Biomarkers.

Background: Remote diagnostic assessment of cognitively impaired individuals offers numerous potential benefits including increased access to care. However, remote cognitive and behavioral assessment also has limitations, and may not be appropriate for certain patients. Currently, evidence-based guidance on virtual assessment readiness is lacking.

Biomarkers.

Background: The earliest recognized biomarker of AD is deposition of Aβ amyloid that leads to formation of plaques and may, over time, trigger or at least be followed by gliosis/neuroinflammation and neurofibrillary tangles, accompanied by neurodegenerative changes including neuronal and synaptic loss. We have previously reported that semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D), the major ligand of plexin B receptors expressed on astrocytes, is upregulated in diseased neurons during progression of AD and Huntington's disease (HD). Binding of SEMA4D to PLXNB receptors triggers astrocyte reactivity, leading to loss of neuroprotective homeostatic functions, including downregulation of glutamate and glucose transporters (doi:10.

Biomarkers.

Background: Wearable sensor technology shows promise for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) identification/monitoring in persons living with dementia (PLWD). Accelerometry measures acceleration of body segments and physical activity. This study explores the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of accelerometry to identify the following 6 NPS associated with motor activity: aberrant motor behavior (AMB), aggression, agitation, anxiety, apathy, and wandering.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Hospital Settings in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare globally by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, predicting patient outcomes, and enabling personalized treatment plans. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Pakistan, the integration of AI into healthcare is limited due to challenges such as lack of funding, provider resistance, and inadequate training. Despite these barriers, there is growing interest among healthcare providers in understanding and adopting AI technologies to improve professional efficiency.

Efficacy of Colchicine for Secondary Prevention of Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

Colchicine, a long-established anti-inflammatory medication, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for secondary prevention of stroke. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine in preventing secondary stroke by comprehensively synthesizing available evidence. A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple electronic databases from inception to November 15, 2024, using comprehensive search strategies.

The Lady and the Plants: Two Notions of Teleology in Agnes Arber's Philosophy of Plants.

Agnes Arber (1879-1960) was a British plant morphologist, historian of botany, and philosopher of biology. Though now largely forgotten, her work offers valuable insights into morphological as well as philosophical issues. This paper focuses on Arber's work on teleology in plants.

Magnusiomyces capitatus, an Unusual Cause of Invasive Fungal Infections in Neutropenic Patients: Case Reports and Outbreak Investigation.

Magnusiomyces capitatus is an environmental fungus found in soil, water, air, plants, and dairy products which may cause opportunistic infections in patients with haematological disorders resulting in high mortality rates. This series of the first reported cases in Ireland discusses investigation of two patients with underlying haematological disorders, hospitalised in the Irish National Adult Stem Cell Transplant Unit (NASCTU), who developed line-related fungaemias with M. capitatus within a three-month period.

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and the Prevention of Cirrhosis Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Objective: To determine whether glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, separately, compared with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are associated with a reduced risk of cirrhosis and other adverse liver outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design And Methods: With an active comparator, new-user approach, we conducted a cohort study using the U.K.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Lower Gastrointestinal and Small Bowel Disorders: An Update Beyond Polyp Detection.

Machine learning and its specialized forms, such as Artificial Neural Networks and Convolutional Neural Networks, are increasingly being used for detecting and managing gastrointestinal conditions. Recent advancements involve using Artificial Neural Network models to enhance predictive accuracy for severe lower gastrointestinal (LGI) bleeding outcomes, including the need for surgery. To this end, artificial intelligence (AI)-guided predictive models have shown promise in improving management outcomes.

TNF alpha Inhibitors in Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Recent studies have focused on treating cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) with corticosteroids primarily mitigating symptoms and reducing the risk of mortality and other cardiovascular complications. A promising new treatment approach involves tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors.

Methodology: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Elsevier's Science Direct databases to identify studies comparing TNF alpha inhibitors with other drugs in CS patients who had heart failure.

Psychosocial Function in Mild Cognitive Impairment: Social Participation is Associated With Cognitive Performance in Multiple Domains.

Psychosocial function is associated with cognitive performance cross-sectionally and cognitive decline over time. Using data from the COMPASS-ND study, we examined associations between psychosocial and cognitive function in 126 individuals with mild cognitive impairment, an at-risk group for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Psychosocial function was measured using questionnaires about mental health, social support, and social engagement.

