Evidence-Based Umbrella Review of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain.

Background And Objective: Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques (NIN), such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), have been extensively researched for their potential to alleviate pain by reversing neuroplastic changes associated with neuropathic pain (NP), a prevalent and complex condition. However, treating NP remains challenging due to the numerous variables involved, such as different techniques, dosages and aetiologies. It is necessary to provide insights for clinicians and public healthcare managers to support clinical decision-making.

Fad diets for non-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients: Can "the miracle diet" be a threat?

In the pursuit of an effortless "miracle cure", there has been a significant increase in the proliferation of fad diets. These diets generally exclude a food group or macronutrients and may also restrict energy intake; they become popular quickly but often lack substantial scientific evidence to support their efficacy and safety. They only show short-term results rather than promoting a lifestyle change.

Advances in the estimation of body fat percentage using an artificial intelligence 2D-photo method.

There is a growing need to evaluate the agreement between the field methods and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) using two-dimensional (2D) photos for enhanced real-world analysis. This study evaluated the agreement between AI-2D photos and the clinical reference method, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to estimate the body fat percentage (BFP). Other methods were also investigated, including skinfolds, A-mode ultrasound, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA).

Teaching Spirituality in Nursing: A Bibliometric Analysis.

The study of spirituality in nursing education has become an emerging academic field, making it important to understand its evolution using bibliometric indicators. To achieve this, a search was conducted on July 8, 2024, using the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Titles and abstracts were screened in Rayyan, and data analysis was performed using Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny in the R language.

Gender analysis of editorial boards and authorship in leading endodontics journals.

Aim: To evaluate the presence of women on editorial boards and as authors in leading global endodontics journals from 2018 to 2023.

Methodology: The selection of journals was based on the impact factor from Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and CiteScore 2022, with criteria of JCR above 1 and CiteScore above 1.5.

Comparison Between Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Composite and Autogenous Bone Graft in Bone Regeneration Applications: Biochemical Mechanisms and Morphological Analysis.

It was assumed that only autogenous bone had appropriate osteoconductive and osteoindutive properties for bone regeneration, but this assumption has been challenged. Many studies have shown that synthetic biomaterials must be considered as the best choice for guided bone regeneration. The objective of this work is to compare the performances of nanohydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (n-HA/β-TCP) composite and autogenous bone grafting in bone regeneration applications.

Longitudinal changes in the 6-minute walk test and the Glittre-activities of daily living test in adults with cystic fibrosis.

With the increasing use of highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) in adults with cystic fibrosis (awCF), it is necessary to determine the evolution of the most dynamic physiological markers of this disease, such as the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the Glittre-activities of daily living test (TGlittre). The present study aimed to evaluate the 1-year changes in the 6- minute walking distance (6MWD), TGlittre time, and quality of life (QoL) in awCF before the initiation of HEMT and to determine the impact of habitual physical activity (HPA) and chest physiotherapy (CP). This longitudinal study enrolled 24 awCF who completed the 6MWT and TGlittre.

Tuberculosis healthcare service disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, India and South Africa: A model-based analysis of country-level data.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious disease cause of death worldwide. In recent years, stringent measures to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have led to considerable disruptions of healthcare services for TB in many countries. The extent to which these measures have affected TB testing, treatment initiation and outcomes has not been comprehensively assessed.

Self-Reported Dyspnea Is Associated with Reduced Health-Related Quality of Life in Quaternary Hospital Workers 1 Year Post Mild COVID-19 Infection.

Background/objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant implications for healthcare workers (HWs), especially those that work in hospitals. This study evaluated health related quality of life (HRQOL) and its relationship with dyspnea approximately one year after COVID-19 infection in HWs.

Methods: HWs with previous COVID-19 infections were interviewed, and the EuroQol five-dimensional three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) with a visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate HRQOL.

Therapeutic Potential of Dimethyl Fumarate for the Treatment of High-Fat/High-Sucrose Diet-Induced Obesity.

Obesity is characterized by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure that triggers abnormal growth of adipose tissues. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and its primary active metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF), are Nrf2 activators and have been recognized as strategic antioxidants. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of MMF and DMF to interfere with adipogenesis and obesity, and identify the molecular mechanisms involved.

Maternal Low-Protein Diet During Nursing Leads to Glucose-Insulin Dyshomeostasis and Pancreatic-Islet Dysfunction by Disrupting Glucocorticoid Responsiveness in Male Rats.

