Assessing the feasibility of a spiritual healing intervention for adults with moderate depression: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Background: Many individuals with depression explore complementary and alternative medicine, including spiritual healing. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to assess the feasibility of a study that integrated spiritual healing with standard care versus standard care alone for adults with moderate depression.

Method: In this pilot RCT with two parallel groups, 28 adult patients with depression were randomized to receive either spiritual healing alongside usual care (n=14) or usual care alone (n=14).

Accuracy of Current Large Language Models and The Retrieval Augmented Generation Model in Determining Dietary Principles in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Objective: Large Language Models (LLMs) have emerged as powerful tools with significant potential for quickly accessing information in the nutrition and health, as in many fields. Retrieval augmented generation (RAG) has been included among artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot structures as a framework developed to increase the accuracy and ability of LLMs. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of LLMs (GPT4, Gemini, and Llama) and RAG in determining dietary principles in chronic kidney disease.

Novel Conservative Therapies in Migraine Management: The Impact of Fascia Exercises in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

: Migraine is a complex neurological disorder often associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fascia exercises on migraine symptoms and explore their potential as a novel conservative treatment approach. : A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 migraine patients who were randomly assigned to a treatment group (fascia exercises) or a control group (conventional physiotherapy).

Chitosan Micro/Nanocapsules in Action: Linking Design, Production, and Therapeutic Application.

pH sensitivity of chitosan allows for precise phase transitions in acidic environments, controlling swelling and shrinking, making chitosan suitable for drug delivery systems. pH transitions are modulated by the presence of cross-linkers by the functionalization of the chitosan chain. This review relays a summary of chitosan functionalization and tailoring to optimize drug release.

Probiotic Bacterium-Derived p40, p75, and HM0539 Proteins as Novel Postbiotics and Gut-Associated Immune System (GAIS) Modulation: Postbiotic-Gut-Health Axis.

It is known that probiotics have direct and indirect effects on many systems in the body, especially the gastrointestinal system. Interest in using probiotic strain-derived cell components and metabolites has also increased as a result of the significant benefits of probiotics. Although many terminologies and definitions are used for these components and metabolites, the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) recommended the use of the term postbiotic in 2021, which is defined as "a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host".

The Effects of the Mamanet Cachibol League Intervention Program on Perceived Health Status, Mental Health, and Healthy Lifestyle Among Arab Women.

The Israeli Mamanet Cachibol League (MCL) is a community-oriented athletic program serving mothers through non-competitive recreational sports participation. This study aimed to assess the effects of the MCL on perceived health status, mental health (happiness, depression, social capital), and healthy lifestyle behaviors (physical activity and nutrition). This is an experimental study with a sample of 231 women (174 in the experimental group and 57 in the control).

Amoebas: the omnipotent organism and silent assassin.

Amoebas are characterized by their unique ability to exist both as free-living organisms and, occasionally, as parasites within host tissues, earning them the designation 'amphizoic amoebae'. While amoebic infections are less prevalent, their health impact can be tremendous, leading to several diseases. In low-income countries, poor sanitation and socioeconomic conditions significantly increase the risk of amoebic infections, particularly E.

Association between oral health-related quality of life and physical frailty among community-dwelling older adults: A 2-year longitudinal study.

Background: Frailty is a major health concern among older adults, and its association with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) remains underexplored in longitudinal studies.

Objective: To investigate the association between baseline OHRQoL and physical frailty incidence at a 2-year follow-up in community-dwelling older adults.

Design: Prospective longitudinal study.

Heart rate variability is more sensitive to stress than heart rate in specialist police undergoing selection.

Police tactical group (PTG) officers respond to the most demanding and high-risk police situations. As such, PTG personnel require exceptional physical fitness, and selection for employment often evaluates fitness both directly and indirectly. While heart rate (HR) is often used to measure physical effort, heart rate variability (HRV) may be a valuable tool for measuring stress holistically.

The Role of Community Organisation, Religion, Spirituality and Cultural Beliefs on Diabetes Social Support and Self-Management in Sub-Saharan Africa: Integrative Literature Review.

To examine the evidence for the role of community organisations, religion, spirituality, cultural beliefs, and social support in diabetes self-management, we undertook an integrative literature review utilising MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, and grey literature databases. The selected articles were appraised for quality, and the extracted data were analysed thematically. The search yielded 1586 articles, and after eliminating duplicates, 1434 titles and abstracts were screened, followed by a full-text review of 103 articles.

Frailty determinants in heart failure: Inflammatory markers, cognitive impairment and psychosocial interaction.

Aims: This study aimed to identify factors associated with frailty in heart failure (HF) patients, focusing on demographic, biochemical and health-related variables. It also explored the correlation between frailty and comorbidities such as malnutrition, cognitive impairment and depression, assessing how these factors interact to influence frailty risk.

Methods: A total of 250 HF patients (mean age 73.

