Peak serum lactate as a robust predictor of imminent death in life-sustaining treatment decisions: A study of 73,927 patients.

Objective: The physician order for life-sustaining treatment has been implemented in clinical practice for several years. However, the determination that a patient is in the terminal phase of life, a prerequisite for the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, lacks objective criteria. This study aimed to evaluate whether hyperlactatemia could serve as a reliable objective indicator for determining the terminal phase.

Transcriptome-Wide Association Study of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Identifies Relevant Gene Signatures.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is considered the most widespread chronic liver condition globally. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have pinpointed several genetic loci correlated to MASLD, yet the biological significance of these loci remains poorly understood. Initially, we applied Functional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA) to conduct a functional annotation of the MASLD GWAS summary statistics, which included data from 3242 cases and 707 631 controls.

Marital satisfaction and its impact on frailty in Korean older adults: a longitudinal analysis.

Background: Despite a wealth of literature on marital dissatisfaction and adverse health outcomes, little is known about the relationship between marital dissatisfaction and frailty in older adults.

Methods: This longitudinal study utilised the data of 11 174 individuals who participated in the biennial Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing survey from 2006 to 2020 and were aged ≥45 during the initial wave. Frailty was measured using a frailty instrument, which utilised exhaustion, social isolation, and handgrip strength weakness.

A Maternal Loss-of-Function Variant in KHDC3L Gene Causes a Range of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Case Report.

Background: The KHDC3L gene encodes a component of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC). Biallelic mutations in this gene cause 5%-10% of biparental hydatidiform moles (BiHM), and a few maternal deletions in KHDC3L have been identified in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).

Method: In this study, we had a patient with a history of 10 pregnancy or neonatal losses, including spontaneous abortions, neonatal deaths, and molar pregnancy.

Prevalence of Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Varies at the Intersection of Gender Identity and Race/Ethnicity.

Objective: Prior work has documented inequities in disordered eating behavior (DEB) prevalence across gender identity, race, and ethnicity, yet has often ignored the fact that individuals belong to multiple social groups simultaneously. The present study assessed DEB inequities at the intersection of gender identity and race/ethnicity.

Method: The sample included n = 10,287 adolescents (68% gender-diverse, 33% belonging to marginalized racial/ethnic groups).

Immunotherapeutic potentials of carnosol against lipopolysaccharides-induced acute inflammatory reactions in White Swiss albino mice.

Septic shock involves severe systemic inflammatory reaction toward various invading species, such as microorganisms and microbial toxins. Such a response is complicated and characterized as being a dynamic and time-dependent phenomenon. During this response, a significant amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines may be produced, causing a rapid death rate in septic victims and occasionally leading to apoptosis of immune cells within the first hours of septic reaction.

Lab-on-the-Needles: A Microneedle Patch-Based Mobile Unit for Highly Sensitive and Detection of Protein Biomarkers.

Detection of biomarkers associated with physiological conditions provides critical insights into healthcare and disease management. However, challenges in sampling and analysis complicate the detection and quantification of protein biomarkers within the epidermal layer of the skin and in viscous liquid biopsy samples. Here, we present the "Lab-on-the-Needles" concept, utilizing a microneedle patch-based sensing box (MNP-based SenBox) for mobile healthcare applications.

Novel Variants of IGF2 Gene Are Linked With Neural Tube Defects-An In Silico to Clinical Approach in West Bengal, India.

Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are defined as an incomplete closure of the neural tube (NT), with a prevalence of 1.2 per 1000 live births around the world. Methylation of the maternally imprinted gene Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is one of the epigenetic mechanisms that contribute significantly to the development of NTDs.

Lethal Phenotype and Expansion of the Clinical Spectrum of Biallelic Loss of Function Variant in SENP7 Gene Unveiled by Whole Exome Sequencing.

SUMOylation involves covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins to specific lysine residues on target proteins and regulates various aspects of their function. Sentrin-specific proteases (SENPs) are key players in both the conjugation reaction of SUMO proteins to their targets and the subsequent deconjugation of SUMO-conjugated substrates. Here, we provide the first comprehensive prenatal description of a lethal syndrome linked to a novel homozygous stop-gain variant in SENP7 c.

The incremental validity of level of personality functioning over borderline personality features in associations with early adolescent social reward processing.

More work is needed to establish the validity of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Acceptance of the AMPD as the primary model of personality disorder requires identifying neurocognitive validators of AMPD-defined personality functioning and demonstrating superiority of the AMPD over the traditional categorical model of personality disorder. It is also important to establish the utility of the AMPD in a developmental context given evidence that personality disorder emerges in adolescence.

Regional antimicrobial resistance gene flow among the One Health sectors in China.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to global health, with its spread intricately linked across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Revealing the antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) flow among the One Health sectors is essential for better control of antimicrobial resistance.

