Can the prevalence of one STI serve as a predictor for another? A mathematical modeling analysis.

We aimed to understand to what extent knowledge of the prevalence of one sexually transmitted infection (STI) can predict the prevalence of another STI, with application for men who have sex with men (MSM). An individual-based simulation model was used to study the concurrent transmission of HIV, HSV-2, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in MSM sexual networks. Using the model outputs, 15 multiple linear regression models were conducted for each STI prevalence, treating the prevalence of each as the dependent variable and the prevalences of up to four other STIs as independent variables in various combinations.

Oncoproteins E6/E7 of the human papillomavirus types 16 & 18 synergize in modulating oncogenes and tumor suppressor proteins in colorectal cancer.

Objective: Our study presents a novel analysis of the oncogenes and tumor suppressor proteins directly modulated by E6/E7 of high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: HCT 116 (KRAS mutant) & HT-29 (TP53 mutant) cell models of CRC were transduced with E6/E7 of HPV16 and HPV18, individually and in combination. Further, we utilized a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach to analyze and compare the proteomes of both CRC cell models.

Eight weeks of aerobic exercise, but not four, improves insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular performance in young women.

Regular aerobic exercise has a significant impact on glucose metabolism and lipid profiles, contributing to overall health improvement. However, evidence for optimal exercise duration to achieve these effects is limited. This study aims to explore the effects of 4 and 8 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and associated metabolic changes in young female students with insulin resistance and varying body mass, seeking to determine the optimal duration for physiological adaptations.

Performance of Four AI Chatbots in Answering Endodontic Questions.

Introduction: Artificial intelligence models have shown potential as educational tools in healthcare, such as answering exam questions. This study aimed to assess the performance of four prominent chatbots: ChatGPT-4o, MedGebra GPT4o, Meta LIama 3, and Gemini Advanced in answering multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in endodontics.

Methods: The study utilized 100 MCQs each with 4 potential answers.

Is the time to task failure during severe intensity exercise associated with muscle, blood, and respiratory changes?

The study aimed to verify the physiological and metabolic parameters associated with the time to task failure (TTF) during cycling exercise performed within the severe-intensity domain. Forty-five healthy and physically active males participated in two independent experiments. In experiment 1, after a graded exercise test, participants underwent constant work rate cycling efforts (CWR) at 115% of peak power output to assess neuromuscular function (Potentiated twitch) pre- and post-exercise.

Effect of surface-engineered AuNPs on gene expression, bacterial interaction, protein denaturation, and toxicology assay: an and model.

We investigated the and uses of pamoic acid functionalized gold nanoparticles (PA@AuNPs), with a focus on determining their safety and potential toxicity in living beings. To test this theory, the bacterial interaction of PA@AuNPs was studied using , , and cultures, as well as the inhibition of the bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is used to measure the expression of target genes.

Pneumocephalus and Pneumorrhachis Following Titanium Rib Implant: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Introduction: Pneumocephalus and pneumorrhachis are rare postoperative complications, commonly occurring within a few days to months after spinal surgery. They are very rarely reported after thoracic surgeries. This case highlights a unique presentation in the emergency department involving headache and vomiting caused by late complications following thoracic surgery with a titanium rib implant.

Comparative efficacy of sodium oxybate versus placebo on improvement of nighttime sleep in adult patients with narcolepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Narcolepsy, a central hypersomnolence disorder, disrupts sleep regulation. Sodium oxybate, a CNS (central nervous system) depressant, is widely used as a treatment, but there are surprisingly very few rigorous studies comparing its effectiveness to placebo in adults.

Objectives: To measure the comparative efficacy of sodium oxybate at a dosage regimen of 9 g versus placebo in improving nighttime sleep quality, reducing nocturnal arousals and sleep stage shifts, and enhancing the overall refreshed nature of sleep in adult patients with narcolepsy.

The role of pharmacists in mitigating medication errors in the perioperative setting: a systematic review.

Introduction: Medication errors occur at any point of the medication management process and are a major cause of death and harm globally. The perioperative environment introduces challenges in identifying medication errors due to the frequent use of time-sensitive, high-alert medications in a dynamic and intricate setting. Pharmacists could potentially reduce the occurrence of these errors because of their training and expertise.

Opioid use and abuse in adolescents and young adults; dealing with science, laws and ethics: Charming the COBRAS.

The subject of substance use disorders in the pediatric population remains a disturbing conundrum for clinicians, researchers and society in general. Many of our youth are at risk of being damaged and even killed by drug addictions that result from the collision of rapidly developing as well as vulnerable central nervous systems encountering the current global drug addiction crisis. A major motif of this chemical calamity is opioid use disorder in adolescents and young adults that was stimulated by the 19th century identification of such highly addictive drugs as morphine, heroin and a non-opiate, cocaine.

Quantitative prediction of toxicological points of departure using two-stage machine learning models: A new approach methodology (NAM) for chemical risk assessment.

Point of departure (POD) is a concept used in risk assessment to calculate the reference dose of exposure that is likely to have no appreciable risk on health. POD can be directly utilized from no observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) which is the dose or exposure level at which there is little or no risk of adverse effects. However, NOAEL values are unavailable for most of the chemicals due to inconsistent animal toxicity data.