Influence of Hospital Bed Count on the Positioning of Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology (IR) Nurses: Online Questionnaire Survey of Japanese IR-Specialized Radiological Technologists.

Background/objectives: Interventional radiology (IR) utilizing X-rays can lead to occupational radiation exposure, posing health risks for medical personnel in the field. We previously conducted a survey on the occupational radiation exposure of IR nurses in three designated emergency hospitals in Japan. Our findings indicated that a hospital with 214 beds showed a higher lens-equivalent dose than hospitals with 678 and 1182 beds because the distance between the X-ray irradiation field and the IR nurse's position of the hospital with 214 beds was shorter than those of 678 and 1182 beds.

'Striving to achieve control'. Registered nurses' experiences of palliative care quality during the COVID-19 pandemic - a qualitative study.

Background: Providing quality palliative care during a pandemic was challenging. Both specialist and community healthcare services cared for patients that faced life-threatening illness and who were influenced by the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little knowledge has yet been provided on how registered nurses (RNs) experienced the palliative care quality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mobile App-Based Monitoring of Recovery After Knee Osteotomy: Patients Take Approximately Five Months to Return to Preoperative Step Counts Despite Limited App Uptake.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using mobile application (app) technology for monitoring recovery after knee osteotomy and to determine the time required for patients to return to their preoperative step counts.

Methods: This retrospective study included 329 patients who underwent coronal realignment surgery, including high tibial osteotomy (HTO) or distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. The patients were grouped based on the type of osteotomy performed, i.

Survival Outcomes for Adolescent and Young Adults With Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Purpose: Patients with adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer are recognized as a vulnerable subpopulation in high-income countries (HICs). Although survival gaps between HIC and low- and middle-income country (LMIC) children with cancer are well described, LMIC AYAs have been neglected. We conducted a systematic review to describe cancer outcomes among LMIC AYAs.

Validity of a New Portable Sensor to Measure Velocity-Based Resistance Training.

This study evaluated the concurrent validity of the Vitruve linear encoder compared to the T-Force device for measuring mean propulsive velocity (MPV) and peak velocity (PV) during the free-weight bench press exercise. Thirteen resistance-trained men participated in three sessions, during which MPV and PV were recorded simultaneously by both devices. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, Bland-Altman analysis, and effect size calculations, with statistical significance set at ≤ 0.

Identification of subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures as atypical femur fractures on radiology reports.

Background: Bisphosphonate-associated stress fractures, atypical femur fractures (AFF), are a rare subgroup of femoral stress fractures. Their correct and early diagnosis is imperative for appropriate treatment.

Purpose: To investigate the sensitivity of written radiology reports to mention radiographic features of AFF, depending on the time period and academic level of the hospital.

Phage therapy could be key to conquering persistent bacterial lung infections in children.

Persistent bacterial lung infections in children lead to significant morbidity and mortality due to antibiotic resistance. In this paper, we describe how phage therapy has shown remarkable efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies, demonstrating significant therapeutic benefits through various administration routes. Ongoing trials are evaluating its safety and effectiveness against different pathogens.

Development and Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of an Experimental Herbal Gel Against Cariogenic Bacteria.

Background: Recently, products with antibacterial properties derived from medicinal plants have increased as an alternative to conventional drugs. Thus, this study aimed to formulate and evaluate the antibacterial activity of an experimental gel based on Grindelia tarapacana essential oil in a bacterial consortium.

Material And Methods: The composition of the essential oil (EO) was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Classifying the WHO European countries by noncommunicable diseases and risk factors.

Background: In the twenty-first century, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major obstacle to global development and the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations. The WHO (World Health Organization) European Region lacks comprehensive understanding of NCD risk factors, the NCDs they trigger, and the more disadvantaged countries.

Objective: This study aims to classify the countries in the European Region at the country level based on NCDs and their key risk factors.

Effects of transcranial photobiomodulation on fine motor skills in boccia para-athletes.

This study investigated the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) on para-athletes' manual dexterity and intralimbal coordination. Six para-athletes from a Boccia Team participated. t-PBM was administered using a LED helmet with 204 LEDs (660 and 850 nm) emitting 10 mW each, delivering 9 J/cm per LED during 15-min sessions three times a week.

Current applications and challenges in large language models for patient care: a systematic review.

Background: The introduction of large language models (LLMs) into clinical practice promises to improve patient education and empowerment, thereby personalizing medical care and broadening access to medical knowledge. Despite the popularity of LLMs, there is a significant gap in systematized information on their use in patient care. Therefore, this systematic review aims to synthesize current applications and limitations of LLMs in patient care.

Non-Canonical TERT Activity Initiates Osteogenesis in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease.

Background: Calcific aortic valve disease is the pathological remodeling of valve leaflets. The initial steps in valve leaflet osteogenic reprogramming are not fully understood. As TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) overexpression primes mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts, we investigated whether TERT contributes to the osteogenic reprogramming of valve interstitial cells.