Biological Response of Treatment with Saffron Petal Extract on Cytokine-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Caco-2/Human Leukemia Monocytic Co-Culture Model.

The pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves complex mechanisms, including immune dysregulation, gut microbiota imbalances, oxidative stress, and defects in the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier. Current treatments for IBD often have significant limitations and adverse side effects, prompting a search for alternative therapeutic strategies. Natural products with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have demonstrated potential for IBD management.

Surgery and Surgical Training Before Graduate Medical Education: A Blue Ribbon Committee II, Medical Student Education Subcommittee Report.

Objective: To update and add to the first report commissioned by the Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) about 20 years prior.

Background: Following a summit in late 2022 commissioned by the American Board of Surgery regarding competency-based reforms in surgical education and through a partnership with the American College of Surgeons and other stakeholders, a BRC-II on surgical education was formed. The BRC-II would have 7 subcommittees.

3D DLP-printed cannabinoid microneedles patch and its pharmacokinetic evaluation in rats.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to enhance the bioavailability of cannabidiol (CBD) using 3D Digital Light Processing (DLP)-printed microneedle (MN) transdermal drug delivery system.

Methods: CBD MN patch was fabricated and optimized using 3D DLP printing using CBD (8% w/v), Lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) (0.49% w/v), distilled water (20% w/v), and poly (ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate 550 (PEGDAMA 550) (up to 100% w/v).

Individual ingredients of NP-101 (Thymoquinone formula) inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection.

Thymoquinone TQ, an active ingredient of Nigella Sativa, has been shown to inhibit COVID-19 symptoms in clinical trials. Thymoquinone Formulation (TQF or NP-101) is developed as a novel enteric-coated medication derivative from Nigella Sativa. TQF consists of TQ with a favorable concentration and fatty acids, including palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids.

Gene Expression Analysis Links Autocrine Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and ZEB1 in Gastrointestinal Cancers.

VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) is a 28-amino acid peptide hormone expressed by cancer and the healthy nervous system, digestive tract, cardiovascular, and immune cell tissues. Many cancers express VIP and its surface receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2, but the role of autocrine VIP signaling in cancer as a targetable prognostic and predictive biomarker remains poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted an in silico gene expression analysis to study the mechanisms of autocrine VIP signaling in cancer.

Dissociation of pulse wave velocity and aortic wall stiffness in diabetic db/db mice: The influence of blood pressure.

Vascular stiffness is a predictor of cardiovascular disease and pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the current standard for measuring vascular stiffness. Mean arterial pressure is the largest confounding variable to PWV; therefore, in this study we aimed to test the hypothesis that increased aortic PWV in type 2 diabetic mice is driven by increased blood pressure rather than vascular biomechanics. Using a combination of PWV and pressure myography, our data demonstrate no difference in passive mechanics, including outer diameter, inner diameter, compliance (Db/db: 0.

Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody-Associated Glomerulonephritis as a Possible Side Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination.

Vaccination is the principal tool aimed at curbing the COVID-19 pandemic that has, so far, affected tens of millions of individuals in the United States. The two available mRNA vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna possess high efficacy in preventing infection and illness severity. However, there are multiple side effects associated with these vaccines, some impacting different organs.

Sleep Continuity, Sleep Related Daytime Dysfunction, and Problem Endorsement: Do These Vary Concordantly by Age?

Objectives: Sleep continuity (i.e., ability to initiate and/or maintain sleep) worsens with age.

A Case of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis vs. Pulmonary Aspergilloma in Immunocompromised Patient With Preexisting Lung Cavity.

Subacute invasive aspergillosis (SAIA) occurs in immunocompromised patients and/or patients with preexisting pulmonary pathology. An aspergilloma is a fungus ball that occurs in preexisting lung cavities and can be relatively asymptomatic without tissue invasion. In contrast to an aspergilloma, SAIA invades local tissue and parenchyma, resulting in tissue necrosis.

COVID-19 Encephalopathy: Delayed Onset in Unvaccinated Patients.

COVID-19 infections have a broad spectrum of severity, with more severe symptoms observed in elderly patients, patients with underlying comorbidities, and patients with unvaccinated status. This case series aims to highlight two cases of unvaccinated patients who developed COVID-19 encephalopathy, contrasted with a vaccinated patient with similar risk factors. This article highlights the unique characteristics of COVID-19 encephalopathy to guide clinicians while approaching the broad diagnosis of acute encephalopathy or altered mental state in hospitalized patients.

Intermittent Blurry Vision: An Unexpected Presentation of Cushing's Syndrome Due to Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (PBMAH).

Cushing's syndrome (CS) is an uncommon endocrine disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to elevated glucocorticoids, with 10-15 million annual cases per the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Exogenous and endogenous causes can further be divided into adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) dependent (i.e Cushing's Disease) or ACTH independent.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of ThymoQuinone Formula (TQF) for Treating Outpatient SARS-CoV-2.

There is an urgent need for an oral drug for the treatment of mild to moderate outpatient SARS-CoV-2. Our preclinical and clinical study’s aim was to determine the safety and preliminary efficacy of oral TQ Formula (TQF), in the treatment of outpatient SARS-CoV-2. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial, we randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) non-hospitalized, adult (>18 years), symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 patients to receive oral TQF or placebo.

