E-cigarettes are not associated with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome among US adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many survivors experiencing post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) with symptoms including fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive complaints. E-cigarette use has already been associated with increased susceptibility to COVID-19 because of its effects on ACE2 receptor expression and inflammation, raising concern that it might worsen the long-term outcomes of COVID-19, including PCS. While traditional smoking is associated with a higher risk of PCS, the role of e-cigarettes remains unclear due to conflicting evidence.

Design of an efficient magnetic brush solid acid and its catalytic use in organic reactions.

In this research, with the Green Chemistry approach, to load more sulfonic acid active sites on catalyst surfaces, a nanocomposite material based on core-shell magnetite coated with vinyl silane and a sulfonated polymeric brush-like structure is designed and synthesized as a new class of efficient solid acid catalysts, referred to as FeO@VS-APS brush solid acid. The synthesized catalyst was comprehensively characterized by a range of instrumental techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, FT-IR, EDX, TGA, and VSM. The activity of the catalyst was evaluated in Biginelli, Strecker, and esterification reactions.

Enhanced antimicrobial effects of carvacrol against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains using niosome formulations.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes a wide range of infections and contributes to elevated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Herbal compounds combined with drug delivery systems could be an effective alternative option for treating resistant bacteria. This study evaluates the antimicrobial prowess of carvacrol-loaded niosomes against MRSA strains.

Protective effects of hydatid cyst fluid on inflammation and tissue damage in rat model of type 1 diabetes.

Cystic echinococcosis, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a zoonotic disease with immunomodulatory properties attributed to hydatid cyst fluid (HCF). Given the immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties of HCF observed in other contexts, its potential therapeutic effects in diabetes remain unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of HCF on glycemic control, inflammatory cytokines, and tissue histopathology in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced model of type 1 diabetes.

MiRNA-155: A double-edged sword in colorectal cancer progression and drug resistance mechanisms.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of death worldwide due to its aggressive nature and drug resistance, which limit traditional treatment effectiveness. Recent studies highlight the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and chemotherapy resistance, with miRNA-155 emerging as a key player in CRC. miRNA-155 exerts dual effects, inducing drug resistance while serving as a potential therapeutic target.

Novel metal-organic framework coated with chitosan-κ-carrageenan as a platform for curcumin delivery to cancer cells.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown great promise as pH-responsive drug delivery systems, with considerable potential for targeted cancer therapy. In this study, we synthesized a novel curcumin-loaded MOF, named UWO-2 (CUR@UWO-2), and developed its biocomposite form, CS-κ-Cr/CUR@UWO-2, by coating it with chitosan (CS) and κ-carrageenan (κ-Cr). Structural analysis through powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) confirmed the successful synthesis of UWO-2 and the incorporation of CUR within the MOF structure.

From nature to nanotech: Harnessing the power of electrospun polysaccharide-based nanofibers as sustainable packaging.

Today, the applications of natural polysaccharide-based nanofibers are growing in drug delivery and food industries. They also showed their capability as packaging due to biodegradability, mechanical strength, barrier properties, thermal stability, antioxidant, and antimicrobial features. Natural polysaccharides come from different sources, such as plants, microbes, and animals.

Innovative production of highly potent equine neutralizing antibody against Hemiscorpius lepturus scorpion venom using recombinant mPLD1 protein.

Scorpion envenomation, especially from Hemiscorpius lepturus, poses a significant health risk, leading to considerable morbidity and mortality. The venom's major toxin, which includes phospholipase D (PLD), is responsible for various systemic complications. In prior studies, we identified a native phospholipase D (PLD) toxin as a key lethal factor in the venom of H.

Comparison of Woven EndoBridge and stent-assisted coiling for treatment of acutely ruptured wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms: Single-center experience.

Objective: Treating wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms (WNBA) is challenging. Nevertheless, recent progress in endovascular techniques is promising. Woven EndoBridge devices (WEB) have exhibited outcomes comparable to conventional treatments like stent-assisted coiling (SAC) in treating aneurysms.

The role of neuroinflammation in PV interneuron impairments in brain networks; implications for cognitive disorders.

Fast spiking parvalbumin (PV) interneuron is an inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneuron diffused in different brain networks, including the cortex and hippocampus. As a key component of brain networks, PV interneurons collaborate in fundamental brain functions such as learning and memory by regulating excitation and inhibition (E/I) balance and generating gamma oscillations. The unique characteristics of PV interneurons, like their high metabolic demands and long branching axons, make them too vulnerable to stressors.

Deciphering the bidirectional impact of leukocyte telomere length on multiple sclerosis progression: A Mendelian randomization study.

Observational studies have suggested a link between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and multiple sclerosis (MS) progression, but the causal relationship remains uncertain. This study investigates the causal association between LTL and MS progression using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. We analyzed genome-wide association summary statistics data from 472,174 individuals for LTL and 12,584 MS patients for disease progression.

Balo concentric sclerosis, an emerging variant of multiple sclerosis: A case-series and literature review.

Introduction: Balo concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare demyelinating disease. This study aims to follow up on patients initially diagnosed with BCS and MS or presented with BCS in the context of MS.

