Caregiver acceptability of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in two districts in the Upper West region, Ghana: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Acceptability of malaria chemoprevention interventions by caregivers is crucial for overall programme success. This study assessed coverage and acceptability of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) in selected communities in the Northern part of Ghana.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional design was conducted from "July 23rd to August 4th, 2020-a 12-day period that covered 5 days of the first SMC implementation cycle and 7 days post-implementation.

Social cognition in bipolar I and II disorders: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in reports upon social-cognition impairments in bipolar disorder. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of social cognition domains in bipolar I (BD I) and II (BD II) based on the findings to date.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted on Web of Science and PubMed from inception to 28 August 2024.

The effects of deprivation, age, and regional differences in COVID-19 mortality from 2020 to 2022: a retrospective analysis of public provincial data.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) quickly spread around the world after its initial identification in Wuhan, China in 2019 and became a global public health crisis. COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths as important disease outcomes have been investigated by many studies while less attention has been given to the relationship between these two outcomes at a public health unit level. In this study, we aim to establish the relationship of counts of deaths and hospitalizations caused by COVID-19 over time across 34 public health units in Ontario, Canada, taking demographic, geographic, socio-economic, and vaccination variables into account.

Virtual primary care for people living with dementia in Canada: cross-sectional surveys of patients, care partners, and family physicians.

Background: Virtual care (VC) for dementia in primary care settings is an important aspect of healthcare delivery in Canada. However, the evidence informing optimal and sustainable provision of VC for persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners is scarce. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the frequency of VC use, (2) identify characteristics of PLWD, care partners, and family physicians (FPs) that are associated with the use of VC, and (3) explore FPs' perceptions of barriers and facilitators to provide VC for PLWD and their care partners.

Asymptomatic lung abscess of aspergillus in a female without previous lung diseases or immunocompromise: a case report.

Background: Chronic pulmonary abscess usually results from bacterial or mycobacterium infection, but rarely from aspergillosis. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis is usually found in a person with structural lung disease or immunocompromise. Here, we report a case of chronic lung abscess of aspergillosis without immunocompromise, structural lung diseases or even clinical symptoms.

Observation on the efficacy of TPO receptor agonists and platelet transfusion in chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in malignant tumors.

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of TPO receptor agonists and platelet transfusion in chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in malignant tumors.

Methods: Clinical data from 120 patients with malignant tumors who developed thrombocytopenia following chemotherapy at our hospital were retrospectively collected and randomly divided into three groups: A, B, and C, with 40 patients in each group. Group A was treated with a TPO receptor agonist (avatrombopag), group B received autologous platelet transfusion, and group C received a combination of both treatments.

An introduction to MyBFF@school, a school-based childhood obesity intervention program: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Obesity trend among Malaysian children is on the rise. Noting that the tendency for them to grow into obese adults and the relationship of obesity to many non-communicable diseases, the My Body is Fit and Fabulous at School (MyBFF@school program) was designed to combat obesity among the schoolchildren. The program was piloted in 2014 in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Correlation of sarcopenia with progression of liver fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a study from two cohorts in China and the United States.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between sarcopenia and liver fibrosis in patients aged 18-59 years with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and to assess the potential of sarcopenia as a risk factor for the progression of liver fibrosis.

Methods: The study included 821 patients with MASLD in the US cohort and 3,405 patients with MASLD in the Chinese cohort. Liver controlled attenuation parameters (CAP) and liver stiffness measurements (LSM) were assessed by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) to evaluate the extent of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.

Benefits, challenges, and best practices of collaborative partnerships among health supply chain stakeholders in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Strong partnerships, community engagement, and multisectoral collaboration in the health supply chain are synergistic pillars towards achieving universal health coverage. In Rwanda, the health supply chain involves the collaboration of various stakeholders, including distributors, manufacturers, wholesalers, and customers. However, since the eruption and ending of COVID-19, there has not been any study to assess stakeholders' perspectives on the status of the benefits, challenges, and best practices of collaborative partnerships among health supply chain stakeholders in Rwanda.

Association of relative fat mass with asthma: inflammatory markers as potential mediators.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between relative fat mass (RFM) and asthma, as well as to explore the mediating role of Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI).

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018. Associations between RFM and asthma were tested using multivariable logistic regressions, restricted cubic splines, subgroup analyses, and interaction tests, with mediation analysis for SII and SIRI.

The association between neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and gallstones: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: Several studies have discussed the relationship between cholesterol and gallstones, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as a representative of this has been addressed in various diseases. The metric neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) derived from HDL-C has attracted much attention. The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between NHR and gallstones in a population of American adults.

Association between traffic-related air pollution and risk of outpatient visits for dry eye disease in a megacity along the subtropical coast in South China.

Background: Traffic-related air pollution especially in highly socioeconomically developed megacity is usually considered as a severe problem leading to inevitable adverse health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the associations between traffic-related air pollutants with risk of dry eye disease (DED) outpatient visits in a megacity (Guangzhou) along the subtropical coast in South China.

Methods: Daily data on DED outpatient visits and environmental variables from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2020 in Guangzhou were obtained.

A reduction-secretion system contributes to roxarsone (V) degradation and efflux in Brevundimonas sp. M20.

Roxarsone (V) (Rox(V)) is an organoarsenical compound that poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems and various diseases. Reducing trivalent 3-amino-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (HAPA(III)) offers a competitive advantage; however, it leads to localized arsenic contamination, which can disrupt the soil microbiome and impede plant growth. Three genes, BsntrA, arsC2, and BsexpA, encoding nitroreductase, arsenate reductase, and MFS transporter, respectively, were identified in the Rox(V)-resistant strain Brevundimonas sp.

