Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Mediated Weight Loss and Diabetes Mellitus Benefits: A Narrative Review.

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are chronic diseases with increasing prevalence, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatment and management strategies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have emerged as an essential class of drugs for managing both obesity and T2DM, offering additional benefits for cardiovascular and kidney health. GLP-1 RAs work by targeting GLP-1 receptors, mimicking the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood glucose levels, promote weight loss, and provide potential benefits for cardiovascular health.

Racial Disparities in Cardiometabolic Disorders Among Alzheimer's Disease Patients: A Study on Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Background: Cardiometabolic disorders may accelerate the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), potentially impacting ethnic-racial groups with a higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, though limited data exists on Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) populations.

Objective: This study aims to examine the prevalence of diabetes and associated comorbidities among AD patients from different ethnic-racial groups - Asians, Whites, and NHPIs - in Hawaii, with a focus on identifying risk factors linked to AD.

Method: A retrospective review was conducted on AD patient records from a single center in Hawaii, spanning June 2018 to June 2024.

Thoracic Epidural and Intercostal Nerve Cryoablation in Multimodal Analgesia for Acute Pain Management of Rib Fractures: A Case Report.

Acute pain service was consulted for acute pain management in a 40-year-old male who had sustained multiple bilateral rib fractures following a fall injury. In addition to the rib fractures, the patient had also experienced injuries to his lungs and spinal column, both of which required surgeries. Considering the significant nature of pain due to his rib fractures, a multimodal pain management approach that included both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies was utilized.

South Korea's healthcare expenditure: a comprehensive study of public and private spending across health conditions, demographics, and payer types (2011-2020).

Background: South Korea has witnessed a rapid increase in health expenditure, reaching USD 135 billion in 2021 and accounting for 9.3% of its GDP, surpassing the OECD average. Despite achieving universal health coverage, significant gaps remain in service coverage, leading to high out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses that expose households to financial burdens.

Performance of the 1 h oral glucose tolerance test in predicting type 2 diabetes and association with impaired β-cell function in Asians: a national prospective cohort study.

Background: Postprandial glucose concentration 1-h (1 h-PG) after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) has similar or superior performance to 2 h-PG in predicting type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in several populations, and is simpler to obtain in clinical practice. However, studies in Asians are scarce. We investigated the utility of elevated baseline 1 h-PG in predicting T2DM incidence within three years, and its relationship with β-cell function in 1250 non-diabetic Asian participants.

Effects of Tocotrienol on Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Tocotrienols, isomers of vitamin E, may provide an effective nutritional strategy to mitigate common cardiovascular risks such as dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) supplementation (300 mg/day) on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, including transcription factors in nondialysis (ND) and hemodialysis (HD) CKD patients for three months. Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor- (IL-6 and TNF-), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid peroxidation, biochemical parameters, and transcription factors such as NRF2 and NF-B mRNA expression were evaluated.

Predicting the location of coordinated metal ion-ligand binding sites using geometry-aware graph neural networks.

More than 50 % of proteins bind to metal ions. Interactions between metal ions and proteins, especially coordinated interactions, are essential for biological functions, such as maintaining protein structure and signal transport. Physiological metal-ion binding prediction is pivotal for both elucidating the biological functions of proteins and for the design of new drugs.

Phylogenomics and a new classification of the tropical genus L. (Monocots, Zingiberales, Heliconiaceae).

Members of the genus L. (Heliconiaceae) have evolved complex interactions with both insect herbivores and hummingbird pollinators in tropical forests and secondary growth where they are abundant and diverse. Many of these same species have also been cultivated as ornamentals around the world for hundreds of years because of their extraordinary colors and forms.

Typhoid Fever as a Cause of Liver Failure in the United States: A Case Report.

Typhoid fever is a multisystemic illness caused by and , transmitted fecal orally through contaminated water and food. It is a rare diagnosis in the US, with most cases reported in returning travelers. Hepatitis and cholestasis are rare sequelae of infection.

A Rare Case of Colorectal Cancer With Delayed Metastasis to the Duodenum.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continues to be a significant global health issue contributing to a high mortality rate. Despite advancements in treatment, the risk of recurrence remains due to inherent mutations and the rapid turnover of intestinal mucosa. We present an exceptionally rare case of CRC metastasis to the duodenum in a 42-year-old female who has been compliant with postsurgical surveillance.

Efficacy of the Optilume paclitaxel drug-coated balloon after urethroplasty: short-term results from a multicenter study.

Background: The Optilume paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a relatively new-to-market alternative in the management of male anterior urethral stricture disease. The pivotal trial excluded patients with a history of urethroplasty, although these strictures may be amenable to endoscopic management. Therefore, we sought to assess the efficacy of the DCB in the management of recurrent strictures following urethroplasty.

Pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment of refractory vulvar melanoma concurrently treated with immune checkpoint blockade demonstrating an abscopal response: A case report.

•Vulvar melanoma is deadlier and harder to treat than typical melanoma.•82-year-old female had metastatic vulvar melanoma that reoccurred on immunotherapy.•Treatment with pulsed electric field therapy led to rapid resolution of metastatic disease.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the colon arising from rare malignant transformation of extra-gonadal endometrioma.

