Imaging predictors of adverse prognosis in Fabry disease cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cardiac involvement represents the main cause of death in patients with Fabry disease (FD). Echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) have an established diagnostic role, but their prognostic value remains unresolved. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to assess the prognostic implications of imaging parameters in FD.

Children With Sydenham Chorea and Psychiatric Disorders Had Variable Long-Term Outcomes and Required Multidisciplinary Management.

Aim: Sydenham chorea (SC) is a globally significant, post-streptococcal, childhood neuropsychiatric condition that is rare in western Europe. This retrospective single-centre study focused on children with neuropsychiatric features of SC.

Methods: Participants were recruited from neuropsychiatry referrals to a regional paediatric neurology department in Glasgow, Scotland, from 2009 to 2012.

Amplifying Women's Voices in Menopause Research: The Importance of Inclusive Perspectives.

Menopause, a significant life transition for half the global population, intersects biological, cultural and social dimensions. Despite its universal occurrence, menopause research has historically been dominated by biomedical perspectives, often neglecting women's voices and diverse experiences. This article highlights the importance of including women's perspectives in menopause research to ensure relevance, accuracy and equity.

Evaluating Process and Outcomes of Public Involvement in Applied Health and Social Care Research: A Rapid Systematic Review.

Objective: Public Involvement (PI) in applied health and social care research has grown exponentially in the UK. This review aims to synthesise published UK evidence that evaluates the process and/or outcome(s) of PI in applied health and social care research to identify key contextual factors, effective strategies, outcomes and public partner experiences underpinning meaningful PI in research.

Methods: Following a pre-registered protocol, we systematically searched four databases and two key journals for studies conducted within the UK between January 2006 and July 2024.

An outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing serotype O103:H2 associated with unpasteurized soft cheese, England and Wales, 2022.

In July 2022, a genetically linked and geographically dispersed cluster of 12 cases of Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) O103:H2 was detected by the UK Health Security Agency using whole genome sequencing. Review of food history questionnaires identified cheese (particularly an unpasteurized brie-style cheese) and mixed salad leaves as potential vehicles. A case-control study was conducted to investigate exposure to these products.

Significant Efficiency Enhancements in Non-Y Series Acceptors by the Addition of Outer Side Chains.

Most current highly efficient organic solar cells utilize small molecules like Y6 and its derivatives as electron acceptors in the photoactive layer. In this work, a small molecule acceptor, SC8-IT4F, is developed through outer side chain engineering on the terminal thiophene of a conjugated 6,12-dihydro-dithienoindeno[2,3-d:2',3'-d']-s-indaceno[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene (IDTT) central core. Compared to the reference molecule C8-IT4F, which lacks outer side chains, SC8-IT4F displays notable differences in molecule geometry (as shown by simulations), thermal behavior, single-crystal packing, and film morphology.

The relationship between primate distal fibula trabecular architecture and arboreality, phylogeny and size.

The fibula, despite being traditionally overlooked compared to the femur and the tibia, has recently received attention in primate functional morphology due to its correlation with the degree of arboreality (DOA). Highlighting further fibular features that are associated with arboreal habits would be key to improving palaeobiological inferences in fossil specimens. Here we present the first investigation on the trabecular bone structure of the primate fibula, focusing on the distal epiphysis, across a vast array of species.

Position statement on longitudinal cracks and fractures of teeth.

This position statement is a consensus view of an expert committee convened by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE). The statement is based on current clinical and scientific evidence as well as the collective reflective practice of the committee. The aim is to provide clinicians with evidence-based, authoritative information on the aetiology, clinical presentation, and management of cracks and fractures that typically manifest along the long axis of the crown and/or root.

Luteinizing hormone receptor knockout mouse: What has it taught us?

Luteinizing hormone (LH), along with its agonist choriongonadotropin (hCG) in humans, is the key hormone responsible for the tropic regulation of the gonadal function. LH and hCG act through their cognate receptor, the luteinizing hormone/choriongonadotropin receptor (LHCGR; more appropriately LHR in rodents lacking CG), located in the testis in Leydig cells and in the ovary in theca, luteal, and luteinizing granulosa cells. Low levels in LHCGR are also expressed in numerous extragonadal sites.

Achievement of HbA1c and weight targets in adults with type 2 diabetes on once weekly injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist therapy in UK primary care: A retrospective, real-world study.

Aims: Evaluate glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight changes after 6 months of once-weekly (QW) injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapy in UK primary care.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective, non-interventional study, using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum primary care database, identified adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) newly initiating a QW injectable GLP-1 RA between January 2020 and November 2021. Dual primary outcomes were proportion of patients with (1) HbA1c < 7% (<53 mmol/mol) and (2) weight loss categories (from 0% to 15+%) after 6 months of continuous GLP-1 RA therapy.

Antibodies and Inflammation: Fecal Biomarkers of Gut Health in Domestic Ruminants.

Gastrointestinal infections present major challenges to ruminant livestock systems, and gut health is a key constraint on fitness, welfare, and productivity. Fecal biomarkers present opportunities to monitor animal health without using invasive methods, and with greater resolution compared to observational metrics. Here we developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for three potential fecal biomarkers of gut health in domestic ruminants: two immunological (total immunoglobulin [Ig]A and total IgG) and one inflammatory (lactoferrin).

Delivery of Islatravir via High Drug-Load, Long-acting Microarray Patches for the Prevention or Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

This research focuses on developing and characterizing islatravir-loaded dissolving microarray patches (MAPs) to provide an effective, minimally invasive treatment option for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) prevention and treatment. The research involves manufacturing these MAPs using a double-casting approach, and conducting in vitro and in vivo evaluations. Results show that the MAPs have excellent needle fidelity, structural integrity, and mechanical strength.