Methods: This study was conducted at an MS clinic center in Isfahan, monitoring 2600 MS patients, among which 10 cases were related to BCS.

Direct comparison of photon counting-CT and conventional CT in image quality of lung nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare lung nodules' image quality and radiation dose exposure using photon-counting computed tomography (PC-CT) and conventional energy-integrating detector computed tomography (EID-CT).

Methods: Protocol pre-registration was performed a priori at (https://osf.io/krj5y/).

Illuminating the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Different Ketogenic Diets for Individuals with Epilepsy: A Scoping Meta-Review.

Background: Diet therapies for epilepsy, including the ketogenic diets (KDs), have been used as a treatment for both pediatric and adult populations. Recent studies have focused on the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of various diet therapies for epilepsy. The objective of this scoping meta- review was to evaluate the evidence regarding different ketogenic diets for epilepsy.

Life satisfaction around the world: Measurement invariance of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups.

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a widely used self-report measure of subjective well-being, but studies of its measurement invariance across a large number of nations remain limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset-with data collected between 2020 and 2022 -to assess measurement invariance of the SWLS across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups (N = 56,968). All participants completed the SWLS under largely uniform conditions.

Antithrombotic therapy in adults with ectatic coronary artery disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Many studies have validated the use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy in coronary artery ectasia (CAE) to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE); however, it is not completely known which group of these antithrombotic medications is more effective. The purpose of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of different anti-thrombotic treatments in adult patients with CAE.

Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines as well as PRISMA extension statement for reporting of systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses and adhered to a registered predetermined methodology noted in the prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) protocol.

Efficacy of Ceftazidime-avibactam in treating Gram-negative infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) has emerged as a promising treatment option for Gram-negative infections, particularly those caused by CAZ-Non-Susceptible (NS) pathogens. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the efficacy and safety of CAZ-AVI in these challenging infections.

Methods: We systematically queried EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and PubMed/Medline for studies published until September 15, 2024.

Post-craniectomy hydrocephalus in adult traumatic brain injury patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors and outcome.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of death, disability, and healthcare expenses worldwide. Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a critical surgery used when there is uncontrollable swelling in the brain following a TBI. Research has shown that 27.

Machine Learning Analysis of Glutamate Receptor Activity in Developing Locus Coeruleus Neurons.

The developing brain undergoes a remarkable process of synapse production and maturation, particularly in glutamatergic synapses. In this study, we focused on the locus coeruleus (LC) nucleus, a brain region crucial for cognitive functions, to investigate the developmental changes in glutamatergic synaptic connections. Using the whole-cell patch clamp method, we recorded evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) from LC neurons in rats at ages 7, 14, and 21 days.

A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Prevalence of Aflatoxin M1 in Dairy Products in Selected Middle East Countries.

Background: Human consumption of dairy products contaminated with aflatoxin (AF) M1 can lead to severe health issues. This AF's significance and impact on health necessitate a thorough investigation of its prevalence in dairy products.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence of AFM1 in dairy products through a systematic review and meta-analysis, focusing on data from Middle Eastern countries.

Artificial Intelligence in Detecting and Segmenting Vertical Misfit of Prosthesis in Radiographic Images of Dental Implants: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Objective: This study evaluated ResNet-50 and U-Net models for detecting and segmenting vertical misfit in dental implant crowns using periapical radiographic images.

Methods: Periapical radiographs of dental implant crowns were classified by two experts based on the presence of vertical misfit (reference group). The misfit area was manually annotated in images exhibiting vertical misfit.

Smart Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles in Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment, Immunogenicity, and Clinical Translation.

In cancer research and personalized medicine, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as a significant breakthrough in both cancer treatment and diagnosis. MSNs offer targeted drug delivery, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects on healthy cells. Due to their unique characteristics, MSNs provide targeted drug delivery, maximizing therapeutic effectiveness with minimal adverse effects on healthy cells.

Monostotic Fibrous Dysplasia with Rare Histopathologic Features: A Case Report.

Fibrous dysplasia is a slow-progressing benign condition characterized by abnormal bone formation that leads to some skeletal disorders. Although some of the fibrous dysplasia have unusual clinical and radiographic features that can lead to a challenging diagnosis, most lesions reveal an expansile bone defect due to cortex thinning. This report presented a case of monostotic fibrous dysplasia of a 43-year-old woman with involvement of the right maxillary jaw and sinuses, which indicated unusual histopathological features.

The Relationship between Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Parameters and Coronary Artery Disease Severity.

Background: The relationship between diastolic function parameters and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is controversial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between left ventricular diastolic function and the severity of CAD.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 63 patients with Ischemic heart disease (IHD) or those suspected of having IHD, who underwent angiography.

The Labial Adhesion in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review.

Background: Labial adhesion (LA) is a total or partial labial fusion mostly seen in pre-pubertal children and is rare in premenopausal and postmenopausal periods. This review aimed to evaluate risk factors for labial fusion and the recurrence rate following surgical intervention in postmenopausal women.

Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, international databases including Embase, World Cat, Web of Science, Scopus, Dimension, Open Grey, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and also PubMed gateway for PMC and MEDLINE were searched.