Understanding Perceptions of Hepatitis C and Its Management Among People with Experience of Incarceration in Quebec, Canada: A Qualitative Study Guided by the Common Sense Self-Regulation Model.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) disproportionately affects certain sub-populations, including people with experience of incarceration (PWEI). Little is known about how perceptions of HCV and treatment have changed despite simplifications in testing and treatment in carceral settings. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with people living with or having a history of HCV infection released from Quebec provincial prison.

Thyroid Autoimmunity During Universal Salt Iodisation-Possible Short-Term Modulation with Longer-Term Stability.

Universal salt iodisation (USI) plays an essential role in the provision of iodine (I) to populations worldwide. Countries adopting USI programmes, adhering to strict criteria laid down by expert organisations such as the Iodine Global Network, are estimated to have reduced the prevalence of I deficiency by 75% (protecting 720 million individuals worldwide). Despite this success, doubts have been raised as to the desirability of continuing such programmes because of (a) the need to reduce salt intake for cardiovascular prevention and (b) the induction of thyroid autoimmunity.

Histological Dissection of Fusarium-Banana Interaction Using a GFP-Tagged Subtropical Race 4 Strain of f. sp. on Banana Cultivars with Differing Levels of Resistance.

Fusarium wilt, caused by f. sp. (), poses a significant threat to global banana production.

Clinical Versus Pathological Staging in Patients with Resected Ground Glass Pulmonary Lesions.

Background: A ground glass nodule (GGN) is a radiologically descriptive term for a lung parenchymal area with increased attenuation and preserved bronchial and vascular structures. GGNs are further divided into pure versus subsolid lesions. The differential diagnosis for GGNs is wide and contains a malignant possibility for a lung adenocarcinoma precursor or tumor.

Federated Learning: Breaking Down Barriers in Global Genomic Research.

Recent advancements in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized genomic research, presenting unprecedented opportunities for personalized medicine and population genetics. However, issues such as data silos, privacy concerns, and regulatory challenges hinder large-scale data integration and collaboration. Federated Learning (FL) has emerged as a transformative solution, enabling decentralized data analysis while preserving privacy and complying with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The Future of Giant Cell Arteritis Diagnosis and Management: A Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence and Predictive Analytics.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA), a systemic vasculitis affecting large and medium-sized arteries, poses significant diagnostic and management challenges, particularly in preventing irreversible complications like vision loss. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), offer promising solutions to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment strategies for GCA. This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesizes existing literature on AI applications in GCA care, with a focus on diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and predictive modeling.

Factors influencing direct breastfeeding of preterm infants in neonatal wards and the provision of breastfeeding support: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

Objective: The objective of this review will be to synthesize the qualitative evidence on factors that influence direct breastfeeding of preterm infants in neonatal wards and the provision of breastfeeding support.

Introduction: Breastmilk is critical for the health of preterm neonates, and infants who directly feed at the breast are more likely to receive breastmilk exclusively for longer periods. Direct breastfeeding is associated with improved maternal coping and development of maternal identity.

A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan.

Background: With a shortage of mental health specialists and a significant rural population in Pakistan, leveraging community-based healthcare workers becomes crucial to address mental health needs. Equipping the healthcare workers with digital tools such as mobile applications have the potential to increase access to mental health support in low-resource areas. This study examines the acceptability, appropriateness, barriers, and facilitators to implementing a technology-assisted mental health intervention (mPareshan) delivered by Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in rural Pakistan.

Anti-PD-1 amplifies costimulation in melanoma-infiltrating T1-like Foxp3 regulatory T cells to alleviate local immunosuppression.

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) are the first line of treatment for many solid tumors including melanoma. PD-1 blockade enhances the effector functions of melanoma-infiltrating CD8 T cells, leading to durable tumor remissions. However, 55% of patients with melanoma do not respond to treatment.

Iron Regulatory Protein 2 (IRP2) Deficiency Is Protective Against Resistive Breathing-induced Pulmonary Inflammation.

Iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2), a post-transcriptional regulator of cellular iron metabolism has been associated with susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Resistive breathing (RB) is the hallmark of the pathophysiology of obstructive airway diseases, especially during exacerbations, where increased mechanical stress is imposed on the lung. We have previously shown that RB, through tracheal banding, mimicking severe airway obstruction, induces pulmonary inflammation and injury in previously healthy mice.