Effects of intrathecal administration of sodium nitroprusside and nicardipine on cerebral pial microcirculation, cortical tissue oxygenation, and electrocortical activity in the early post-resuscitation period in a porcine cardiac arrest model.

Recent studies suggested intrathecal vasodilator administration as a therapy to mitigate post-ischemic cerebral hypoperfusion following cardiac arrest. We examined the effects of two commonly used intrathecal vasodilators, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and nicardipine, on cerebral pial microcirculation, cortical tissue oxygen tension (PctO2), and electrocortical activity in the early post-resuscitation period using a porcine model of cardiac arrest. Thirty pigs were resuscitated after 14 min of untreated cardiac arrest.

Development and implementation of an electronic health record system for use in humanitarian emergencies, disaster response, and conflict zones.

Humanitarian medical response to natural and human-made disasters can be complicated by high clinician, staff, and patient turnover. While electronic medical records are being scaled up globally, their use remains limited in humanitarian response settings. The Fast Electronic Medical Record (fEMR) system is an open-source electronic health record system specifically designed for use in resource-limited settings and humanitarian crises.

Small Molecule Modulators of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Activity and Their Potential in Cancer Therapy.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central mediator of cellular metabolism and is activated in direct response to low ATP levels. Activated AMPK inhibits anabolic pathways and promotes catabolic activities that generate ATP through the phosphorylation of multiple target substrates. AMPK is a therapeutic target for activation in several chronic metabolic diseases, and there is increasing interest in targeting AMPK activity in cancer where it can act as a tumor suppressor or conversely it can support cancer cell survival.

Exploring the relationship between established HIV risk factors and depressive symptoms amongst young women without HIV in two sites in South Africa.

Purpose: Adolescent girls are at high risk for depression and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Poor mental health can increase vulnerability to risky sexual behaviours. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of depressive symptomology and explore the convergence of HIV risk factors with depressive symptoms amongst cis-gender adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and peri-urban Western Cape (WC) communities in South Africa.

Decreased SynMuv B gene activity in response to viral infection leads to activation of the antiviral RNAi pathway in C. elegans.

RNA interference (RNAi) mediates antiviral defense in many eukaryotes. Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that disable RNAi are more sensitive to viral infection. Many mutants that enhance RNAi have also been identified; these mutations may reveal genes that are normally down-regulated in antiviral defense.

Relationships between multivitamins, blood biochemistry markers, and BMC and BMD based on RF: A cross-sectional and population-based study of NHANES, 2017-2018.

Background: Previous studies have separately suggested a possible association between the vitamin exposure, blood biochemical indicators, and bone density. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin exposure serum concentrations, blood biochemical indicator serum concentrations, and BMC and BMD using the NHANES 2017-2018 nutrient survey data. This population-based cross-sectional study aimed to explore these associations.

Trajectory of the arterial-alveolar oxygen gradient in COPD for a decade.

Background: Chronic respiratory failure (CRF) is a critical complication in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is characterized by an increase in the arterial-alveolar oxygen gradient (A-aDO2). The long-term trajectory and prognostic significance remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the prognostic impact of A-aDO2 and elucidate its trajectory over ten years.

The impact of specialised gastroenterology services for pelvic radiation disease (PRD): Results from the prospective multi-centre EAGLE study.

To undertake a mixed-methodology implementation study to improve the well-being of men with gastrointestinal late effects following radical radiotherapy for prostate cancer. All men completed a validated screening tool for late bowel effects (ALERT-B) and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Score (GSRS); men with a positive score on ALERT-B were offered management following a peer reviewed algorithm for pelvic radiation disease (PRD). Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at baseline, 6 and 12 months; and healthcare resource usage (HRU) and patient, support-giver, staff experience and acceptability of staff training (qualitative analysis) were assessed.

Neonatal outcomes and resuscitation practices following the addition of heart rate-guidance to basic resuscitation.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of heart rate-guided basic resuscitation compared to Helping Babies Breathe on neonatal outcomes and resuscitation practices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Methods: We conducted a pre-post clinical trial comparing heart rate-guided basic resuscitation to Helping Babies Breathe in three facilities, enrolling in-born neonates ≥28 weeks gestation. We collected observational data during a convenience sample of resuscitations and extracted clinical data from the medical record for all participants.

A simple tool to evaluate the effectiveness of HIV care for settings with gaps in data availability (ESTIHIV).

Many HIV clinics with poor IT-infrastructure are unable to report data on individuals in care with HIV, on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and virologically suppressed (VS), with the aim of monitoring the HIV Continuum of Care to estimate efficacy of HIV treatment programmes. We developed an estimation-tool, ESTIHIV, and determined the minimal data required for a random sample, to produce representative estimates, with a specified level of precision, of people with HIV on ART and VS. For proof of concept, 8852 HIV positive persons from seven clinics in seven different countries, with a follow-up visit during 2017, were included.

