Efficacy of Comprehensive Foot Strengthening Program on Foot Biomechanics and Plantar Pressure to Reduce Lower Limb Injury Risk in Male Bhangra Dancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.

Background: Bhangra dance is vibrant and energy demanding art form involving dynamic footwork, jumps, kicks and rapid movements. Poor biomechanics and uneven plantar pressure is a crucial factor for injury among dancers thus, this study protocol aimed at evaluating the efficacy of comprehensive foot strengthening program in improving faulty foot biomechanics and plantar pressure distribution to reduce the risk of lower limb injuries among male Bhangra dancers.

Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be performed.

The Crucial Role of Smoking Cessation in Preventing Oral Cancer.

Oral cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, with smoking being a primary risk factor. Smoking cessation has been identified as a crucial intervention in reducing the incidence of oral cancer. This abstract reviews the impact of smoking cessation on oral cancer prevention, emphasizing the benefits of quitting smoking in decreasing the risk of developing oral malignancies.

Smoking and its Role in Oral Cancer.

Oral cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, with smoking identified as a primary risk factor. This abstract reviews the role of smoking in the etiology of oral cancer, emphasizing its contribution to carcinogenesis through the induction of genetic mutations, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Tobacco smoke contains carcinogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, and heavy metals, which are implicated in the transformation of oral mucosal cells.

Antibacterial activity of the endophytic fungal extracts and synergistic effects of combinations of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) against and .

The growing threat of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a critical public health concern. Combining natural compounds with antimicrobial agents is an alternative approach to improve the antibacterial efficacy and safety of these agents. The strategy is to restore the effectiveness of existing antibiotics while minimizing the required concentrations of antibiotics or antimicrobial agents.

Targeting the interplay between human papillomavirus oncoproteins and hedgehog signaling: assessment of chemopreventive potential of carvacrol in cervical cancer.

Cervical carcinoma is the fourth most frequently diagnosed cancer and is a serious cause of increased mortality among females globally. Hedgehog/GLI signaling has now been established to play a pivotal role in imparting tumor recurrence and promoting metastasis in cervical carcinoma. HPV associated oncoproteins particularly E6/E7 concomitantly with altered signaling pathways are key determinants of cervical cancer.

Preoperative muscle weakness is a risk factor for persistent pain 1 year after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome.

Background: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a common condition causing hip and groin pain. Hip arthroscopy has been established as a viable treatment option when nonoperative management fails to relieve symptoms of FAIS. Despite the numerous positive hip arthroscopy outcomes for FAIS, some individuals experience persistent postoperative pain.

Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy with Retinal Hemorrhage.

Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) causes subacute visual loss, and, in the acute phase, the optic disc shows hyperemia, peripapillary telangiectasia, and swelling of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). Rarely, retinal hemorrhage may be present. In this study, we investigated LHON cases with retinal hemorrhage in the acute phase.

Phytochemical baicalin potentially inhibits Bcl-2 and VEGF: an approach.

Background: The rising prevalence of cancer cells exhibits uncontrolled growth and invasive and aggressive properties, leading to metastasis, which poses a significant challenge for global health. Central to cancer development are proteins such as NF-kB, p53, VEGF, and BAX/Bcl-2, which play important roles in angiogenesis, cell apoptosis regulation, and tumor growth.

Methodology: This study evaluates the activity of six different natural as well as novel therapeutic strategies against cancer.

Therapeutic Effects of Slow Deep Breathing on Cardiopulmonary Function, Physical Performance, Biochemical Parameters, and Stress in Older Adult Patients with Long COVID in Phayao, Thailand.

Background: Long COVID poses significant challenges for older adult patients, affecting their cardiopulmonary function and overall well-being. This study aimed to investigate the effects of slow deep breathing exercises on cardiopulmonary function, physical performance, biochemical markers, oxidative stress, and stress levels in older adult patients with long COVID.

Methods: Sixty older adult patients with long COVID were randomly assigned to an exercise group of 30 patients and a control group of 30 patients.

Haplotype-Specific Genetic Epidemiology of Sickle Cell Anemia Patients in Accra, Ghana: Patterns, Clinical Implications, and Public Health Responses.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder with a diverse spectrum of clinical presentation, often determined by inherited β gene haplotypes. Ghana, a country with a significant SCD burden, lacks population haplotype frequency data, hindering anthropological, genetic, and clinical understanding and management of the disease. A prospective sample of 191 SCD patients (sickle cell anemia; homozygous HbSS) was recruited at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra.

Development of a novel encystment medium: Enhancing diagnostic potential of spp.

Background And Aim: spp. are pathogenic microorganisms linked to severe infections in humans and animals, requiring a deeper understanding of their encystation process for effective diagnostics and research. This study focused on developing a novel encystment medium to induce synchronized encystation of spp.

Real-time epidemiological surveillance data: tracking the occurrences of avian influenza outbreaks around the world.

Objectives: This study aims to provide real-time surveillance of epidemiological outbreaks of avian influenza in humans and mammals. The primary objective is to understand and track the dynamics of outbreaks as they develop, facilitating timely interventions and informed public health decisions. The data collection is part of a broader initiative focused on improving preparedness and response capabilities to emerging health threats.

Perceptions and satisfaction with the quality of clinical training placements among nursing and midwifery students in Northern Ghana.

Background: Clinical teaching and learning empower students to translate classroom learning into patient care, facilitating their evolution into competent nurses and midwives. Developing competent nurses is crucial for enhancing the quality of the healthcare system, necessitating quality nursing education to equip them with the required knowledge and skills. The quality of clinical placements significantly influences how students acquire skills, knowledge, and clinical reasoning, as well as how they develop as professional nurses and midwives.

