CT-sensitized nanoprobe for effective early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Early diagnosis is critical for providing a timely window for effective therapy in pulmonary fibrosis (PF); however, achieving this remains a significant challenge. The distinct honeycombing patterns observed in computed tomography (CT) for the primary diagnosis of PF are typically only visible in patients with moderate to severe disease, often leading to missed opportunities for early intervention. In this study, we developed a nanoprobe designed to accumulate at fibroblastic foci and loaded with the CT sensitizer iodide to enable effective early diagnosis of PF.

A quality improvement initiative aimed at reducing service strain and improving physician wellness in internal medicine.

Introduction: Hospital strain has been shown to negatively impact physician wellness, educational experience, and patient care. To address rising service demands, a non-academic hospitalist service was implemented to reduce daily clinical teaching unit (CTU) census by approximately 30%. Secondary aims were to evaluate physician and trainee wellness on CTU as well as assess unintended adverse patient outcomes.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate diabetes-exacerbated atherosclerosis via AMPK/mTOR pathway-mediated autophagy-related macrophage polarization.

Introduction: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (BMSC-EVs) are widely used for therapeutic purposes in preclinical studies. However, their utility in treating diabetes-associated atherosclerosis remains largely unexplored. Here, we aimed to characterize BMSC-EV-mediated regulation of autophagy and macrophage polarization.

Primary extraskeletal osteosarcoma of rectal mesentery: a rare case and literature review.

Background: Extraskeletal osteosarcoma (ESOS) is a rare kind of sarcoma with a low preoperative diagnosis and a poor prognosis. ESOS arising from abdominal mesentery is extremely rare. Increasing diagnostic methods and standardizing treatment protocols are crucial issues of ESOS.

The histone demethylase KDM5C enhances the sensitivity of acute myeloid leukemia cells to lenalidomide by stabilizing cereblon.

Background: The protein cereblon (CRBN) mediates the antileukemia effect of lenalidomide (Len). Len binds to CRBN, recruits IKZF1/IKZF3, and promotes their ubiquitination and degradation, through which Len exhibits its antileukemia and antimyeloma activity. Therefore, the protein level of CRBN might affect the antiproliferative effect of Len.

Comparison of the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of cancer patients admitted to a tertiary palliative care unit before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To compare the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of patients with advanced cancer admitted to a tertiary palliative care unit before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This is an analysis of data from patients receiving care before (10/21/2019 to 03/16/2020) and during (09/23/2020 to 08/26/2021) the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic and clinical data were evaluated.

The effects of the positioning of a bolt in the femoral neck system on the short-term outcomes of middle-aged and young adults with displaced femoral neck fractures.

Background: To analyze the effects of the positioning of a bolt in the femoral neck system (FNS) on the short-term outcomes of middle-aged and young adults with displaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs).

Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 114 middle-aged and young adults with displaced FNFs who were surgically treated with internal fixation via the FNS in the Department of Orthopedics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, from December 2019 to January 2023. The degree of deviation of the central axis of the femoral head and neck from the tip of the bolt (W), the tip‒apex distance (TAD) and the length of femoral neck shortening (LFNS) were measured on postoperative X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan images.

Cardiometabolic index as a predictor of gallstone incidence in U.S. adults: insights from NHANES 2017-2020.

Background: Gallstone disease (GSD) is associated with obesity. The Cardiometabolic Index (CMI), a metric that accurately assesses central adiposity and visceral fat, has not been extensively studied in relation to GSD risk. This study investigates the link between CMI and GSD incidence in U.

Cannabis consumption and risk of asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cannabis is the third most widely used psychoactive substance globally, and its consumption has been increasing, particularly with the growing trend of legalization for medicinal and recreational use. Recent studies have raised concerns about the potential impact of cannabis on respiratory health, specifically the risk of asthma, a significant public health concern. This systematic review aimed to consolidate research on the association between cannabis use and the risk of asthma.

Vitamin D3/VDR alleviates double-stranded RNA virus -induced biliary epithelial cell damage by inhibiting autophagy.

Background: The increased apoptosis of bile duct epithelial cells (BECs) due to some damage factors is considered the initiating factor in the occurrence and progression of biliary atresia (BA). Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is thought to play a crucial role in maintaining the intrinsic immune balance and integrity of bile duct epithelial cells (BECs). To investigate the role of VDRs in the pathogenesis and progression of BA using in vitro and in vivo models.

Influence of the metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes on their oral health status and the need for orthodontic treatment in a group of Spanish children (aged 6-12 years): a cross-sectional study.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of good metabolic control, based on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, on oral health status and the need for orthodontic treatment in children.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Dental Clinic of the University of Salamanca (Spain) during the years 2020 and 2024. A total of 260 children with type 1 diabetes (aged between 6 and 12 years) participated.

Oral health in patients with cleft lip and palate: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of periodontal and dental disease and oral microbiota (part 1).

Introduction: Orofacial cleft impacts jawbone and dental development and function, often with consequences for oral health. The first in this two-part systematic review of the literature on oral health in persons with cleft lip and/or palate focuses on periodontal parameters and composition of oral bacterial flora, while the second analyzes data on dental caries.

Materials And Methods: Four databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched for studies that compared periodontal parameters, caries index, and microbiota composition between persons with cleft lip and/or palate and healthy controls.

