Exosomes derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promote healing of complex perianal fistulas in rats.

Background: Complex perianal fistulas, challenging to treat and prone to recurrence, often require surgical intervention that may cause fecal incontinence and lower quality of life due to large surgical wounds and potential sphincter damage. Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) and their exosomes (hUCMSCs-Exo) may promote wound healing.

Methods: This study assessed the efficacy, mechanisms, and safety of these exosomes in treating complex perianal fistulas in SD rats.

Swab Testing to Optimize Pneumonia treatment with empiric Vancomycin (STOP-Vanc): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Vancomycin, an antibiotic with activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is frequently included in empiric treatment for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) despite the fact that MRSA is rarely implicated in CAP. Conducting polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on nasal swabs to identify the presence of MRSA colonization has been proposed as an antimicrobial stewardship intervention to reduce the use of vancomycin. Observational studies have shown reductions in vancomycin use after implementation of MRSA colonization testing, and this approach has been adopted by CAP guidelines.

Association between antinuclear antibodies status and preterm birth in Japanese pregnant women: a prospective cohort study from Adjunct Study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study.

Background: Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are important biomarkers for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases; however, the general population also tests positive at a low frequency, especially in women. Although the effects of various autoimmune diseases on pregnancy outcomes have been studied, the association of ANA with pregnancy outcomes in healthy individuals is unclear. Preterm birth (PTB), a major cause of neonatal death or long-term health problems, is a complex condition with a multifactorial etiology, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

MicroRNA-668 alleviates renal fibrosis through PPARα/PGC-1α pathway.

Background: The involvement of microRNA-668 (miR-668) in the onset and progression of renal fibrosis remains unclear. To this end, we aimed to explore the relevant mechanism of miR-668 in renal fibrosis.

Methods: C57BL/6 J male mice were randomly divided into sham-operated, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), and UUO-fenofibrate groups.

Prognostic value and immune infiltration of a tumor microenvironment-related PTPN6 in metastatic melanoma.

Background: Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most invasive and lethal skin malignant tumors. Compared to primary melanoma, metastatic melanoma (MM) presents poorer treatment outcomes and a higher mortality rate. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in MM progression and immunotherapy resistance.

A cross-sectional study assessing customers' perception, satisfaction, and attitude toward e-pharmacy services in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Electronic pharmacy (e-pharmacy) services are growing rapidly, offering increased accessibility, privacy, and value. Understanding e-pharmacy customer satisfaction, attitudes, and perceptions in Saudi Arabia is crucial for improving the services and enhancing health outcomes. This study aims to examine customers' perceptions, preferences, satisfaction, and experiences with electronic pharmacy services, including community pharmacy e-commerce.

Phase 1 study of AYP-101 (soybean phosphatidylcholine): safety, pharmacokinetics, and lipid profile effects for reducing submental fat.

Background: Excessive submental fat under the chin is a known aesthetic concern because of its negative impact on facial appearance and psychological well-being. AYP-101 is a newly developed injectable agent containing 93% soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) designed to reduce submental fat. We conducted a phase 1 study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetic (PK), and lipid profile effects of AYP-101.

Morphological and molecular characterization of a Sarcocystis bovifelis-like sarcocyst in American beef.

Background: Parasites in the apicomplexan genus Sarcocystis infect cattle worldwide. Assessing the economic importance of each such parasite species requires proper diagnosis. Sarcocystis cruzi, a thin-walled species, infects virtually all cattle.

Four SNPs in the untranslated region of the NOTCH2 gene involved in reproductive traits in fertile and anestrum Holstein Friesian cattle.

Background: There are no studies belong NOTCH2 gene polymorphism in relation to reproductive and productive traits in Holstein cattle. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of NOTCH2 gene polymorphisms on productive and reproductive performance of fertile and anestrum cattle.

Methods: The cattle were classified into anestrus for 3-12 months postpartum (n = 115, 37.

Dietary quality, anaemia prevalence and their associated factors among rural school- going adolescents in Acholi sub -region of Uganda.

Background: Globally, iron deficiency anaemia is a widespread public health problem affecting vulnerable populations including adolescents. However, over the years, the Uganda Demographic Health Surveys mostly report the status of anaemia for women of reproductive age (15-49 years) and children up to 5 years, leaving out the focus on adolescents. Moreover, high prevalence of anaemia among children below five years could suggest that anaemia still persists at adolescence.

Effects of specific symbiotic supplements on anthropometric measurements, glycaemic control, and lipid profiles among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in two teaching hospitals in Baghdad/Iraq: a double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Experimental and clinical studies have suggested that symbiotics might effectively manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by modulating the intestinal microbiota. However, these studies' limited sources, small sample sizes, and varied study designs have led to inconsistent outcomes regarding glycaemic control. This study aimed to investigate the effects of symbiotics on the anthropometric measures, glycaemic control, and lipid profiles of patients with T2DM.

Association between serum albumin levels at admission and clinical outcomes in pediatric intensive care units: a multi-center study.

