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Active matter systems, being in a non-equilibrium state, exhibit complex behaviors, such as self-organization, giving rise to emergent phenomena. There are many examples of active particles with biological origins, including bacteria and spermatozoa, or with artificial origins, such as self-propelled swimmers and Janus particles. The ability to manipulate active particles is vital for their effective application, e.g., separating motile spermatozoa from nonmotile and dead ones, to increase fertilization chance. In this study, we proposed a mechanism—an apparatus—to sort and demix active particles based on their motility values (Péclet number). Initially, using Brownian simulations, we demonstrated the feasibility of sorting self-propelled particles. Following this, we employed machine learning methods, supplemented with data from comprehensive simulations that we conducted for this study, to model the complex behavior of active particles. This enabled us to sort them based on their Péclet number. Finally, we evaluated the performance of the developed models and showed their effectiveness in demixing and sorting the active particles. Our findings can find applications in various fields, including physics, biology, and biomedical science, where the sorting and manipulation of active particles play a pivotal role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a Caputo–Fabrizio (C–F) time-fractional derivative is introduced to the governing equations to present the flow of blood and the transport of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) through an inclined porous artery with mild stenosis. The rheology of blood is defined by the non-Newtonian visco-elastic Jeffrey fluid. The transport of MNPs is used as a drug delivery application for cardiovascular disorder therapy. The momentum and transport equations are solved analytically by using the Laplace transform and the finite Hankel transform along with their inverses, and the solutions are presented in the form of Laplace convolutions. To display the solutions graphically, the Laplace convolutions are solved using the numerical integration technique. The study presents the impacts of different governing parameters on blood and MNP velocities, volumetric flow rate, flow resistance, and skin friction. The study demonstrates that blood and MNP velocities boost with an increase in the fractional order parameter, Darcy number, and Jeffrey fluid parameter. The volumetric flow rate decreases and flow resistance increases with enhancement in stenosis height. The non-symmetric shape of stenosis and the rheology of blood decrease skin friction, whereas enhancement in MNP concentration increases skin friction. A comparison of the present result with the previous work shows excellent agreement. The present study will be beneficial for the field of medical science to further study atherosclerosis therapy and other similar disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising incidence of cancer underscores the imperative for innovative diagnostic and prognostic methodologies. This study delves into the potential of RNA-Seq gene expression data to enhance cancer classification accuracy. Introducing a pioneering approach, we model gene expression data as point clouds, capitalizing on the data's intrinsic properties to bolster classification performance. Utilizing PointNet, a typical technique for processing point cloud data, as our framework's cornerstone, we incorporate inductive biases pertinent to gene expression and pathways. This integration markedly elevates model efficacy, culminating in developing an end-to-end deep learning classifier with an accuracy rate surpassing 99%. Our findings not only illuminate the capabilities of AI-driven models in the realm of oncology but also highlight the criticality of acknowledging biological dataset nuances in model design. This research provides insights into application of deep learning in medical science, setting the stage for further innovation in cancer classification through sophisticated biological data analysis. The source code for our study is accessible at: https://github.com/cialab/GPNet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion To analyze the pattern of lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer based on the theory of membrane anatomy.A retrospective analysis was conducted on 143 patients who underwent esophageal surgery at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from March 2021 to March 2022. Lymph node metastasis was observed and categorized according to postoperative T staging. The characteristics and patterns of lymph node metastasis in different regions were observed, and the lymph node metastasis patterns in patients with clinical T3 esophageal cancer were analyzed using membrane anatomy theory.Among the 143 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, 21 were treated with surgery alone, while the rest received preoperative adjuvant therapy. A total of 5456 lymph nodes were cleared from the 143 patients, with 204 positive lymph nodes, resulting in a positive rate of 3.74%. In the thoracic lymph node dissection, the metastatic rates exceeded 5% for the following regions: 106recR (17.36%), 106recL (12.5%), 107 (10.42%), and 108 (5.56%) station. When analyzing the abdominal lymph node metastasis, the metastatic rates exceeded 5% for regions 7 (13.19%), 3a (7.64%), 2 (6.94%), and 1 (6.25%) station. Group analysis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma before postoperative pathological T3 stage revealed an increasing trend in tumor lymph node metastasis rate with later T staging. Lymph node metastasis in region 106recR can occur early, with a metastasis rate of 18.37% in T1 tumors. Analysis of lymph node metastasis characteristics in 103 patients clinically staged as T3 showed that 3966 lymph nodes were cleared, with 186 positive nodes, resulting in a positive rate of 4.69%. Lymph node metastasis rates were higher in regions 106recL, 106recR, 107, 108, 110, 1, 2, 3a, and 7, all exceeding 5%.The theory of membrane anatomy can effectively explain the pattern of lymph node metastasis in esophageal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case report of a 40-year-old Caucasian female with SCARB2-related Action Myoclonus Renal Failure (AMRF) syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The patient experienced progressive myoclonus epilepsy and renal failure, leading to severe motor impairments. Off-label use of miglustat, a drug used in Gaucher's disease, showed promising results in improving GCase activity and reducing myoclonus symptoms. The study highlights the potential of miglustat as a disease-modifying therapy for AMRF, emphasizing the need for further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