Associations between sedentary behaviour and sarcopenia among patients aged 40 and older with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sarcopenia experience poorer clinical prognosis. Although sedentary behaviour (SB) is common risk factor for COPD, its relationship with sarcopenia in this specific population remains unclear.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey of participants aged 40 and above with COPD, involving 27 communities and 2 hospitals' outpatient departments.

Investigating BLS instructors' ability to evaluate CPR performance: focus on compression depth, rate, and recoil.

Background: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) presents significant challenges with low survival rates, emphasizing the need for effective bystander CPR training. In Basic Life Support (BLS) training, the role of instructors is pivotal as they assess and correct learners' cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques to ensure proficiency in life-saving skills. This study evaluates the concordance between CPR quality assessments by Basic Life Support (BLS) instructors and those determined through Quantitative CPR (QCPR) devices, utilizing data from BLS courses conducted at National Cheng Kung University Hospital from October 2017 to April 2018.

6-thioguanine inhibits EV71 replication by reducing BIRC3-mediated autophagy.

Background: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the major causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), and can cause severe cerebral complications and even fatality in children younger than 5 years old. However, there is no specific medication for EV71 infection in clinical practice. Our previous studies had identified the 6-thioguanine (6-TG), an FDA-approved anticancer drug, as a potential antiviral agent, but its anti-EV71 activity is largely unknown, therefore, we aim to explore the antiviral effect of 6-TG on EV71.

Sedoanalgesia with dexmedetomidine in daily anesthesia practices: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

Background: Patient safety is important in daily anesthesia practices, and providing deep anesthesia is difficult. Current debates on the optimal anesthetic agents highlight the need for safer alternatives. This study was justified by the need for safer and more effective anesthetic protocols for outpatient hysteroscopic procedures, particularly those conducted outside the operating room.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children: the value of ultrasound in diagnosis and follow-up.

Background: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease, most prevalent in children. Ultrasound is a noninvasive, cheap, and widely available technique. However, systematic elucidation of sonographic features of LCH and treatment related follow-up are relatively few, resulting in overall underestimation of the clinical value of ultrasound in diagnosing and monitoring LCH.

Sexual dysfunction and quality of life across age groups in multiple sclerosis patients: a prospective cross-sectional analysis.

Introduction: As the most frequent chronic neurological disorder in young adults, Multiple sclerosis (MS) significantly affects neurological function, particularly the autonomic nervous system. While the physical symptoms are visible, MS also causes hidden effects like sexual dysfunction. Research indicates that sexual disorders are more prevalent in MS patients compared to other neurological conditions and are approximately five times more common than in the general population.

Associations between systemic inflammatory biomarkers and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2017-2020.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a primary cause of chronic liver disease, with potential progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although systemic inflammatory biomarkers are associated with liver diseases, their specific role in MASLD remains unclear. This study examines the association between systemic inflammatory biomarkers and MASLD.

Ectopic thyroid tissue in the airway: a case report.

Background: Ectopic thyroid tissue (ETT) is a rare congenital anomaly caused by the abnormal embryonic migration of thyroid tissue, leading to its presence outside its usual pretracheal location. This condition can lead to diagnostic challenges, especially when located within the airway, as it mimics other respiratory disorders such as asthma.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 69-year-old man with endotracheal ETT presenting with severe dyspnea, and the lesion was initially suspected to be malignant.

Prediction of pulmonary function decline in fibrous interstitial lung abnormalities based on quantitative chest CT parameters.

Background: Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) are a proposed imaging concept. Fibrous ILA have a higher risk of progression and death. Clinically, computed tomography (CT) examination is a frequently used and convenient method compared with pulmonary function tests.

Post COVID glaucoma service redesign utilising electronic patient triage and community optometry clinics (Fife, Scotland 2020-2022).

Background: COVID-19 caused a huge backlog of patients in glaucoma clinics. This study describes redesign of an entire glaucoma service with electronic patient triage to three levels and utilisation of the Scottish optometry infrastructure of upskilled optometrists.

Methods: 2276 patients in glaucoma clinics were identified and triaged to three levels in keeping with Glauc-strat-fast guidance with local amendments.

Solving unknown primary cancer with earlier diagnosis - the SUPER-ED trial: study protocol for a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial to support earlier diagnosis for people presenting with malignancy of undefined primary origin.

Background: People with malignancy of undefined primary origin (MUO) have a poor prognosis and may undergo a protracted diagnostic workup causing patient distress and high cancer related costs. Not having a primary diagnosis limits timely site-specific treatment and access to precision medicine. There is a need to improve the diagnostic process, and healthcare delivery and support for these patients.

The association between gestational selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment and newborn thyroid screen: a large-scale cohort study.

Background: The diagnosis of depression or anxiety treated by SSRIs has become relatively common in women of childbearing age. However, the impact of gestational SSRI treatment on newborn thyroid function is lacking. We explored the impact of gestational SSRI treatment on newborn thyroid function as measured by the National Newborn Screening (NBS) Program and identified contributory factors.

Fully automated segmentation and classification of renal tumors on CT scans via machine learning.

Background: To develop and test the performance of a fully automated system for classifying renal tumor subtypes via deep machine learning for automated segmentation and classification.

Materials And Methods: The model was developed using computed tomography (CT) images of pathologically proven renal tumors collected from a prospective cohort at a medical center between March 2016 and December 2020. A total of 561 renal tumors were included: 233 clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), 82 papillary RCCs, 74 chromophobe RCCs, and 172 angiomyolipomas.