Both perinatal malnutrition and elevated glucocorticoids are pivotal triggers of the growing global pandemic of metabolic diseases. Here, we studied the effects of metabolic stress responsiveness on glucose-insulin homeostasis and pancreatic-islet function in male Wistar offspring whose mothers underwent protein restriction during lactation. During the first two weeks after delivery, lactating dams were fed a low-protein (4% protein, LP group) or normal-protein diet (22.

Unveiling the potential of pullulan in enhancing ketoprofen release from PHBV filaments.

In this study, sustainable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and pullulan (PUL)/PHBV filaments were prepared with ketoprofen for scaffold preparation. The research aimed evaluate the influence of pullulan in the filament properties, such as thermal, morphological, and biological behavior. Hansen parameters demonstrated the difference in the miscibility of the polymers and drug in the blend.

Lacustrine sedimentation patterns at the Northern Antarctic Peninsula and surroundings as a response to late Holocene and Modern Climate changes.

The Northern Antarctic Peninsula (NAP) and the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) are likely to respond rapidly to climate changes by increasing the collapse of peripheral ice shelves and the number of days above 0 °C. These facts make this region a representative hotspot of the global sea level rise and the location of one of the global climate tipping points (thresholds in the Earth system whose changes may become irreversible, if exceeded). Understanding the climate evolution of the NAP, based on past evidences, may help infer its future scenario.

Exploring the Interplay Between Catastrophizing and Endometriosis Pain Through Two-Wave and Intensive Longitudinal Data.

Background: Endometriosis, characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, results in chronic pelvic pain. However, lesion characteristics alone cannot fully explain the complexity of endometriosis-related pain. Pain catastrophizing, a cognitive process that influences pain perception, has traditionally been studied through cross-sectional or two-wave designs, which struggle to capture its dynamic interplay with endometriosis pain.

Relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and falls in older adults: A population-based study.

Aim: The present study investigated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and episodes and severity of falls in older adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study drew on data from the Brazilian 2019 National Health Survey. The sample consisted of 18 991 older adults (aged ≥60 years).

Mercury Levels in the Worldwide Farmed Fish: A Systematic Review.

Aquaculture, specifically farmed fish, contributes to global aquatic fish stuff production. The present study systematically reviewed mercury levels in farmed fish. One hundred two scientific articles were found in four databases.

Palm and interesterified palm oil-enhanced brown fat whitening contributes to metabolic dysfunction in C57BL/6J mice.

Palm oil is widely used in the food industry owing to its high stability and versatility. The interesterified version has been used as an alternative to oils rich in trans fatty acids. However, the health effects of these vegetable oils are not yet fully understood.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Solitary Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules: Multicenter Study from Latin America.

Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) represent ∼5% of all thyroid nodules and often necessitate definitive treatments such as surgery or radioiodine (I), both of which have inherent risks. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as an effective and safe therapeutic option for managing AFTNs. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of RFA for solitary AFTNs in various countries across Latin America.

Effects of a pre-enlargement on fracture incidence of reused reciprocating instruments: A clinical study.

This study assessed the impact of pre-enlarging the root canal using a size 25 K-file on the fracture incidence of three reciprocating instruments after multiple uses. After a glide path performed with a size 15 K-file, the instruments (Reciproc R25, Reciproc Blue R25, and WaveOne Gold Primary) were initially used in 936 root canals. Then, for the second and third uses (933 and 927, respectively), a pre-enlargement using a size 25 K-file at the working length was done.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of users versus non-users: unveiling the influence of proton pump inhibitors on capecitabine efficacy in colorectal cancer.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on patients taking capecitabine, an oral fluoropyrimidine, remains uncertain, despite their use by 20 to 55% of cancer patients. We investigated how PPIs affect the effectiveness of capecitabine in treating colorectal cancer.

Clinical Response to Joint Infiltration With Bone Marrow Aspirate in Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Single-arm Meta-analysis.

Background: Hip osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes  worsening pain and inhibits activities of daily living. Due to poor pain control and the function of usual clinical treatment, joint infiltration with orthobiologics is a therapeutic alternative. Among these, bone marrow aspirate (BMA) represents a cellular therapy with promising clinical results.

Disordered Eating Behaviors and Weight Regain in Post-Bariatric Patients.

Background/objective: Weight regain has serious health consequences after bariatric surgery, and disordered eating behaviors (EBs) may be involved in it. We compared disordered EB symptoms in post-bariatric patients according to low vs. high ratio of weight regain (RWR) and investigated associations between disordered EB symptoms with weight regain and time since surgery.