Recent Articles

Early copper deficiency detection is important for sheep, a sensitive animal to copper (Cu) nutrition. Diagnosis through blood copper, ceruloplasmin, and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) enzymes is not ideal due to the multifactorial control of these parameters. The copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS) protein is reported to be a specific biomarker for Cu deficiency in cattle and mice but not in sheep

Data of patients still alive 10 years after initial treatment for multiple myeloma (MM) were collected by 13 Italian hematological centers from January 2020 to December 2022. Routine work-up at diagnosis and type of treatment of 201 patients were analyzed from December 2023 to March 2024

Background: Calprotectin (CPL) is a marker of neutrophil-induced inflammation. Objective: Assess whether salivary CPL could be a useful marker of chronic inflammation. Methods: All relevant data were collected about patients who consulted from 2024 October 20th to December 20th and who had a previous medical history of periodontitis (PO).Patients were classified according to the level of salivary CPL. The CPL threshold for active PO and/or Fusobacterium nucleatum + Porphyromonas gingivalis (Fn+Pg) on dental collets was determined. Patients with PO remission, without Fn+Pg on dental collets and below the identified threshold were attributed to group A. Other patients were attributed to group B. Both groups were compared

Background: This study examined the rising incidence and prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) across age, gender, and regions in Himachal Pradesh to inform targeted public health strategies. Methods: CKD incidence data were collected from various age groups, gender, and blocks. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were used to assess the significance of differences in CKD case distribution by age, gender, temporal and region. Results: The significant spatial, temporal, gender, and age-related variations in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) prevalence across Himachal Pradesh (2014–2023), with Shimla showing the highest prevalence. CKD disproportionately affects male (60.2%) Mashobra (20.4%) reports the highest CKD cases, followed by Theog (12.3%), and Kupvi (2.4%) the lowest. Significant gender differences across blocks are confirmed (χ² = 26.436, p < .01). Chi-square analysis (χ² = 18.423, p < .05) revealed significant gender disparities in CKD cases from 2014 to 2023, with peaks in 2023 (16.9%) and a low in 2017 (6%). Chisquare analysis (χ² = 41.076, p < .000) showed a significant age-gender association in CKD, with the highest number of cases in 57–67 years (637) and lowest in

The Plasmodium falciparum T-cell immunomodulatory protein homolog, PfTIP, is a novel invasion-related protein that is thought to play additional roles in modulating host immune responses to the infection. We examined the cellular localiza tion and secretion patterns of PfTIP in laboratory cultured Plasmodium falciparum parasites and in naturally infected indivi duals, and investigated the association between plasma levels of the protein and host immune responses

According to UN-Habitat, slums are characterized by the absence of several essential living conditions, including durable housing that others protection against severe climatic conditions, insufficient living space, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to safe water [1]

The existence of the fighting bull, exploited in the poor pastures in the interior of Terceira Island, allowed the preservation of the largest area of endemic a 20-million-year-old subtropical rainforest called Laurissilva [1]. The fighting bull is the symbol of the preservation carried out by some of these men, the cattle farmers [2]. The appearance of the first cattle in the Azores oc curred in the 15th century, in line with the discovery and settlement by the Portuguese [3]. In addition to being an important source of protein for emerging populations, interaction with cattle also took on a playful nature, taking advantage of the aggres siveness of these cattle raised in the interior of the islands, particularly on Terceira Island [4]. The aggressive cattle, which are the precursors of the Brava dos Açores cattle population, had and continue to play an important economic and socio-cultural role, particularly in maintaining the tradition of rope bullfight, called “Tourada à Corda”, unique in the country and which is practically dispersed across 5 of the 9 islands from the Azores [5].

Objective: In this study, we aim to share the outcomes of our ablation procedures conducted for childhood arrhythmias through the coronary venous sinus. Our experience highlights the effectiveness and potential of this approach in managing pediatric arrhythmias. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. Of the 2450 ablations performed in our center, 52 were carried out using the coronary venous system in pediatric patients between January 2014 and August 2024. Fifty-two consecutive pa tients with accessory pathways, atrial and ventricular tachycardia were included, and ablation through the coronary venous system was performed using EnSite® precison system