Investigating the production and synergistic antibacterial activity of bacteriocin-like substance from SA-14 (TISTR 2453) for enhanced wound healing.

The rise in antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, especially Methicillin-resistant (MRSA), is a global health concern. Bacteriocins are promising antibiotic alternatives. This study aimed to enhance the production of bacteriocin-like substances (BLS) from SA-14 (TISTR 2453) by optimizing nutrients, evaluating antibacterial activity, assessing synergy with vancomycin, and testing the cytotoxicity and wound healing effects on human keratinocytes.

Importance of hospital food intake for early discharge after total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a propensity score matching analysis.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is widely used to treat hip osteoarthritis (HOA), particularly in elderly patients. However, the associated costs and complications highlight the need for strategies to shorten hospital stays and optimise postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative nutritional status and postoperative dietary intake on the discharge outcomes of patients with unilateral HOA who underwent THA.

Virtual perspectives of sanguinarine on cancer prevention and treatment through molecular dynamic study.

Cancer prevention involves resisting cancer development at initial stages, retarding angiogenesis and initiating cancer cell apoptosis. Through the use of virtual screening, binding free energy calculations, and molecular dynamics simulations, we were able to identify compounds with potential anticancer activity."During the virtual screening process, compounds with promising drug-like properties were chosen using the Lipinski rule of five, and their binding affinities were evaluated by docking studies.

Multimodal strategies to hand hygiene in Ghanaian hospitals: a cross-sectional study in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Background: Hand hygiene (HH) is one of the core components of infection prevention and control and is critical for a high quality of care. Multimodal approaches are recommended to strengthen and drive HH systems in healthcare facilities (HCFs). We aimed to assess the extent of implementation of the WHO HH multimodal improvement strategy in HCFs in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

Candidiasis: Insights into Virulence Factors, Complement Evasion and Antifungal Drug Resistance.

Invasive fungal infections constitute a substantial global health burden, with invasive candidiasis representing approximately 70% of reported cases worldwide. The emergence of antifungal resistance among species has further exacerbated this challenge to healthcare systems. Recent epidemiological studies have documented a concerning shift towards non-albicans species, exhibiting reduced antifungal susceptibility, in invasive candidiasis cases.

Concurrent Lead and Cadmium Exposure Among Diabetics: A Case-Control Study of Socio-Demographic and Consumption Behaviors.

: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to pose a substantial global public health challenge. Current evidence has linked an increase in the risk of T2D to chronic exposure to the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). The present study aimed to examine whether the reported links existed in an area of southern Thailand with known Pb contamination.

Innovative Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges in the Management of HIV: Bridging Basic Science and Clinical Practice.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major public health challenge globally. Recent innovations in diagnostic technology have opened new pathways for early detection, ongoing monitoring, and more individualized patient care, yet significant barriers persist in translating these advancements into clinical settings. This review highlights the cutting-edge diagnostic methods emerging from basic science research, including molecular assays, biosensors, and next-generation sequencing, and discusses the practical and logistical challenges involved in their implementation.

The Effects of Rhythm Jump Training on the Rhythmic Reproduction Ability in Jumping and Agility in Elementary School Soccer Players.

: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of rhythm jump training on the rhythm and motor abilities of elementary school students to provide insights into its potential benefits for their physical performance and coordination. : A non-randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 101 elementary school students (grades 1-6) attending a soccer school. Participants were divided into a rhythm jump group (n = 51, age: 7.

Workplace bullying among medical laboratory professionals in Ghana: insights from self-reported experiences, challenges to mitigation structures, and coping strategies.

Background: Workplace bullying is a major concern in Ghana's healthcare sector, often arising from power imbalances and an excessive emphasis on achieving results at the cost of employee well-being. While bullying among healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses is well-documented, little is known about its prevalence among medical laboratory professionals, who play a vital role in patient care. We assessed bullying in this group to inform strategies for mitigation.

Gain Analysis of Self-Fitting Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Comparative and Longitudinal Analysis.

Objectives: To investigate the gain provided by self-fitting over-the-counter (SF-OTC) hearing aids compared to clinical NAL-NL2 targets, the differences between various FDA-approved SF-OTC devices, and potential changes in gain over time.

Methods: Two experiments were conducted: (1) a cross-sectional comparison of six SF-OTC hearing aids (n = 43) and (2) a longitudinal evaluation of gain within five days of self-fitting and four additional time points (n = 15). Real-ear measurements (REMs) were used to measure gain.

Comparing the Outcomes of Digital and Traditional Cardiac Rehabilitation Practices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of digital cardiac rehabilitation (DCR) encompassing application-based telehealth compared to traditional cardiac rehabilitation onmajor adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), rehospitalisation, costs, quality of life (QoL), and physical activity levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). From 2014 to May 2024, a systematic search of the MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted using relevant keywords to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or randomised cross-over trials. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale and risk of bias tool.

Prevalence and Phenotypic Characterization of Antibiotic-resistant Isolated from Chicken Faecal Samples in Accra, Ghana.

Background: Enterococci are bacteria found naturally in the gastrointestinal tract of both chickens and humans, serving as a commensal bacterium. These opportunistic pathogens are recognized for their involvement in human diseases like urinary tract infections (UTIs), endocarditis, and sepsis. Infection sources encompass food, hospital environments, and animals, particularly chickens.