Results: In this study, we investigated regional ARG transmission among humans, food, and the environment in Dengfeng, Henan Province, China by combining large-scale metagenomic sequencing with culturing of resistant bacterial isolates in 592 samples.

Alström syndrome: the journey to diagnosis.

Background: Alström syndrome (AS) is a recessively inherited genetic condition which is ultra-rare and extremely complex. Symptoms include retinal dystrophy, nystagmus, photophobia, hearing loss, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and cardiomyopathy. The condition is progressive, but it is important to note that not all the complications associated with AS occur in everyone affected.

Assessing exposure to weight stigma: development and initial validation of the Weight Stigma Exposure Inventory (WeSEI).

Background: Weight stigma is pervasive, and it has a significant impact on the social, physical, and psychological health of an individual. Weight stigma is observed from several different sources. Therefore, the present study developed and validated a new instrument, the Weight Stigma Exposure Inventory (WeSEI), to assess different sources of observed weight stigma across interpersonal and non-interpersonal sources.

Metagenomic characterization of oral microbiome signatures to predict upper gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary cancers: a case-control study.

Background: This study investigated the oral microbiome signatures associated with upper gastrointestinal (GI) and pancreaticobiliary cancers.

Methods: Saliva samples from cancer patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls were analyzed using 16S rRNA-targeted sequencing, followed by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.

Results: Significant dissimilarities in microbial composition were observed between cancer patients and controls across esophageal cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), biliary tract cancer (BC), and pancreatic cancer (PC) groups (R = 0.

Implementation research logic model in the design and execution of eHealth innovations for maternal and newborn healthcare in Ethiopia.

Background: The use of eHealth innovations is becoming increasingly important in improving health outcomes, especially for maternal and newborn health. However, planning and executing these innovations can be challenging due to their complex nature. To provide guidance and clarity on implementation approaches, researchers need to use implementation research (IR) tools.

Effect of Antimicrobial Wipes on Hospital-Associated Bacterial and Fungal Strains.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) caused by multidrug-resistant organisms have emerged as a significant global issue, posing substantial challenges to healthcare systems. Low- and intermediate-level disinfectants are extensively utilized for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in hospitals to mitigate environmental transmission of HAI. Therefore, the need for more effective and environmentally safe disinfectants is increasing.

Epidemiological Characteristics of HIV-Infected Individuals by the Registration for Special Exempted Calculation: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background: The Korean government is implementing policy to reduce medical costs and improve treatment related for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. The level of cost reduction and the benefits provided vary depending on how individuals with HIV utilize the system. This study aims to determine exact HIV prevalence by analyzing healthcare utilization patterns and examining differences in healthcare usage based on how individuals pay for their medical expenses.

COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for 2024-2025 in Korea.

The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases has been regularly publishing guidelines for adult immunization since 2007. Following the release of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination recommendations in 2023, significant changes have occurred due to the emergence of new variant strains and the waning immunity from previous vaccinations. This article provides a comprehensive update as of November 2024, incorporating the latest evidence and guidelines.

Basal metabolic rate correlates with excess postexercise oxygen consumption across different intensities.

Background: Both the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) can be influenced by physical training and are associated with body composition and aerobic capacity. Although a correlation between the two is expected, this relationship has not been explored. Our hypothesis is that a higher BMR is correlated with lower EPOC.

Transcanalicular laser-assisted and external dacryocystorhinostomy anatomical and functional success in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) is a condition in which tear ducts are blocked, leading to epiphora and dacryocystitis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to measure the ability of transcanalicular dacryocystorhinostomy (TC-DCR) as an alternative approach to PANDO compared to traditional external dacryocystorhinostomy (EX-DCR).

Methods: Our search included Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).

Socioeconomic disparities in influenza vaccination uptake: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic and behavioral factors related to increased influenza vaccination uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, particularly among adults not eligible for free vaccination.

Methods: Analyzing data from 78,815 participants in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010-2021), we assessed trends in influenza vaccination coverage. Various sociodemographic factors, behavioral aspects, and psychological stress levels were assessed using multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the difference in vaccination response during pre-/post-COVID-19 periods.

Technical efficiency of public hospitals in east Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Hospitals usually encounter human, capital, and financial resource constraints which alerts the efficient use of allocated resources more than ever. Health system managers are required to identify inefficient hospitals and the drivers of the inefficiencies. Although there are multiple studies examining the efficiency of public hospitals in East Africa, their findings are often variable and inconsistent.

Validation of the uncertainty stress scale-high-risk pregnancy - Chinese brief version: Rasch analysis.

Background: High-risk pregnancy leads to uncertainty and stress in pregnant women due to the threatened of mother and fetus health. The Uncertainty Stress Scale High-Risk Pregnancy Version, a 54-item Chinese version (USS-HRPV-C), has been widely used to assess the uncertainty and stress that women experience during pregnancy. However, the length of the scale may result in a burden for respondents.