The intersection of finTech adoption, HR competency potential, service innovation, and firm growth in the banking sectors using Entropy and TOPSIS.

The adoption of Financial Technology (FinTech), along with the enhancement of Human Resource (HR) competencies, service innovation, and firm growth, plays a crucial role in the development of the banking sector. Despite their importance, obtaining reliable results is often challenging due to the complex, high-dimensional correlations among various features that affect the industry. To address this issue, this research introduces a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model that integrates the Entropy-Weighted Method (EWM) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS).

Enhancing Disaster Preparedness Through Tabletop Disaster Exercises: A Scoping Review of Benefits for Health Workers and Students.

Background: Tabletop Disaster Exercise (TDE) is a unique learning method through simulation designed to improve disaster preparedness. It is used every year to train health workers and students in disaster preparedness. However, no review has summarized the potential of TDE.

Automatic image quality evaluation in digital radiography using a modified version of the IAEA radiography phantom allowing multiple detection tasks: A multi detection task IAEA radiography phantom.

Purpose: To evaluate image quality (IQ) of for-processing (raw) and for-presentation (clinical) radiography images, under different exposure conditions and digital image post-processing algorithms, using a phantom that enables multiple detection tasks.

Methods: A modified version of the radiography phantom described in the IAEA Human Health Series No. 39 publication was constructed, incorporating six additional Aluminum (Al) targets of thicknesses both smaller and larger than the standard one.

Risk Factors for Acute Pancreatitis Following Intragastric Balloon Insertion: A 7-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but serious complication of intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy. Despite the popularity of IGBs for weight loss, the incidence and risk factors of AP post-IGB insertion are not well understood. This study aimed to identify potential predictors and risk factors of AP in IGB patients.

Fluorescence Anisotropy for Monitoring cis- and trans-Membrane Interactions of Synaptotagmin-1.

Vesicle fusion induces neurotransmitter release, orchestrated by synaptotagmin-1 (Syt-1) as a Ca sensor. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of Syt-1 remain controversial, with various and competing models proposed based on different ionic strengths. Syt-1, residing on the vesicle membrane alongside anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS), undergoes Ca-induced binding to its own vesicle membrane, known as the cis-interaction, which prevents the trans-interaction of Syt-1 with the plasma membrane.

The burden of prostate cancer in the North Africa and Middle East Region from 1990 to 2021.

Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignancies affecting males globally. This study sought to document the incidence, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) that were due to prostate cancer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and its 21 countries, from 1990 to 2021. We analysed publicly accessible data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study to present findings on the incidence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with prostate cancer.

Nerve transfer of the median flexor pollicis brevis branch to the deep branch of the ulnar nerve for ulnar nerve palsy: a cadaveric feasibility study.

An ulnar nerve (UN) palsy is devastating for hand function, resulting in an intrinsic minus position or claw hand with a loss of pinch grip. Distal nerve transfers facilitate faster reinnervation of hand intrinsic muscles in cases of proximal ulnar nerve lesions. The traditional anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) to UN motor transfer is commonly used, however, this still leads to long reinnervation times for the distal intrinsic muscles, important for the thumb to index pinch grip.

Six-Month Emergent Readmissions Following Hospitalization for Atrial Fibrillation Amid the Syrian Conflict: A Real-World Observational Cohort Study.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia worldwide. However, data regarding readmissions following index admission for AF in the developing world are not well described. This study assessed the rate, predictors, and trends of 6-month readmission after index admission for AF in Syria.

Burden of diabetes in correctional facilities: A global systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Diabetes mellitus presents significant public health challenges worldwide. While its prevalence and management in the general population have been extensively studied, comprehensive research on diabetes among incarcerated individuals is lacking. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and -analysis to determine the prevalence of diabetes within the prison population.

When surgery leaves more than just scars: The curious case of gossypiboma- A case report and literature review.

Gossypiboma is a unique postoperative complication characterized by the presence of a surgical sponge after surgery. This condition is seldom encountered. Owing to its serious medicolegal implications it remains underreported leading to a blurred clinical spectrum.

The Prevalence and Predictors of Atrioventricular Blocks in Syrian Patients Reporting to the Emergency Department During the Ongoing Conflict: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Atrioventricular block (AVB) is a cardiac conduction disorder that can lead to significant clinical outcomes, particularly in resource-limited and conflict-affected regions. In Syria, healthcare infrastructure has been severely impacted by ongoing conflict, potentially affecting the prevalence and management of AVB.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study at Tishreen University Hospital in Latakia, Syria, with patients > 40 who presented to the emergency department (ED) from June 1 to August 1, 2024.

An epidemiological risk assessment of imported malaria cases and potential local transmission in Qatar.

Preventing local transmission of malaria from imported cases is crucial for achieving and maintaining malaria elimination. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of imported malaria cases and assess the distribution of malaria vectors in Qatar. Data from January 2016 to December 2022 on imported malaria, including demographic and epidemiological characteristics, travel-related information, and diagnostic results, were collected and analysed using descriptive statistics.