Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of DPP4 Inhibitors in Alzheimer's Disease: Molecular Insight and Clinical Outcome.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and cognitive decline. Given the shared neuropathophysiological traits between AD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), repurposing antidiabetic medications, such as dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i), has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. This review comprehensively evaluates the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the potential of DPP4i in preventing or treating AD by modulating Aβ and tau pathology, improving cognitive function, reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and promoting neuronal survival.

Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions (DHI) in Chronic Pain Management: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Emerging Trends.

This review aims to address the impact of digital health interventions (DHIs) on chronic pain management, specifically, mHealth, eHealth, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence. The following study identifies and assesses DHIs' efficacy in specific chronic pain conditions and then extrapolates improved outcomes and patient groups that benefit from their use. Using a systematic methodology, this review synthesizes findings that could improve knowledge for patients and practitioners in chronic pain management while also addressing gaps in understanding the impact of DHIs.

Microglia regulate motor neuron plasticity via reciprocal fractalkine and adenosine signaling.

We report an important role for microglia in regulating neuroplasticity within phrenic motor neurons. Brief episodes of low oxygen (acute intermittent hypoxia; AIH) elicit a form of respiratory motor plasticity known as phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) that is regulated by the balance of competing serotonin vs adenosine-initiated cellular mechanisms. Serotonin arises from brainstem raphe neurons, but the source of adenosine is unknown.

Sympathetic Nerves, Salivary Secretion, and the Parched Mouth of Fear: Unraveling Historical Perspectives on Persistent Contradiction in Physiology Textbooks.

We have observed two starkly contradictory notions regarding the sympathetic influence on the salivary outflow in discussions with our students. Most of them believe that sympathetic nerves decrease salivation and are antagonistic to parasympathetic nerves. Some students, however, show awareness of the cooperative stimulatory action of both types of autonomic fibers.

Strategies to Facilitate Service Utilization Among Youth at Risk for HIV: A Randomized Controlled Trial (ATN 149).

Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) are vulnerable to acquiring HIV and need HIV prevention and health services, but may have competing needs. A prior analysis found that PrEP use reports increased in a combination intervention study arm with coaching, peer support, and automated text-messages. This paper examines ancillary support and healthcare services utilization as secondary intervention objectives.

Adjuvant Radiation Therapy in Desmoplastic Melanoma: A Scoping Review.

Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) is an uncommon subtype of cutaneous melanoma that presents distinct diagnostic and treatment challenges. This review aims to explore the role of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) in managing DM. To evaluate this question, we reviewed relevant published reports on DM and its treatment and synthesized these findings.

Age- and sex-associated alterations in hypothalamic mitochondrial bioenergetics and inflammatory-associated signaling in the 3xTg mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and associated inflammatory signaling are pivotal in both aging and in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Studies have also shown that hypothalamic function is affected in AD. The hypothalamus may be a target for AD drugs given that mitochondrial alterations are observed in the hypothalamus.

Minimally Invasive Image-Guided Percutaneous Irreversible Electroporation of Adrenal Metastases.

Purpose: A single-center retrospective study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive irreversible electroporation (IRE) to treat metastatic adrenal tumors.

Materials And Methods: This single-center study, approved by the Institutional Review Board, retrospectively analyzed six patients who underwent image-guided percutaneous IRE for adrenal metastases. Pre-procedural imaging included CT, MRI and/or F-FDG PET-CT scans.

Role of transglutaminase 2 in promoting biglycan synthesis in idiopathic gingival fibromatosis.

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF).

Methods: Human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were isolated from patients with IGF and periodontitis. Differential gene expression in the hGFs was analyzed using RNA sequencing.

The Association Between Overweight Obesity Status and Hypertension in a Rural Community in Dang District, Gujarat, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The relationship between overweight obesity status and hypertension is well-known throughout the world, especially in low socioeconomic communities and developing countries. Both high blood pressure and obesity are preventable risk factors for noncommunicable disease, death, and disability. The prevalence of obesity-overweight status in India is increasing faster than the global average, and diabetes in Southeast Asia has surged over the past few decades.

A Case of Cervical and Thoracic Epidural Abscess Presenting As Diabetic Ketoacidosis Amid Persistent Bacteremia and Alcohol Withdrawal.

This is a case of a spinal epidural abscess (SEA) in a 41-year-old male with a history of chronic alcohol abuse, who initially presented with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Following stabilization of DKA, the patient developed persistent gram-positive bacteremia, which progressed to an epidural abscess extending from the cervical to the thoracic spine with potential intracranial extension. Despite the complexity of the case, prompt diagnosis via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and timely neurosurgical intervention for drainage, combined with targeted antibiotic therapy, led to a favorable outcome.

The Young Adult Centered Healthforce Training (YACHT) Program to Increase HIV Testing and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Referrals Among Young Sexual Minority Men in Florida: Protocol for a Type 2 Implementation-Effectiveness Hybrid Trial With a Stepped Wedge Design.

Background: There is a high incidence of HIV among young sexual minority men in Florida. Many are unaware of their status due to low testing rates. Counseling, testing, and referral (CTR) services are essential for diagnosis and prevention of HIV and are integral to the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) strategic plan.

Metabolomic profiles of stony coral species from the Dry Tortugas National Park display inter- and intraspecies variation.

Unlabelled: Coral reefs are experiencing unprecedented loss in coral cover due to increased incidence of disease and bleaching events. Thus, understanding mechanisms of disease susceptibility and resilience, which vary by species, is important. In this regard, untargeted metabolomics serves as an important hypothesis-building tool enabling the delineation of molecular factors underlying disease susceptibility or resilience.

Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on Rare Diseases: A Case Report on Gordon Syndrome.

Gordon syndrome (GS), also known as distal arthrogryposis type 3, is a rare congenital disorder characterized by debilitating multisystem defects and for which there is currently no cure. In the absence of a definitive treatment, multimodal symptomatic approaches are employed to enhance quality of life. The case presented involves a 40-year-old female with GS who exhibited multiple chronic, widespread, and severe musculoskeletal ailments that limited her daily functional capacity.

Responsibilities of Medical Professionals Amidst Geopolitical Conflict.

The ethical responsibilities of healthcare professionals amidst geopolitical conflict, particularly regarding their impact on patient care and healthcare delivery, present a significant challenge, especially during current strife. With the rise of national and international discord and debate, and the close relationship between war and healthcare, healthcare organizations are increasingly pressured to comment, which can reflect societal engagement, but also pose demands for maintaining professionalism. This article discusses the need for healthcare practitioners to navigate their roles in advocacy without compromising patient care, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, adherence to ethical standards, and effective communication.

A mobile app for chronic disease self-management for individuals with low health literacy: A multisite randomized controlled clinical trial.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a mobile app designed to improve chronic disease self-management in patients 40 years and older with low health literacy and who had at least one chronic health condition, and to assess the impact of delivering information at different levels of reading difficulty. A randomized controlled trial was completed at two sites. Individuals aged 40 years and older screened for low health literacy who had at least one chronic health condition were randomly assigned to a tailored information multimedia app with text at one of three grade levels.