OPTILOW: A Low-Profile Approach for Implanting Optimus-L Stents in Infants and Children.

Background: Stent implantation poses challenges in small children due to their limited vessel size and rapid growth. This multicenter study evaluates in vivo efficacy of implanting Optimus-L stents in small patients using a low-profile approach.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from children weighing ≤20 kg with congenital heart stenotic lesions who received Optimus-L stents manually mounted on small-sized balloon catheters (diameter ≤12 mm) using a hand-actuated compression tool and implanted through small-sized sheaths (≤8 Fr) at our institutions between May 2022 and January 2024.

Systematic review of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) applications in the preoperative planning and treatment assessment of brain tumors.

The utilization of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is critical in the preoperative planning phase of brain tumor surgery because it allows for a delicate balance between maximizing tumor resection and maintaining brain function. A decade of fMRI development was examined in this study, with a particular emphasis on its use in diagnosing and assessing the efficacy of brain cancer treatments. We examined the foundational principles, practical implementations, and verification of fMRI via direct brain stimulation, with particular emphasis on its capacity to detect cerebral regions affected by tumors that are eloquent in nature.

Comparison of Phenotypes of Headaches After COVID-19 Vaccinations Differentiated According to the Vaccine Used.

: In this ongoing, multicenter, global cohort observational study, phenotypes of headaches after COVID-19 vaccination were directly compared between different vaccines. : Phenotypes of postvaccinal headache were recorded in 18,544 participants. The study was launched immediately after the start of the global COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 12 January 2021 and continued until 1 August 2023.

The Effect of Chemical Surface Modification on the Repair Bond Strength of Resin Composite: An In Vitro Study.

This in vitro study investigates the impact of the chemical modification of resin composite surfaces on repair bond strength of micro-hybrid resin composite material. First, 7 mm circular × 3 mm thick resin composite disks were prepared using teflon molds. Then, 50 specimens out of 100 were allocated for stimulated aging using a thermo-cycling (10,000 cycles) device.

Nano-Radiopharmaceuticals in Colon Cancer: Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Colon cancer remains a significant global health challenge; however, the treatment outcome for colon patients can be improved through early detection and effective treatment. Nano-radiopharmaceuticals, combining nanotechnology with radiopharmaceuticals, are emerging as a revolutionary approach in both colon cancer diagnostic imaging and therapy, playing a significant role in the management of colon cancer patients. This review examines the use of nano-radiopharmaceuticals in the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, highlighting current applications, challenges, and future directions.

Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Potentiates Its Therapeutic Efficacy Targeting SIRT1/Nrf2, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis.

: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a very powerful chemotherapy drug. However, its severe toxicity and potential for resistance development limit its application. L.

Beyond Low Prevalence: Exploring Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Profiles in Sri Lankan Helicobacter pylori with Comparative Genomics.

infects at least half the population worldwide, and its highly diverse genomic content correlates with its geographic distribution because of its prolonged relationship with humans. The extremely low infection prevalence alongside low inflammation severity observed in some countries might be caused by strains with low virulence potential. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whole-genome analysis datasets of Sri Lankan strains.

Is the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio a Predictive Factor of Pathological Complete Response in Egyptian Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy?

The role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictor of response in breast cancers after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is controversial. This study aims to explore the relationship of NLR with pathological complete response (pCR) in a cohort of Egyptian breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Forty-six breast cancer females received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy and then underwent surgery.

Impact of Lifestyle Modifications on Cancer Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

: Cancer survival poses significant challenges in oncology, with lifestyle modifications increasingly recognized as crucial in modifying patient outcomes post-diagnosis. This meta-analysis aims to systematically evaluate the impact of various lifestyle interventions on cancer survival across different types of cancer. : A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane was performed to identify relevant studies up to 30 November 2024.

New Insights in Natural Bioactive Compounds for Periodontal Disease: Advanced Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that destroys the tooth-supporting structures due to the host's immune response to microbial biofilms. Traditional periodontal treatments, such as scaling and root planing, pharmacological interventions, and surgical procedures, have significant limitations, including difficulty accessing deep periodontal pockets, biofilm recolonization, and the development of antibiotic resistance. In light of these challenges, natural bioactive compounds derived from plants, herbs, and other natural sources offer a promising alternative due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and tissue-regenerative properties.

The BG Study Part 1 (Bergisch Gladbach): Development of a Prototype Coronary Artery Disease Risk Score Incorporating Peripheral Vascular Parameters-Preliminary Insights for Future CAD Risk Prediction Models in Vascular Patients.

Peripheral vascular parameters may provide valuable insights into coronary artery disease (CAD) risk stratification. This study aimed to develop a CAD risk score by integrating carotid duplex velocities, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and clinical history into a point-based model. We analyzed data from 902 cardiology patients, of whom 592 (65.

Advancing Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Oral Epithelial Dysplasia: Comparative Insights from In Vivo Optical Coherence Tomography and Histopathology.

Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is considered one of the premalignant lesions for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), for which the five-year disease-free survival rate may vary widely. There has emerged in recent years, therefore, a significant niche for optical coherence tomography (OCT) to non-invasively examine tissue morphology. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of OCT in distinguishing between mild, moderate, and severe dysplasias and carcinoma in situ (CIS) with histopathological correlations.

An Update on Neuroaging on Earth and in Spaceflight.

Over 400 articles on the pathophysiology of brain aging, neuroaging, and neurodegeneration were reviewed, with a focus on epigenetic mechanisms and numerous non-coding RNAs. In particular, this review the accent is on microRNAs, the discovery of whose pivotal role in gene regulation was recognized by the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Aging is not a gradual process that can be easily modeled and described.

Impact of Oviposition Sequence and Host Egg Density on Offspring Emergence and Interspecific Competition in Two Species of Parasitoids.

Asian corn borer (ACB), Guenee (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) and the rice moth (RM), Stainton (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) are economically significant insect pests that threaten the agricultural products worldwide. parasitoids are successfully mass-reared using artificial host eggs, RM, and are often managed by economically important lepidopterous pests, such as ACB in China. Pang and Chen (To) and Matsumura (Td) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are two important parasitoids of ACB.

Correction: Zafar et al. Skin Lesion Analysis and Cancer Detection Based on Machine/Deep Learning Techniques: A Comprehensive Survey. 2023, , 146.

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Innovative Diagnostic Approaches and Challenges in the Management of HIV: Bridging Basic Science and Clinical Practice.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major public health challenge globally. Recent innovations in diagnostic technology have opened new pathways for early detection, ongoing monitoring, and more individualized patient care, yet significant barriers persist in translating these advancements into clinical settings. This review highlights the cutting-edge diagnostic methods emerging from basic science research, including molecular assays, biosensors, and next-generation sequencing, and discusses the practical and logistical challenges involved in their implementation.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Parents Regarding Childhood Obesity in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Obesity is a global issue whose prevalence continues to rise at a concerning rate. Over the past 30 years, many countries have witnessed the doubling or tripling of obesity rates. The growing prevalence of obesity in children is particularly worrying given that it indicates a future burden on healthcare systems.

The Extent and Predictors of Fathers' Involvement in the Raising of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the UAE.

Background: Raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has consistently been found to be challenging for parents. However, available studies have mainly focused on mothers, raising questions about fathers' involvement in raising children with ASD. Indeed, fathers' involvement has consistently been reported as fundamental to the development of children with ASD.

Caregivers' Experience of Supporting Deaf Adults with Mental Health Disorders in Ghana.

Background: Caregivers play a crucial role in the support and management of individuals experiencing mental health disorders; however, there is a paucity of research concerning the experiences of caregivers of deaf persons diagnosed with any form of mental disorder in Ghana. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of these caregivers, with a particular focus on their perceptions of mental health, available support systems, challenges encountered, and the consequent impact on familial relationships while supporting this underserved population.

Method: This qualitative study engaged eleven family caregivers of deaf adults diagnosed with a mental health disorders made up of ten females and one male aged 45-68 years, recruited across four of the sixteen administrative regions in Ghana.

The Development of Standardized National Head Circumference Growth Charts for Jordanian Children Aged 0-5 Years: A Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Study.

Head circumference (HC) is a key indicator of growth and brain development in children, used to identify abnormalities like microcephaly and macrocephaly. While WHO growth standards are widely adopted, they may not account for regional variations due to genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors. This study aimed to develop and validate national HC growth charts for Jordanian children aged 0-5 years and compare them with WHO standards.

Hallmarks of Brain Plasticity.

Cerebral plasticity is the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to experience or learning. Its hallmarks are developmental flexibility, complex interactions between genetic and environmental influences, and structural-functional changes comprising neurogenesis, axonal sprouting, and synaptic remodeling. Studies on brain plasticity have important practical implications.

The Fetal Effect of Maternal Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy-A Review.

Caffeine is commonly used to excess by the general public, and most pregnant women drink caffeine on a daily basis, which can become a habit. Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with severe gestational outcomes. Due to its lipophilic nature, caffeine can cross the blood-brain barrier, placental barrier, and even amniotic fluid.

Obesity: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives.

As reported in the World Obesity Atlas 2024 by the World Obesity Federation, the projections for 2035 suggest that more than 1 [...

Salivary IL-6 as a Biomarker for Early Childhood and Rampant Caries: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to explore the levels of salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) in children diagnosed with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and Rampant Caries (RC). Additionally, it sought to determine whether salivary IL-6 levels vary with the increased activity or number of carious lesions in children with ECC and RC. A cross-sectional study was conducted at RAK College of Dental Sciences (RAKCODS), Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Autism Data Classification Using AI Algorithms with Rules: Focused Review.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents challenges in early screening due to its varied nature and sophisticated early signs. From a machine-learning (ML) perspective, the primary challenges include the need for large, diverse datasets, managing the variability in ASD symptoms, providing easy-to-understand models, and ensuring ASD predictive models that can be employed across different populations. Interpretable or explainable classification algorithms, like rule-based or decision tree, play a crucial role in dealing with some of these issues by offering classification models that can be exploited by clinicians.