Assessment and management for latent tuberculosis before advanced therapies for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: A comprehensive review.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium TB, is the most significant infectious cause of mortality across the globe. While TB disease can prey on immunocompetent individuals, it is more likely to occur in immunocompromised individuals. Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) are a group of diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurative, autoimmune blistering diseases, and others) where there may be a need for systemic immunosuppression to control the disease manifestations, treat symptoms and improve long term outcomes.

Lerodalcibep and evolocumab for the treatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia with PCSK9 inhibition (LIBerate-HoFH): a phase 3, randomised, open-label, crossover, non-inferiority trial.

Background: Lerodalcibep, a small binding anti-PCSK9 protein (adnectin), showed effective LDL cholesterol reduction in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of lerodalcibep and evolocumab in a globally diverse homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia population.

Methods: This phase 3, randomised, open-label, crossover, non-inferiority study consisted of two 24-week treatment periods separated by an 8-week washout.

Abbreviated Duration of Vasoactive Agents Has Similar Outcomes as Standard Duration of Therapy in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis and Variceal Bleeding: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis.

Background: This two-stage individual patient data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) compared the efficacy of a shorter duration (≤ 2 days) of vasoactive (VA) drug therapy to standard duration (3-5 days) after acute variceal bleeding (AVB) in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Patients And Methods: Randomized clinical trials on patients with cirrhosis and AVB undergoing endoscopic band ligation which compared a short duration versus the standard duration of VA therapy were included. The primary outcome was 5-day rebleeding rate.

The Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Influences Edema Fluid Movement and Promotes the Compensatory Drainage Pathways in Patients with Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema.

Upper limb lymphedema is the most common complication after breast cancer therapy. Suddenly disturbed lymphatic transport in the affected arm causes tissue fluid accumulation in tissue spaces, limb enlargement, and secondary changes in tissue. Early compression therapy is necessary.

Depression, anxiety, stress, and coping among men with infertility seeking treatment at a tertiary care hospital in South India: A mixed-method study.

Background: Many studies in India and all over the world have focused on the psychological aspect of infertility in women, but only a few have explored it among men. To deal with psychological distress, sometimes, individuals may use maladaptive coping strategies which can further worsen the stress instead of reducing it.

Aim: To assess symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and various coping strategies adopted by men with infertility along with exploring their coping experiences.

Unveiling the landscape of antistigma interventions for individuals with substance use disorders: A scoping review.

Background: Stigma against persons living with substance use disorders (PLSUD) fosters social and health inequities.

Aim: We aimed to map different populations targeted by antistigma interventions, analyze specific characteristics of these interventions, and identify and categorize the theoretical frameworks used in these interventions.

Methods: We examined randomized controlled trials and quasi or pre-experimental studies targeting stigma against PLSUD.

Knowledge and Awareness of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Among Dental Practitioners in Mumbai: A Questionnaire-Based Survey.

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the jaw resulting from the adverse effects of medical treatments is known as medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ). The knowledge of dental professionals about this condition is crucial in addressing it on a regional and global scale. This study aims to assess the knowledge and awareness of MRONJ among dental practitioners in Mumbai.

Ukrainian Patients' Perspectives on Advanced Pharmaceutical Services Provided by Polish Pharmacists: A Cross-Border Support Initiative.

Introduction: Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals which play a pivotal role in public health protection by offering diverse pharmacy services. This includes not only serving individuals in Ukraine but also addressing the needs of Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland. An exemplary initiative is the creation of the website , which provides organized and systematic support.

Enhancing paediatric and congenital cardiology e-learning postgraduate education: insights from the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology directed webinar series.

Objective: A series of webinars covering widespread knowledge on paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery topics was initiated by Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology, serving towards preparation for the Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology certification in paediatric and congenital cardiology. This study investigated the impact of webinars as educational tools for junior paediatric cardiologists in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey design study using an online survey as a tool for the assessment of trainees.

Influence of HLA-B Leader (-21M/T) Dimorphism With Bw4/Bw6 Epitopes on Graft Versus Host Disease After Allogenic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in North Indians.

High degree of variability in human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) system restricts availability of histocompatible HLA-matched-related donors, thus increasing reliance on worldwide bone marrow registries network. Nevertheless, due to limited coverage/accessibility/affordability of some ethnicities in these registries, haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) emerged as an alternative option, though with allorecognition-mediated graft versus host disease (GvHD) (>40% cases). A dimorphism [-21 methionine (M) or threonine (T)] in HLA-B leader peptide (exon 1) which differentially influences its HLA-E binding, plausibly regulates natural killer cell functionality, affecting GvHD vulnerability and clinically in practice for donor selection.

Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: Transcatheter Correction In Tetralogy Of Fallot: A Pilot Study.

This study evaluated transcatheter approach for relieving right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction using combined non-compliant balloon dilatation of the RVOT and conal artery occlusion in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), both uncorrected and post-intra-cardiac repair (ICR) restenosis. A prospective study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2023, including 40 symptomatic patients aged over 12 years with RVOT obstruction in TOF. Exclusion criteria included moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation.