Anti-voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex antibodies are associated with a spectrum of neurological disorders involving both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Isaacs’ syndrome predominantly manifests with peripheral symp toms such as neuromyotonia due to peripheral nerve hyperexcitability. In contrast, Morvan syndrome encompasses a com bination of neuromyotonia, encephalopathy, and autonomic dysfunction. Anti-VGKC complex antibody disorders are of ten paraneoplastic, with thymoma detected in approximately one-third of cases. Thymectomy is the standard treatment in such cases. We present the case of a 49-year-old female who experienced muscle spasms and twitches in all four extremities for three years. Electromyography revealed neuromyotonia. Serum analysis confirmed the presence of anti-VGKC complex antibodies, establishing the diagnosis of Isaacs’ syndrome. Further investigation uncovered a type B3 thymoma, and the pa tient subsequently underwent thymectomy. Unexpectedly, one week after thymectomy, the patient developed Morvan syn drome, presenting with new-onset encephalopathy and autonomic dysfunction. These symptoms were successfully man aged with plasmapheresis. This case is noteworthy as it highlights a potential link between thymectomy and the emergence of Morvan syndrome, suggesting that thymectomy may exacerbate or trigger this condition in certain patients. While the un derlying mechanism remains unclear, this observation underscores the importance of careful patient selection, thorough preoperative counseling, and vigilant postoperative monitoring. To provide further context, we include a comprehensive lit erature review of studies reporting the development of Morvan syndrome following thymectomy. This analysis aims to en hance understanding of the potential risks and outcomes associated with thymectomy in the context of anti-VGKC complex antibody disorders.

Sodium metabisulfite is a synthetic compound which comes under group of sulfur-based food additives. As a food additive they are used as preservative, antioxidant, dough conditioner, and colour stabilizer. They are used in wide varieties of foods like dried fruits, vegetables, sea foods, juices, and alcoholic beverages. Sulfur dioxide is the active compound which plays a major role as an antimicrobial food additive. Sulfite intake has been related with many adverse health effects such as vitamin deficiency, allergies, gut microbiota dysbiosis. Countries have taken measure to regulate the use of sulfur containing food ad ditives and have legislations that prohibited the use of additive in meats. This review discusses the benefits of sodium metabi sulfite, its role in food preservation, with an emphasis on its health risks in animals and humans.

Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) has been accomplished to evaluate the effect of the different operating parameters, namely the hourly space velocity, the reaction temperature, and [C02: CH4] mole ratio on the conversion and formation of the different components involved in the dry reforming of methane over Ni/MgO catalyst. A three-layered Feed Forward Neural Network in conjugation with the Radial Basis Function, and an optimized topology of 3:10:1 (input neurons: hidden neurons: output neurons) has been developed, trained, and tested. Moreover, the RBFNN has been employed to elucidate such effects in the three and two dimensions and to display the location of the predicted maxima. The results are compared to our previosuley pblished RSM results. The preeminence of ANN was indicated in the prediction capability demostrating the & F Ratio are 0.78 - 0.99 & 17.39- 231.09 for RSM method compared to 1.00 & 9.92E+29 - 1.30E+39 for ANN method beside lower values for error analysis terms. This is due to ANN capability to approximate the non-linearity between the input and output variables.

The incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, exhibits consider able geographical variability. Although studies have extensively documented VTE in low-altitude settings, the impact of high-altitude (HA) environments remains underexplored. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by examining the inci dence and risk factors for VTE in the HA of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, offering a unique perspective on how altitude influences VTE risk. In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed the medical records from the Tibet Autonomous Region Peo ple's Hospital between January 2018 and December 2023

Background: Maternal steroid use carries a theoretical risk for neonatal adrenal insufficiency (AI). Most of neonatal units do not recommend short synacthen test (SST) to check AI in babies who were exposed to steroids in utero. Two local units in Yorkshire recommend SST based on certain criteria. One unit uses antenatal dose thresholds of 7.5 mg/day equivalent prednisolone for≥ 28 days while another uses 5 mg/day equivalent prednisolone for same duration as indication for SST.

The real-life use of Phosphodiesterase type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) might differ across Institutions and physicians. We performed the Optimizing Management of Erectile Dysfunction (OPTI.M.E.D.) sur vey to outline the real-life practice of ED management in Italy. The OPTI.M.E.D. Survey tested the hypothesis that the new formulation of sildenafil oral suspension may show higher patient satisfaction and better clinical outcomes compared to other PDE5 inhibitors. The Survey involved 59 Italian urologists/andrologists, with data from a total of 1,150 patients. In the first Step, a Webinar was held for the presentation of the survey, and the Physician Interview Form used in the survey was presented. In Step 2, the forms were completed and collected, and the data obtained were subsequently analyzed. In Step 3, a final Webinar was held, during which the results were presented by the Scientific Board to all participants. In 88.9% of patients already treated with PDE5Is, the previously used molecule/formulation was changed at the first visit, be cause of treatment ineffectiveness and/or because of poor tolerability or compliance. According to the physicians’ reports, sildenafil oral suspension was the most commonly prescribed drug at the first visit (75.9% OF CASES), both in naïve pa tients and in those previously taking other PDE5Is. The prescription of sildenafil oral suspension was also confirmed at the second visit (after 60-90 days) in 97.9% of patients. The OPTI.M.E.D. survey provided a "real-life" snapshot of the manage ment of ED patients seen in daily clinical practice in andrology and urology settings in Italy. According to the results of this survey, sildenafil oral suspension is associated with a high degree of patient satisfaction, also thanks to its peculiar formula tion, which facilitates dosage modulation and is characterized by convenience and discretion of use as it does not require wa ter to take it