Background: Albumin, a vital component in regulating human blood oncotic pressure, plays an important role in the prediction of prognosis in pediatric patients.Previous research identified significant differences in serum albumin levels of healthy and critically ill children.

Methods: The present study aims to investigate the correlation between albumin levels measured during pediatric intensive care unit(PICU) admission and clinical outcomes.

LPL-RH suppresses bone loss in ovariectomised rat models.

Background: Evidence has revealed that oestrogen deprivation-induced osteolysis is microbiota-dependent and can be treated by probiotics. However, the underlying mechanism require further investigation. This study aims to provide additional evidence supporting the use of probiotics as an adjuvant treatment and to explore the pathophysiology of oestrogen-deprived osteolysis.

Comparative analysis of arterial involvement in predominant cranial and isolated extracranial phenotypes of giant cell arteritis using F-FDG PET-CT.

Objective: To investigate differences in arterial involvement patterns on F-FDG PET-CT between predominant cranial and isolated extracranial phenotypes of giant cell arteritis (GCA).

Methods: A retrospective review of F-FDG PET-CT findings was conducted on 140 patients with confirmed GCA. The patients were divided into two groups: the cranial group, which presented craniofacial ischemic symptoms either at diagnosis or during follow-up, and the isolated extracranial group which never exhibited such manifestations.

Decadal trends in the exclusive breastfeeding practices among working Indian mothers: a multi-level analysis.

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as feeding infants only breast milk of the mother or a wet nurse for the first six months, without additional food or liquids except the oral rehydration solution or drops/syrups of vitamins, minerals or medicines. The working status of women in developed countries adversely affects the EBF rates, which calls for an assessment in rapidly developing countries like India. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of EBF using the data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS 3, 4, 5) conducted between 2005 and 06, 2015-16 and 2019-21 to estimate the likelihood EBF according to mothers' employment status.

Association between geriatric nutritional risk index and adverse outcomes in critical ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cohort study of 2824 older adults.

Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly among the elderly, resulting in high rates of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. Malnutrition is common in elderly patients and has been associated with poor prognosis in patients with COPD. However, its impact in the ICU setting remains incompletely defined.

Evaluation of dentists' clinical practices and antibiotic use in managing endodontic emergencies in Karachi, Pakistan: a cross-sectional survey.

Background: Endodontic emergencies, often presented as acute pain or swelling, constitute a substantial challenge in dental practice. While effective management emphasizes prompt intervention, antibiotics are typically indicated only when systemic signs and symptoms are present. There is limited research exists on evaluating the knowledge and clinical approach of dental practitioners in managing endodontic emergencies from our region of the world.

Nursing students' perception of the clinical learning environment and its impact on academic adjustment: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Background: Academic adjustment significantly influences the progress of nursing students. Understanding clinical education environments can profoundly affect students' academic adjustment. This study aims to determine nursing students' perception of the clinical learning environment and its relationship to academic adjustment.

Association of 3-year change in frailty index with risk of all-cause mortality among older Chinese population: a national cohort study.

Background: Evidence on the association of dynamic change in frailty index (FI) with risk of all-cause mortality in the older Chinese population is limited. This study aimed to explore the association of 3-year change in FI with risk of all-cause mortality in an older Chinese population.

Methods: We analyzed the data of 4969 participants from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey.

Physician assistant/associate career flexibility: factors associated with specialty transitions.

Background: Physician assistants/associates (PAs), due to their broad medical education and certification, have the flexibility to change specialties throughout their careers. Prior studies suggest that between half and three-quarters exercise this option at some point in their career, and a third do so within the first decade. However, more research is needed to understand the factors associated with PAs changing vs.

The ability of clostridium novyi-NT spores to induce apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in mice with HPV-positive cervical cancer tumors derived from the TC-1 cell line.

Background: A precise observation is that the cervix's solid tumors possess hypoxic regions where the oxygen concentration drops below 1.5%. Hypoxia negatively impacts the host's immune system and significantly diminishes the effectiveness of several treatments, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

The aluminum standard: using generative Artificial Intelligence tools to synthesize and annotate non-structured patient data.

Background: Medical narratives are fundamental to the correct identification of a patient's health condition. This is not only because it describes the patient's situation. It also contains relevant information about the patient's context and health state evolution.

Communication skills in pediatrics: perception of medical students.

Background: Effective communication with patients and their families is a fundamental skill for medical students to cultivate during their undergraduate training. However, communicating with pediatric patients presents unique challenges. This study investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and confidence levels of undergraduate medical students regarding communication skills in pediatrics.

The association between social support and postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder.

Background: Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can arise following childbirth. Despite a growing body of research on postpartum mental health, the relationship between social support and postpartum PTSD remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between social support and postpartum PTSD.

Classification of influencing factors of speaking-up behaviour in hospitals: a systematic review.

Background: Speaking up among healthcare professionals plays an essential role in improving patient safety and quality of care, yet it remains complex and multifaceted behaviour. Despite awareness of potential risks and adverse outcomes for patients, professionals often hesitate to voice concerns due to various influencing factors. This complexity has encouraged research into the determinants of speaking-up behaviour in hospital settings.