Exploring the clinical practice training program for Master of Nursing Specialist in anesthesia: A qualitative study.

Background: Clinical practice is key in the development and enhancement of the professional competencies for Master of Nursing Specialist postgraduates in anesthesia; however, there is a lack of unified and standardized clinical practice training programs in China, failing to guarantee teaching quality among institutions.

Objective: To understand perceptions of the clinical practice training program setting for Master of Nursing Specialist postgraduates in anesthesia from the dual perspectives of faculty and students.

Design: A qualitative descriptive study.

Adolescent mice exposed to TBI developed PD-like pathology in middle age.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is identified as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), which is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). However, the precise mechanism by which chronic TBI initiates PD pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. In our present study, we assessed the chronic progression and pathogenesis of PD-like behavior at different intervals in TBI mice.

General Movements as Predictive Tool of Neurological Outcomes in Term-Born Infants With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy at Ages Six and 12 Months.

Background: To explore the utility of general movements assessment as a predictive tool of the neurological outcome in term-born infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) at ages six and 12 months.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted for 18 months (August 2018 to December 2019). Term-born newborns with HIE were included.

A mathematical model for derivation of Elevated-Electrode-Placement Electrocardiogram (EEP-ECG) leads from a standard 12-lead electrocardiogram.

Background: Placement of right precordial leads in higher intercostal spaces (EEP-ECG) improves the detection of Brugada Syndrome (BrS). Given the potential difficulty of lead placement and the transient nature of BrS ECG patterns, we developed a model to predict EEP-ECG from a standard 12‑lead ECG.

Objective: To create and validate a model that derives EEP-ECG leads from a standard 12‑lead ECG.

Etiology, clinical characteristics, genetic profile, and outcomes of children with refractory rickets at a referral center in India: a cohort study.

Background: Limited research exists regarding the genetic profile, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of refractory rickets in children from India.

Methods: Patients with refractory rickets aged ≤ 18 years were enrolled. Data regarding clinical features, etiology, genotype-phenotype correlation, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were recorded.

The Never Ending Story-What Are the Differentiable Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics Between Pyogenic and Mycobacterial Thoracolumbar Infections?

: This study aimed to determine if MRI features can distinguish between spinal infections caused by pyogenic bacteria and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. : Patients underwent an MRI of the thoracolumbar spine with and without contrast. Three blinded observers assessed the images, using statistical tests for analysis.

Enhancing Therapy Adherence: Impact on Clinical Outcomes, Healthcare Costs, and Patient Quality of Life.

Adherence to therapy, defined as the extent to which a patient follows prescribed therapeutic recommendations, is a pivotal factor in the effective management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. This review highlights the profound influence of adherence on clinical outcomes, healthcare costs, and patient quality of life. Despite its critical importance, non-adherence remains a pervasive challenge globally, contributing to suboptimal treatment results, higher rates of complications, increased hospitalizations, and substantial healthcare expenditures.

Urogenital Cancer Epidemiology in Poland (1980-2020): A Narrative Review.

Despite advances in prophylaxis, early diagnosis, and treatment, urogenital cancers represent a significant challenge to public health in Poland due to their relatively high prevalence and mortality rates. This narrative review aims to explore contemporary evidence on the epidemiology of urogenital cancers in Poland, such as prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and penile cancer, focusing on current and historical status and trends in the broader context of healthcare delivery. The literature consistently indicates that urogenital cancer continues to be a significant contributor to cancer incidence and mortality rates in Poland.

An Updated Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of First-Line Triplet vs. Doublet Therapies for Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer.

: The addition of androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), with or without docetaxel (Doc), is currently recommended for metastatic, hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Recently, the ARANOTE trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of Darolutamide + ADT in this setting. We aimed to update a network meta-analysis (NMA) of these combination therapies.

Impact of Early-Life Microbiota on Immune System Development and Allergic Disorders.

The shaping of the human intestinal microbiota starts during the intrauterine period and continues through the subsequent stages of extrauterine life. The microbiota plays a significant role in the predisposition and development of immune diseases, as well as various inflammatory processes. Importantly, the proper colonization of the fetal digestive system is influenced by maternal microbiota, the method of pregnancy completion and the further formation of the microbiota.

Osteoprotegerin as an Emerging Biomarker of Carotid Artery Stenosis? A Scoping Review with Meta-Analysis.

: In developed countries, stroke is the fifth cause of death, with a high mortality rate, and with recovery to normal neurological function in one-third of survivors. Atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the extracranial part of the internal carotid artery and related embolic complications are common preventable causes of ischemic stroke (IS), attributable to 7-18% of all first-time cases. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, is considered a modulator of vascular calcification linked to vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and collagen production in atherosclerotic plaques.

A Rare Encounter: Tuberculous Pyomyositis in an Immunosuppressed Post-Transplant Patient.

Tuberculous pyomyositis is an uncommon form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). We report a rare case of EPTB in a 34-year-old male post-renal transplant recipient. He presented with pain in the left hip region and fever 9 years after the renal transplantation.