Background: Endometriosis is a common condition with a rare malignant potential. We report a case of a patient with a colon mass who underwent surgery for malignant endometriosis associated cancer.Case: A 70-year-old woman with a pelvic mass who was lost to follow-up for 6 years represented with an enlarging pelvic mass involving the sigmoid colon.

A Qualitative Study of Attitudes Toward HPV Vaccine Recommendation in Otolaryngology Clinics.

Objective: The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancers has increased such that they are now the most prevalent HPV-related cancer. In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the indication for Gardasil-9 to include the prevention of oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by selected HPV types, but uptake remains low. Otolaryngology office interactions may provide opportunities to increase uptake, given the relevance of HPV to clinical practice.

Smartphone Thermal Imaging as an Adjunct to Identify Free Flap Perforators and Assisting Flap Design: A Pilot Study.

Background: The main technique for identification of free flap perforator vessels is Doppler sonography, which is not always accurate, user dependent and affected by the patient's body habitus.

Methods: Adult patients undergoing head and neck resection and free flap reconstruction at two academic institutions were enrolled. Doppler sonography was used to identify perforators, and were marked using a skin marker.

Multi-Institutional Comparison of Quality of Life Between Open Versus Endoscopic Skull Base Approaches.

Objectives: The primary objective of this prospective review was to compare quality of life between patients undergoing endoscopic and open skull base approaches.

Study Type And Design: Prospective Review.

Methods: Five centers recruited consecutive patients treated surgically for skull base neoplasms between 2012 to 2018.

Stroke associated with microvascular tumoral infiltration in a patient with metastatic breast cancer.

Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is a form of advanced metastatic disease conferring poor prognosis, most commonly associated with melanoma, small cell lung cancer, and breast cancer. In rare cases it has been shown to be associated with stroke thought to be related to vasculopathy caused by tumoral infiltration of cerebral vasculature. We present a case of acute cerebellar infarction in a patient with metastatic breast cancer complicated by leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, admitted for worsening metastatic disease.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using synthetic suture tape: A systematic review of biomechanical and clinical outcomes.

Purpose: To review outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) using synthetic suture tape in biomechanical and clinical studies.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in three databases. Studies reporting biomechanical and/or clinical outcomes of MPFLR using synthetic suture tape were included.

Accelerating materials property prediction via a hybrid Transformer Graph framework that leverages four body interactions.

Machine learning has advanced the rapid prediction of inorganic materials properties, yet data scarcity for specific properties and capturing thermodynamic stability remains challenging. We propose a framework utilizing a Graph Neural Network with composition-based and crystal structure-based architectures, combined with a transfer learning scheme. This approach accurately predicts energy-related properties (e.

Should we consider microbiota-based interventions as a novel therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms broadly categorized into positive, negative, and cognitive domains. Its etiology is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors, and its neurobiology is associated with abnormalities in different neurotransmitter systems. Due to this multifactorial etiology and neurobiology, leading to a wide heterogeneity of symptoms and clinical presentations, current antipsychotic treatments face challenges, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic approaches.

Innovative bioinks for 3D bioprinting: Exploring technological potential and regulatory challenges.

The field of three dimensional (3D) bioprinting has witnessed significant advancements, with bioinks playing a crucial role in enabling the fabrication of complex tissue constructs. This review explores the innovative bioinks that are currently shaping the future of 3D bioprinting, focusing on their composition, functionality, and potential for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. The development of bioinks, incorporating natural and synthetic materials, offers unprecedented opportunities for personalized medicine.

Comparison of Dynamic Postural Stability in Autografts Versus Allografts Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Remnant Preservation: A Prospective Study With 1-Year Follow-up.

Background: Graft selection is an important part of preoperative planning for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). In addition, ACLR with the remnant preservation technique has recently gained attention due to potential benefit in bone-tendon healing, graft revascularization, and proprioceptive nerve remodeling. However, the ideal graft choice remains controversial, and there is limited research comparing autograft and allograft in ACLR with remnant preservation.

Association Between Running Characteristics and Lower Extremity Musculoskeletal Injuries in United States Military Academy Cadets.

Background: Running-related overuse injuries are common among recreational runners; however, there is currently little prospective research investigating the role of running characteristics on overuse injury development.

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between running characteristics and lower extremity musculoskeletal injury (MSKI).

Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Ethics of Procuring and Using Organs or Tissue from Infants and Newborns for Transplantation, Research, or Commercial Purposes: Protocol for a Bioethics Scoping Review.

Unlabelled: Since the inception of transplantation, it has been crucial to ensure that organ or tissue donations are made with valid informed consent to avoid concerns about coercion or exploitation. This issue is particularly challenging when it comes to infants and younger children, insofar as they are unable to provide consent. Despite their vulnerability, infants' organs and tissues are considered valuable for biomedical purposes due to their size and unique properties.

Topical neurokinin-1 receptor antagonism ameliorates ocular pain and prevents corneal nerve degeneration in an animal model of dry eye disease.

Introduction: Ocular pain is a common complaint to eye care providers, associated with a variety of ocular conditions, among which dry eye disease (DED) is affecting millions of people worldwide. Despite being highly prevalent, ocular pain is not managed adequately in the clinic.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic potential of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) antagonism in DED.