Baseline Assessment of Systemic Racism Education in Pharmacy Curricula.

To determine, by survey, the inclusion of systemic racism education in US Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curricula and identify barriers and facilitators to addressing this content. A survey was developed and distributed to curricular representatives at US colleges and schools of pharmacy. The survey assessed inclusion of systemic racism education in curricula, faculty involvement in teaching systemic racism content, barriers to adding systemic racism content in curricula, and future curricular plans.

Urethral Prolapse Case Report: Surgical and Social Considerations in Senegal.

We present three cases of urethral prolapse in prepubertal females in Senegal who presented with vulvar bleeding. Careful gynecologic and urologic physical exams were performed and revealed urethral origin and prolapse. Conservative versus surgical approaches were taken in different patients, but ultimately, each patient received a urethral meatoplasty.

Pharmacological antagonism of EP2 receptor does not modify basal cardiovascular and respiratory function, blood cell counts, and bone morphology in animal models.

The EP2 receptor has emerged as a therapeutic target with exacerbating role in disease pathology for a variety of peripheral and central nervous system disorders. We and others have recently demonstrated beneficial effects of EP2 antagonists in preclinical models of neuroinflammation and peripheral inflammation. However, it was earlier reported that mice with global EP2 knockout (KO) display adverse phenotypes on fertility and blood pressure.

The Impact of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Expression on the Incidence and Severity of COVID-19 Infection.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to an unprecedented threat to the international community and raised major concerns in terms of public health safety. Although our current understanding of the complexity of COVID-19 pathogenesis remains limited, the infection is largely mediated by the interaction of viral spike protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The functional importance of ACE2 in different demographic and comorbid conditions may explain the significant variation in incidence and mortality of COVID-19 in vulnerable groups, and highlights its candidacy as a potential therapeutic target.

Survey of Pharmacists' Knowledge of Connecticut's Medical Cannabis Program.

Over the last few years, a growth in research and interest in medical cannabis (most often referred to as medical marijuana) use have occurred nationally. Medical cannabis has become a treatment option for disease conditions, such as epilepsy, wasting syndrome associated with AIDs, and post-traumatic stress disorder, when traditional medication is ineffective. The objectives were to identify knowledge deficits of the medical cannabis program (MCP) in Connecticut among Connecticut pharmacists and the impact of MCP on Connecticut pharmacy practice and concerns Connecticut pharmacists have regarding medical cannabis use.

Cost-Effectiveness Model Shows Superiority of Wireless Spinal Cord Stimulation Implantation Without a Separate Trial.

Objective: We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of wireless spinal cord stimulation (Wireless SCS) with single stage "direct to permanent" implantation vs. screening with temporary electrodes and an external pulse generator followed by implantation of a system for long-term use (IPG SCS).

Materials And Methods: We created a cost model that takes a 2019 United States (U.

Demographic, clinical, and behavioral determinants of 7-year weight change trajectories in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients.

Background: Weight change trajectories after weight-loss surgery may vary significantly.

Objectives: This study evaluated the weight trajectories of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients and identified the distinct clinical, behavioral, and demographic features of patients by trajectory.

Setting: Data from 2918 RYGB patients from a comprehensive medical center between January 2004 and November 2016 were included.

Clinical Characteristics of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Patients with Death from Accidental Overdose or Intentional Self-Harm: a Descriptive Study.

Purpose: The objective of this descriptive study was to identify clinical characteristics of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients who died from intentional self-harm or accidental overdose postoperatively.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study included RYGB patients from a large rural medical center that completed surgery between January 2004 and December 2014 and died from intentional self-harm or accidental overdose through December 2015. Specific causes of death were obtained from the National Death Index and clinical data from electronic health records.

Still the Great Debate - "Fair Balance" in Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Advertising Comment on "Trouble Spots in Online Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Promotion: A Content Analysis of FDA Warning Letters".

The above titled paper examined the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) warning letters and notice of violations (NOV) over a 10-year period. Findings from this content analysis reinforced what has been the primary issue for prescription direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) since its beginning, the fair balance of risk and benefit information. As opposed to another analysis in 2026 about this still being an issue, is there anything that can be done to prevent this problem from continuing?

Clinical assessment of hypertension in children.

The use of blood pressure measurements have become a routine part of physical exam for the evacuation of cardiovascular health adults and, more recently, children. The most widely used definition of hypertension is delineate as greater than 90 % BP according to age, sex, and height by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. Current research suggests that pediatric hypertension is influenced by multitude of factors including birth weight, maturity during birth, heredity, and diet leading to primary hypertension.

Disease-specific direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals: An examination of endorser type and gender effects on consumers' attitudes and behaviors.

Background: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising is still a controversial topic for pharmaceutical manufacturers' and researchers, and while numerous studies have examined the DTC phenomenon, little research has examined the effect of gender, particularly gender of the endorser and consumer.

Objective: The objective of this research was to assess the impact of the endorser (celebrity vs. expert vs.

The increasing epidemiology of diabetes and review of current treatment algorithms.

The prevalence of diabetes is expected to grow both nationally and globally. Therefore, increased effort to reduce the incidence of this disease is warranted. Physicians must be able to identify individuals who are at risk for diabetes and implement strategies to prevent diabetes onset.