Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Super High-Pressure Balloon (SIS-OPN) for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Introduction: The super high-pressure NC balloon (OPN NC; SIS Medical AG, Winterthur, Switzerland) is increasingly used in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of its efficacy and safety.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed and the Cochrane Library to identify studies using the OPN NC balloon in PCI.

Mesoscale Filamentous Polyelectrolytes: Chemical Functionalization and Fluidic Structure.

The preparation and study of synthetic mesoscale structures opens opportunities to understand soft materials properties at length scales that are intermediate between that of the molecular and bulk, often referred to as the mesoscale. This paper details the preparation of mesoscale polymer filaments, prepared by flow coating and evaporative deposition from solution to yield filamentous versions of charged polymers. Using thiol-ene reactions on olefin-containing mesoscale polymer ribbons, anionic character in the form of carboxylates is introduced to the filamentous structures.

A fundamental rheological approach to determine the optimum water absorption capacity of a model gluten-free dough system: soy flour dough.

Background: Determining the optimum water absorption capacity of gluten-free flours for an improved breadmaking process has been a challenge because there is no standard method. In the present study, large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) tests were performed to explore the impact of different levels of added water on non-linear viscoelastic response of soy flour dough in comparison to wheat flour dough at a consistency of 500 BU.

Results: Among the LAOS parameters, large strain modulus (G') and large strain rate viscosity (η') were found to better probe the impact of added water amount on non-linear viscoelastic properties of soy flour dough.

Direct-to-consumer semen analysis products: Content, accountability, and adherence to clinical guidelines.

Background: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) semen analysis (SA) products obviate barriers that deter men from clinic testing and have made strides in providing higher quality data. However, it is unclear how well these products adhere to the 2021 WHO guidelines on examination and processing of human spermatozoa as they pertain to the evaluation of male fertility.

Objective: We investigate the content and adherence to clinical guidelines associated with consumer-facing information on DTC analysis products.

Tomato Defenses Under Stress: The Impact of Salinity on Direct Defenses Against Insect Herbivores.

Abiotic stressors, such as salt stress, can reduce crop productivity, and when combined with biotic pressures, such as insect herbivory, can exacerbate yield losses. However, salinity-induced changes to plant quality and defenses can in turn affect insect herbivores feeding on plants. This study investigates how salinity stress in tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicum cv.

Short and long-term effects of experimental varicocele.

Background: Varicocele is associated with a progressive decrease in male fertile potential, but it has yet to be determined if the duration of varicocele is associated with altered sperm functional quality.

Objectives: This experimental study investigated the time-dependent effects of varicocele on spermatogenesis, sperm parameters, and sperm functional traits.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-five mature male Wistar rats (200 ± 25 g) were included.

Patient preferences for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Choosing between revision endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) versus biologic therapy for recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) is a complex, multifaceted decision that involves not only clinical and financial factors but also patient preferences. Currently, there are no quantitative studies investigating patient preferences for CRSwNP treatment options. Increased awareness of patient-centered approaches to treatment warrant further investigation.

Tissue-Engineered Therapeutics for Lymphatic Regeneration: Solutions for Myocardial Infarction and Secondary Lymphedema.

The lymphatic system, which regulates inflammation and fluid homeostasis, is damaged in various diseases including myocardial infarction (MI) and breast-cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Mounting evidence suggests that restoring tissue fluid drainage and clearing excess immune cells by regenerating damaged lymphatic vessels can aid in cardiac repair and lymphedema amelioration. Current treatments primarily address symptoms rather than underlying causes due to a lack of regenerative therapies, highlighting the importance of the lymphatic system as a promising novel therapeutic target.

Identifying genetic differences between bipolar disorder and major depression through multiple genome-wide association analyses.

Background: Accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder (BPD) is difficult in clinical practice, with an average delay between symptom onset and diagnosis of about 7 years. A depressive episode often precedes the first manic episode, making it difficult to distinguish BPD from unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD).

Aims: We use genome-wide association analyses (GWAS) to identify differential genetic factors and to develop predictors based on polygenic risk scores (PRS) that may aid early differential diagnosis.

Capnocytophaga canimorsus in Iliac Artery Mycotic Aneurysm: The Role of Molecular Diagnostics.

BACKGROUND The bacterial organism Capnocytophaga canimorsus is an oral commensal of cats and dogs and can cause life-threatening infections like mycotic aneurysm, meningitis, and sepsis. Mycotic aneurysms occur when microbial infections cause arterial wall degeneration. Difficulty in diagnosing Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection can occur due to the bacteria's fastidious nature and laboratory testing limitations, contributing to the infection's high morbidity and mortality.

Identifying risk factors for vomiting during diarrhea: A secondary analysis of a randomized trial of zinc supplementation.