STEP 1: The Scottish Trauma & Orthopaedics Equality Project : demographics and working patterns of a national workforce.

Aims: Trauma & Orthopaedic (T&O) surgery has come under scrutiny for lagging behind other medical specialties in promoting gender and cultural equity and diversity within their workforce. The proportions of female, ethnic minority, and sexual and gender minority individuals within orthopaedic membership bodies are disproportionate to the populations they serve. The aim of this study is to report the findings of a national workforce survey of demographics and working patterns within T&O in Scotland.

Gut Microbiota Metabolites Sensed by Host GPR41/43 Protect Against Hypertension.

Background: Fermentation of dietary fiber by the gut microbiota leads to the production of metabolites called short-chain fatty acids, which lower blood pressure and exert cardioprotective effects. Short-chain fatty acids activate host signaling responses via the functionally redundant receptors GPR41 and GPR43, which are highly expressed by immune cells. Whether and how these receptors protect against hypertension or mediate the cardioprotective effects of dietary fiber remains unknown.

Is videoconference pulmonary rehabilitation associated with improvements in knowledge in people living with COPD? A propensity-matched service-evaluation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) services are increasingly using alternative programme delivery modes, for example telerehabilitation strategies including videoconferencing, to improve patient choice and accessibility. Although telerehabilitation results in improvements in core outcomes, the effect on knowledge attainment is not known. To observe the real-world responses of patients choosing to undergo videoconference PR to a matched control group choosing to undergo in-person PR, in terms of knowledge attainment.

The Purple Tomato Story; From Laboratory Bench to the Consumer.

A world apart from academic research, the path from developing a polyphenol-rich crop to a product available to consumers is not one taken by many research scientists. Here we review the steps taken to commercialize anthocyanin-enriched purple tomatoes in the USA. In describing some of the difficulties encountered and the work that was necessary for a successful commercial launch of a new biotech product, we hope to encourage others to believe that there is a viable route to market, and an appetite for polyphenol-enriched foods that can protect health.

Integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology to investigate multi-target effects of sporoderm-broken spores of on improving HFD-induced diabetic nephropathy rats.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disease endangering global health, with diabetic nephropathy (DN) as a primary complication lacking curative therapy. Sporoderm-broken spores of (GLP), an herbal medicine, has been used for the treatment of metabolic disorders. In this study, DN was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats using streptozotocin (STZ) and a high-fat diet (HFD), and the protective mechanisms of GLP were investigated through transcriptomic, metabolomic, and network pharmacology (NP) analyses.

Detection of clinically relevant variants in the gene below 10% allelic frequency: A multicenter study by ERIC, the European Research Initiative on CLL.

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the reliability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect variants ≤10% allelic frequency (low-VAF) is debated. We tested the ability to detect 23 such variants in 41 different laboratories using their NGS method of choice. The sensitivity was 85.

Efficiency of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol Thermoplastic Material to Functional and Expansion Forces in Orthodontic Applications: An Experimental Study.

While polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) is widely used in orthodontic appliances such as clear aligners and retainers, there is limited experimental data assessing its performance under functional stresses, such as those encountered during dental movements and palatal expansion. This study aims to evaluate the ability of PETG thermoplastic material to withstand deformation under functional and expansion forces, specifically within the context of orthodontic applications. To estimate the firmness of the screw within the appliance, a universal Instron testing machine was used to record the forces released by each activation of the expander within the upper part of 10 clear modified twin blocks (MTBs) made from PETG and compare it with that released by 10 conventional twin blocks (CTBs).

Masticatory muscle changes on magnetic resonance imaging of dogs with compared to meningoencephalitis of unknown origin.

Infectious meningoencephalitides represent an important differential diagnosis for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) in dogs. Treatment of the latter requires immunosuppression, but laboratory test results for infectious agents may take several days to return. This study investigated whether the presence of masticatory muscle changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head can be used to distinguish dogs with neosporosis from those with MUO at the time of diagnosis.

A rapid literature review of the impact of penicillin allergy on antibiotic resistance.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is caused by the use and misuse of antibiotics. AMR is a global health concern, to which penicillin allergy (penA) labels appear to contribute. Patients who have penA labels are treated with non-penicillin antibiotics and receive more antibiotics when compared with patients without penA.

Effects of physical exercise on anxiety depression and emotion regulation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of physical exercise interventions on anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including Embase, Web of Science (WOS), PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, VIP Information, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from their inception up to July 2024. The search aimed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the impact of physical exercise on anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation in children diagnosed with ADHD.

Tumor-associated lymphatic vessel density is a postoperative prognostic biomarker of hepatobiliary cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate whether tumor-associated lymphatic vessel density (LVD) could predict the survival of patients with hepato-biliary-pancreatic (HBP) cancers after radical resection.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the inception to July 31, 2024 for literature that reported the role of LVD in overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients with HBP cancers after radical resection.

Results: Ten studies with 761 patients were included for the meta-analysis.

Risk of Infective Endocarditis Following Invasive Dental Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize evidence and determine the association between IE and dental procedures, including invasive and non-invasive procedures.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases for studies involving procedures such as tooth extraction, scaling, endodontic treatment, oral surgery, and periodontal treatment involving individuals aged ≥15 years. The primary outcome was the incidence of IE following these procedures.

An Efficient Dual-Sampling Approach for Chest CT Diagnosis.

Background: This paper aimed to enhance the diagnostic process of lung abnormalities in computed tomography (CT) images, particularly in distinguishing cancer cells from normal chest tissue. The rapid and uneven growth of cancer cells, presenting with variable symptoms, necessitates an advanced approach for accurate identification.

Objective: To develop a dual-sampling network targeting lung infection regions to address the diagnostic challenge.