Objective：To observe the clinical effect of Acupuncture Cupping Bubbling Therapy in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods: 88 patients of breast cancer were divided into the Acupuncture Cupping Bubbling Therapy group of 46 cases and the traditional Acupuncture Cupping group of 42 cases at random, and the symptom-relieving, the tumor-disappearing, tu mor- lessening (surviving with tumors) and functional recovery were observed separately. Results: The total effective rate of Acupuncture Cupping Bubbling Therapy group was 100% and the excellently effective rate was 89.1%. But the total effective rate of Acupuncture Cupping Therapy group was 88.1% and the excellently effective rate was 42.9%. the difference of the ex cellently effective rates has extreme significance（P

To analyze the clinical effects of transverse tibial transfer technology, transverse tibial transfer combined with platelet-rich plasma therapy and conventional treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Thirty patients with diabetic foot ulcers from January 2021 to December 2023 were randomly divided into 3 groups

Introduction: The assessment of physicians’ awareness levels in Sanandaj educational centers regarding ionizing radiation doses related to the use of chest CT scans during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial. This assessment can prevent unneces sary procedures. Additionally, it ensures that when necessary, these procedures are not overlooked. Through this approach, costs incurred by patients and insurance organizations due to unwarranted requests can be reduced.

The incidence of autoimmune disorders has increased with the rise in carbon dioxide since last century. Objective: To determine whether CO2 is associated with autoimmune disorders. Design: Case-control study at local tertiary hospitals in Egypt. Method: A total of 150 patients with various autoimmune disorders, and 75 controls were aged 20 to 70 years. The exclu sion criteria were neuromuscular disorder, critical, respiratory illness, and exposure to CO2, guided by the criteria of the National Institute for Occupational Safety. Patients recruited from November 2023 to March 2024, matched by age, sex, and other demographic variables. All participants were tested for blood gases. Certain cases were further tested to confirm the autoimmune status. Pa CO2 analysis performed using two methods of statistical significance to validate data. Results: Pa CO2 (Mean ± SD) was (48.18 ± 12.10) in autoimmune cases, compared to (42.63 ± 11.06) in control (p= 0.001), number (%) of cases with ↑PaCO2= 97(64.7%) for cases, and 30(40%) for control (RR=1.6167). OR (95% CI) = 2.7453 (1.552 to 4.857), p=0.0005

Background: Immune Defense Proteins (IDP) is a complex of milk proteins that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity and provide protection from infection. The effect of IDP on enhancing immune response after an influenza vaccine in humans has not been shown and is the objective of this study

Anaemia is one of the major public health concerns among women of child bearing age globally with associated adverse outcomes for mother and child. However, there is limited information on the factors associated with anaemia among wo men in Zambia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anaemia and its associated factors among women aged 15-49 in Zambia using data from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS). We analyzed secondary data from 13,683 women who participated in the ZDHS survey. Descriptive statistics were used to generate fre quencies and percentages, while binary logistic regression identified significant factors associated with anaemia. The pre valence of anaemia among women aged 15 – 49 years was 30%, with 16% being mildly, 13% being moderately, and 1% be ing severely anaemic. Anaemia prevalence was higher in women of ages 30 to 49 (31.3%) compared to that of women be low 30 years old (29.7%). Similarly, anaemia prevalence was slightly higher among urban respondents (30.6%) compared to their rural counterparts (30.2%). Additionally, pregnancy status, marital status, employment status, wealth index, age, and total number of children ever born were significantly associated with anaemia prevalence among Zambian women based on ZDHS. Conclusion: Anemia in women is a pervasive global health issue, as evidenced by its high prevalence in Zambia (30%), reflecting broader patterns seen worldwide. Addressing this challenge requires targeted interventions, in cluding education on the importance of consuming iron-rich foods and the use of iron supplements, especially during pregnancy