Objectives: Supplemental zinc during acute diarrhea reduces illness duration but also increases vomiting. In a recent trial, we found that children receiving lower daily doses of zinc (5 mg or 10 mg vs. 20 mg) had lower rates of vomiting with comparable stool output and duration of diarrhea.

A practical guide for nephrologist peer reviewers: understanding and appraising Mendelian randomization studies.

Identifying risk factors for disease onset and progression has been a core focus in nephrology research. Mendelian Randomization (MR) has emerged as a powerful genetic epidemiological approach, utilizing genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to establish causal relationships between modifiable risk factors and kidney disease outcomes. MR uses genetic variants as instrumental variables to infer causal relationships between exposures and disease outcomes.

Evolution of Human Susceptibility to Alzheimer's Disease: A Review of Hypotheses and Comparative Evidence.

Primates rely on memory to navigate both physical and social environments and in humans, loss of memory function leads to devastating consequences. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease which begins by impacting memory functioning and is ultimately fatal. AD is common across human populations and its prevalence is predicted to rise with increases in the aging population.

Clarifying Misconceptions About School-Based Health Care.

Background: To health professionals working in American school-based health centers, the benefits of school-based health programs are obvious. The philosophical warrant for this work has been reasserted for over 70 years. And yet, the divisiveness of health and health care in the U.

Prosocial Intentions and Subsequent Cognitive Health: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: Prosociality, defined as positive other-regarding intentions and behaviors, is a modifiable factor demonstrated to be associated with better mental, physical, and cognitive health in older adults. Prior studies have largely focused on individual prosocial behaviors, especially volunteering. This study examines whether prosocial intentions are associated with maintaining cognitive health over time.

The Relationships between Subjective Wellbeing and Frailty: Staying with a Positive Mind, Stepping away from Accelerated Aging.

Background: Subjective wellbeing (SWB) is a crucial measure of life quality in older adults. Understanding its relationship with frailty may inform strategies to promote healthy aging.

Methods: We analyzed data for older adults aged ≥ 60 years old from Waves 3 and 4 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

Mortality trends, sex, and racial disparities in older adults due to abdominal aortic aneurysm: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant vascular pathology in older adults, often asymptomatic but with high mortality upon rupture. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging and surgical interventions, AAAs remain a public health concern. This research letter analyzed CDC WONDER data on AAA-related deaths (ICD-10 I71.

Meta-analysis of longitudinal comparison of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients at low to intermediate surgical risk.

Background: Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the commonly used approach for aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with aortic stenosis at low or intermediate surgical risk. However, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has emerged as an alternative to SAVR for AVR. This meta-analysis aims to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of TAVR versus SAVR in low-to-intermediate surgical risk patients by analyzing temporal trends in the outcomes of TAVR and SAVR at various follow-up intervals, providing a more detailed understanding.

Sutureless FOCUS harmonic scalpel versus clamp-and-tie techniques for thyroidectomy: a meta-analysis of 43 randomized controlled trials.

Background: One of the most important surgical steps during thyroidectomy is the safe ligation of vessels. In fact, it is crucial to avoid postoperative bleeding and nerves' injury. The "clamp and tie" technique was first introduced in the 19th century.

Applying normative atlases in deep brain stimulation: a comprehensive review.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a crucial therapeutic strategy for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Precise target localization is essential for optimizing therapeutic outcomes, necessitating advanced neuroimaging techniques. Normative atlases provide standardized references for accurate electrode placement, enhancing treatment customization and efficacy.

Trends and disparities in age, sex, ethnoracial background, and urbanization status in adult mortality due to thoracic aortic aneurysm: a retrospective nationwide study in the United States.

Introduction: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are a significant health concern, with the true prevalence likely underestimated due to undiagnosed cases. Outcomes in TAA are influenced by factors like age, sex, and comorbidities such as hypertension. This study examines mortality trends and disparities associated with TAA in US adults.

Influence of an impacted estuary on the reproduction of an endangered endemic fish.

Health and nutrition of individuals are tied to reproductive success, which determines population viability. Environmental variability and anthropogenic effects can affect the health and nutrition of a species leading to reproductive repercussions which can hinder recovery of endangered populations. Indices of health and nutrition were examined for an imperiled species, delta smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus, in relation to their reproductive status to evaluate the effects of hydrologic conditions in the San Francisco Estuary and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Wilson disease in the USA: epidemiology and real-world patient characteristics based on a retrospective observational health claims study.

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology, patient characteristics and comorbidities in patients with Wilson disease (WD) in the USA.

Design: Retrospective, population-based study.

Setting: The study used the US Komodo claims database containing records regarding medical claims for over 120 million individuals.