Antibody response to Plasmodium vivax in the context of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) co-infection: A 14-year follow-up study in the Amazon rainforest.

Background: To develop an effective vaccine against Plasmodium vivax, the most widely dispersed human malaria parasite, it is critical to understand how coinfections with other pathogens could impact malaria-specific immune response. A recent conceptual study proposed that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a highly prevalent human herpesvirus that establishes lifelong persistent infection, may influence P. vivax antibody responses.

A systematic review on the influence of coagulopathy and immune activation on New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in patients with sepsis.

Introduction: New Onset Atrial Fibrillation (NOAF) is the most common arrhythmia in intensive care. Complications of NOAF include thromboembolic events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, which contribute to a greater risk of mortality. Inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers in sepsis are thought to be associated with NOAF development.

Taming the transplant troll: Exploring racial and ethnic disparities in cytomegalovirus infection among kidney transplant patients.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection poses a significant risk to kidney transplant recipients. This study investigated CMV disease incidence, outcomes, and management challenges in racial and ethnic minority populations following kidney transplantation.

Methods: This single-center, mixed-methods study included a retrospective cohort analysis of kidney transplant recipients (n = 58) and qualitative surveys of healthcare providers.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties of Tinospora cordifolia extract.

Tinospora cordifolia extract exhibits diverse benefits-anti-arthritis, anti-malarial, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, antihepatotoxic, and antipyretic effects. Its specific anti-inflammatory and healing capacities remain unexplored, prompting a study utilizing a mouse skin wound model and direct T. cordifolia extraction.

Nitroxyl protects H9C2 cells from H/R-induced damage and inhibits autophagy via PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Background: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) is an important complication in the treatment of heart failure, and its treatment has not made satisfactory progress. Nitroxyl (HNO) showed protective effects on the heart failure, however, the effect and underlying mechanism of HNO on MIRI remain largely unclear.

Methods: MIRI model in this study was established to induce H9C2 cell injury through hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in vitro.

Modified musculofascial lengthening technique for submuscular ulnar nerve transposition in cubital tunnel syndrome.

Objective: Cubital tunnel syndrome is a common peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremity. Anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve is an established surgical treatment option for this condition. This study aimed to introduce a novel musculofascial lengthening technique that uses only a portion of the flexor-pronator muscle mass for submuscular anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve and investigate its clinical outcomes.

Low levels of Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at the treatment centre of the Regional Hospital Bamenda, Northwest Cameroon.

Background: Malaria and HIV are leading causes of death in Africa, including Cameroon. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is expected to boost immunity and reduce vulnerability to opportunistic infections. Reports on comorbidities including malaria are common in Cameroon.

Comparison of observational methods to identify and characterize post-COVID syndrome in the Netherlands using electronic health records and questionnaires.

Background: Some of those infected with SARS-CoV-2 suffer from post-COVID syndrome (PCS). However, an uniform definition of PCS is lacking, causing uncertainty about the prevalence and nature of this syndrome. We aimed to improve understanding of PCS by operationalizing different classifications and to explore clinical subtypes.

Trauma-related psychopathologies after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) use is associated with substantial psychiatric morbidity in patients and their families. This systematic review and meta-analysis quantifies the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression among ECMO survivors and their families. Included studies enrolled patients on ECMO or their families and reported at least one trauma-related psychopathology.

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Pediatric Patients: Society of Pediatric Anesthesia Improvement Network.

Background: Optimal perioperative pain management is unknown for adolescent patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The study aimed to determine the association of nerve blocks with short- and long-term pain outcomes and factors influencing self-reported neurological symptoms.

Methods: We performed a multisite, prospective observational study of adolescent patients undergoing ACLR.

eIF3 engages with 3'-UTR termini of highly translated mRNAs.

Stem cell differentiation involves a global increase in protein synthesis to meet the demands of specialized cell types. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this translational burst and the involvement of initiation factors remains largely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) in early differentiation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs).

Empathy and psychological outcomes in informal caregivers of community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Scholars have increasingly recognized the crucial role that empathy plays as informal caregivers provide unpaid care to their older family and friends (i.e., care recipients).

Familial Steep Corneas in Posterior Polymorphous Corneal Dystrophy 3 Due to a Novel ZEB1 Gene Mutation.

Purpose: To present 4 family members with posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy (PPCD), nonkeratoconic steep corneas, and myopia caused by a previously unknown genetic alteration in the ZEB1 gene.

Methods: Ophthalmic examinations and corneal curvature analyses were performed for all patients. Whole-exome targeted gene panel sequencing was performed for 1 patient.

Standardised lung function metrics in healthy athletes.

The objective of the current review was to identify whether clinically established lung function metrics of ventilatory and diffusion capacity obtained by standardised methodology are consistent with superior lung function in athletes, and whether this is related to maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O). Three independent reviewers performed a literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and reference screening. Data was extracted and analysed according to a predefined strategy.