Mosquito Bite Manifesting as Febrile Targetoid Rash.

Insect bites can trigger disease flare in systemic lupus erythematosus, including atypical targetoid rash. Awareness of such triggers and appropriate preventive measures are crucial for effective SLE management.

Tracheobronchial amyloidosis following COVID-19 infection.

Deposition of amyloid proteins in extracellular space can occur due to uncontrolled inflammatory processes. Tracheobronchial amyloidosis (TBA) is a rare form of such disease. A 68-year-old woman was evaluated for chronic cough following a COVID-19 infection.