Adjustment of the Framingham index by abdominal aortic calcification scores enables a more accurate prediction of long-term cardiac events in general population aged 40 years and above: evidence from NHANES 2013-2014.

Background: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is considered as a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Our study aimed to investigate whether the predicted risk for cardiac death with the Framingham risk score (FRS) could be further improved with the addition of AAC score in general population aged ≥ 40 years.

Methods: A total of 2971 participants aged ≥ 40 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2013-2014 were followed up.

Genomic strategies to facilitate breeding for increased β-Glucan content in oat (Avena sativa L.).

Background: Hexaploid oat (Avena sativa L.) is a commercially important cereal crop due to its soluble dietary fiber β-glucan, a hemicellulose known to prevent cardio-vascular diseases. To maximize health benefits associated with the consumption of oat-based food products, breeding efforts have aimed at increasing the β-glucan content in oat groats.

CircCCT2/miR-146a-5p/IRAK1 axis promotes the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a highly invasive malignancy with a poor prognosis, is one of the most common cancers globally. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have become key regulators of human malignancies, but further studies are necessary to fully understand their functions and possible causes in HNSCC.

Methods: CircCCT2 expression levels in HNSCC tissues and cells were measured via qPCR.

Outcome of Er, Cr:YSGG laser and antioxidant pretreatments on bonding quality to caries-induced dentin.

Background: This study aimed to assess the influence of different pretreatment protocols and antioxidants application on the shear bond strength (SBS) of universal adhesive to sound (SoD) and caries-induced dentin (CID).

Methods: One hundred and twenty posterior teeth had their occlusal enamel removed, then the specimens were divided into two main groups according to dentin substrates; SoD and CID, three subgroups according to pretreatments protocols control (no pretreatment), NaOCl-treated, and Er, Cr:YSGG-treated and two divisions according to antioxidant application (with and without sodium ascorbate (SA) application). All-Bond Universal (ABU) universal adhesives was applied in self-etch (SE) mode then resin composite discs were built.

Ankyloglossia and breastfeeding self-efficacy in newborns: a birth cohort study.

Background: The impact of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) on breastfeeding outcomes may be overestimated and surgical treatment in newborns remains a controversial topic. The aim of the present study was to assess and quantify the impact of ankyloglossia in newborns on breastfeeding self-efficacy at 14 days of life.

Methods: A birth cohort study was conducted involving mothers and newborns soon after childbirth at a public hospital in the city of Canoas, southern Brazil.

Factors associated with multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) mortality: an analysis from the national surveillance of multidrug-resistant organism, 2018-2022.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue, with the World Health Organization identifying it as one of the greatest threats to public health, with an estimated 4.95 million deaths linked to bacterial AMR in 2019. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of mortality among multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO)-infected patients in state hospitals and major specialist hospitals and to identify risk factors that could be associated with mortality outcomes.

Identifying effective immune biomarkers in alopecia areata diagnosis based on machine learning methods.

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is a common non-scarring hair loss disorder associated with autoimmune conditions. However, the pathobiology of AA is not well understood, and there is no targeted therapy available for AA.  METHODS: In this study, differential gene expression analysis, immune status assessment, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), and functional enrichment analysis were performed to identify shared genes associated with both immunological response and AA.

Comparative analysis of C-Reactive protein levels among Non-comorbid, Comorbid, and Multimorbid Hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most commonly monitored inflammatory markers in patients with COVID-19 to gain insight into the inflammation level in the body and to adopt effective disease management and therapeutic strategies. COVID-19 is now less prevalent, and the study of CRP as a biomarker of inflammation still needs deeper understanding, particularly in understanding its role among patients with comorbidities, which are known to influence inflammatory responses and increase the risk of severe outcomes during acute and chronic infectious diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of major comorbidities such as ischemic heart diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and lung infections e.

Service delivery and the role of clinical pharmacists in UK primary care for older people, including people with dementia: a scoping review.

Objective: As populations age globally, there is increasing prevalence of multiple long-term conditions, such as dementia, leading to many challenges. The burden on health and care services, economic pressures, and the necessity for innovative policies to better support older people and people with dementia becomes paramount. This review explores how clinical pharmacists working in UK primary care support older people and people with dementia.

Assessing the impact of mindfulness programs on attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder which poses challenges for the individuals with the disorder and their families. While stimulant medications are effective, a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial and behavioral interventions, is recommended. There is a growing body of research exploring the potential benefits of mindfulness-based interventions for children with ADHD.

22 months follow-up of deep marginal acquisition with thermacut bur in management of deep subgingival interproximal carious lesions: a case report.

Background: Minimally invasive dentistry is now becoming the forefront of restorative dentistry, involving less traumatic treatment protocols, conservation of tooth structure and surrounding tissues, enhancing the long-term survivability of treated teeth, and improving the overall quality of life for patients.

Objective: The current case report was conducted to evaluate acquiring deep subgingival interproximal carious lesions by the mean of thermacut bur gingivectomy, in terms of patient satisfaction through pain evaluation, Bleeding on Probing, Pocket Depth, Crestal Bone Level evaluation, and restoration evaluation using modified USPHS criteria.

Material And Methods: A patient with a deep proximal cavity in the posterior tooth was thoroughly examined and underwent Thermacut Bur Gingivectomy (TBG) after caries removal followed by direct resin composite restoration of the prepared cavity.

Effect of feedback-integrated reflection, on deep learning of undergraduate medical students in a clinical setting.

Background: Reflection fosters self-regulated learning by enabling learners to critically evaluate their performance, identify gaps, and make plans to improve. Feedback, in turn, provides external insights that complement reflection, helping learners recognize their strengths and weaknesses, adjust their learning strategies, and enhance clinical reasoning and decision-making skills. However, reflection alone may not produce the desirable effects unless coupled with feedback.