The article "Gut permeability and its correlation with patient's traits and blood inflammatory markers in severe asthma: Real-world assessment from the Korean severe asthma registry-2 (KoSAR-2)" explores the relationship between gut permeability and severe asthma in Korean patients. The study found that patients with severe asthma exhibited increased gut permeability, with atopy identified as the most significant patient trait influencing this condition. The research suggests a bidirectional interaction between gut permeability and airway inflammation, emphasizing the importance of addressing gut permeability in managing severe asthma. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Despite advances in medical science, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to impact patients' lives significantly, due to symptom management limitations. Cheongsangboha-tang (CSBHT; Qing Shang Bu Xia Tang) and Hyunggaeyeongyo-tang (HGYGT; Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang) have been used to treat respiratory diseases, including COPD. However, clinical data supporting their efficacy are lacking. We prospectively observed the response of patients with COPD to CSBHT and HGYGT as adjunctive therapies and assessed the feasibility of future research. Methods: Patients with COPD who were prescribed adjunctive HGYGT or CSBHT according to the COPD clinical practice protocol of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital were recruited. Participants visited the hospital every month, for 6 months, to receive herbal preparations according to a Korean Medicine doctor's diagnosis and prescription and outcome evaluations. The primary outcome was the 6-min walking test (6-MWT). Secondary outcomes included the pulmonary function test (PFT), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score. Syndrome differentiation, adverse events, and patient adherence were recorded. Results: Thirty-seven patients were initially enrolled and followed up for a mean period of 154.1 days. CSBHT was prescribed to 36 patients, while one patient received either CSBHT or HGYGT, or both, throughout the entire period. During the herbal preparation treatment period, no statistically significant changes were observed in the 6-MWT. The CAT score (mean ± standard deviation) changed from 17.0 ± 5.0 to 12.5 ± 3.6, and the visual analogue scale score for dyspnea changed from 47.5 ± 18.9 to 28.4 ± 18.6 (both statistically significant from visit 5). The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic precluded the PFT. SGRQ and mMRC scores did not change significantly. During the study period, seven patients dropped out, two experienced mild dyspepsia, and one experienced mild headache. No serious adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: We illustrated the therapeutic potential of CSBHT and provided preliminary clinical data on its efficacy and safety in patients with COPD. Our study highlights the need to derive optimal herbal formulations, which should be administered for an appropriate duration, based on the therapeutic goals for the treatment of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the emergent advent of miniaturized technologies in the last century, the past ninety years have witnessed the extensive use of micro- and nano-manipulation methods, which were promoted by the tremendous advances in fundamental physics as well as in techniques for sensing and actuating and in award-winning precision instrumentation. Micro- and nano-manipulation techniques imply the application of distinct physical laws at distinct spatial scales, and in turn enabled unprecedented progress in a significant number of scientific disciplines, particularly in the life sciences and its biomedical applications. Today, scientists have to cope with a series of issues that are inherently related to theory implementations at micro- and nanoscales, in the attempt to reveal the underlying principles that can enhance the capability of manipulating micrometer and nanometer-sized objects. Our report has the aim of giving an extensive review of the major results achieved in the study of micro- and nano-manipulation, by focusing on how fundamental physics (from robotic manipulation to magnetic, acoustic and optical fields, to electric and fluidic methods) is elaborated and leveraged to gather control over small objects, and how novel techniques are conceptually designed and practically implemented for important tool sets. We also summarize the representative applications in many disciplines over the past decades and discuss potential trends and open problems for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is a major complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Renal biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis and management of many renal diseases. Renal Interstitial Fibrosis and Tubular Atrophy (IFTA), as well as the number of obsolescent glomeruli, are prognostic factors associated with Diabetic Nephropathy (DN). Aim: To describe the renal biopsy profile of patients with DM presenting with renal disease and to determine the significance of IFTA scoring and the number of obsolescent glomeruli in predicting DKD and its severity. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of three years, from 2019 to 2022, involving a total of 189 patients selected through purposive sampling. Patients with DM who presented with renal disease and required renal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis were admitted to the Department of General Medicine and Nephrology at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The biopsy reports were obtained and analysed. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and results were expressed using descriptive and inferential statistics. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 53.02±11.00 years, with an age range from 21 to 81 years. Among the subjects, 78.3% were males and 21.7 were females. Based on the renal biopsy findings, DN was the most common condition, found in 127 subjects (67.6%). Nearly 50.0% of those with DN had Class IV chronic DN, followed by Class III (42.5%). Chronic interstitial nephritis was the most common Non Diabetic Kidney Disease (NDKD), accounting for 24.6% of cases. IFTA scoring was significantly associated with DKD and there was a significant positive correlation between the severity of IFTA scores and the number of obsolescent glomeruli with the class of DKD. A unit rise in the IFTA score and the number of obsolescent glomeruli increased the risk of having severe DKD (Class III and Class IV) by 4.32 times and 1.24 times, respectively, compared to those with less severe forms (Class I and II) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The IFTA scoring and the number of obsolescent glomeruli were found to be significant independent predictors of the severity of DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing resistance of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcusaureus to antibiotics is a major challenge faced by mankind in thehistory of medical science and according to United Nations, 700‐000 patients worldwide die every year from an infection with multidrug‐resistant organisms (MROs). Aluminum gallium nitride‐based 228 nm Far‐ultraviolet‐C (Far‐UVC) lightsources can be safely used as a germicidal application in both manned as wellas in unmanned environments against these MROs. Previously, the 228 nm Far‐UVC light‐emitting diode (LED) with emission power of 1 mW was reported by ourgroup, however, the value of external quantum efficiency (EQE) was not reportedusing conventional thick Ni (20 nm)/Au (100 nm) p‐electrode. Herein, animproved Far‐UVC LED on c‐Sapphire is attempted using a special technique in SR4000 type of metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition reactor to control the Al composition in n‐AlGaN buffer and across the 2 inch‐wafer. As a result, the light emission power of 1.8 mW and EQE of 0.32% in 228 nm Far‐UVC LED aresuccessfully achieved using very thin p‐electrode (Ni/Au). However, arelatively high junction temperature of ≈100°C around thejunction of Far‐UVC LED is observed. Finally, some simple heat‐sink modules forheat dissipation of Far‐UVC LED panel with light power of 30 mW are implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses a case of robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection for a patient with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The surgery was performed successfully using the Da Vinci Si robotic system, with minimal blood loss and no intraoperative complications. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2, and pathological examination showed negative surgical margins. This video presentation highlights the effectiveness of RALP as a minimally invasive treatment option for localized prostate cancer. [Extracted from the article]

Photochromic compounds have attracted much attention for their potential applications in photo-actuators, optoelectronic devices and optical recording techniques. This interest is driven by their key photochemical and photophysical properties, which can be reversibly modulated by light irradiation. Among them, diarylethene compounds have garnered extensive investigation due to their excellent thermal stability of both open- and closed-form isomers, robust fatigue resistance, high photocyclization quantum yield and good photochromic performance in both solution and solid phases. However, a notable limitation in expanding the utility of diarylethene compounds is the necessity for ultraviolet light to induce their photochromism. This requirement poses challenges, as ultraviolet light can be detrimental to biological tissues, and its penetration is often restricted in various media. This review provides an overview of design strategies employed in the development of visible-light-responsive diarylethene compounds. These design strategies serve as a guideline for molecular design, with the potential to significantly broaden the applications of all-visible-light-activated diarylethene compounds in the realms of materials science and biomedical science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrazinamide is a first line drug used for the treatment of tuberculosis, a pathology that caused the death of more than 1.3 million people in the world during 2022, according to WHO, being a drug of current interest due to its relevance in pharmaceutical and medical sciences. In this context, solubility is one of the most important physicochemical parameters in the development and/or optimization of new pharmaceutical forms, so the present work aims to present a thermodynamic study of the solubility of pyrazinamide in nine organic solvents of pharmaceutical interest. Using the shake-flask method and UV/Vis spectrophotometry, the solubility of this drug was determined at 9 temperatures; the maximum solubility was obtained in dimethyl sulfoxide at 318.15 K ( x 2 = 0.0816 ± 0.004 ) and the minimum in cyclohexane at 283.15 K ( 1.73 ± 0.05 × 10 − 5 ). From the apparent solubility data, the thermodynamic functions of solution and mixing were calculated, indicating an endothermic process. In addition, the solubility parameter of pyrazinamide was calculated using the Hoftyzer-van Krevelen (32.90 MPa1/2) and Bustamante (28.14 MPa1/2) methods. The maximum solubility was reached in dimethyl sulfoxide and the minimum in cyclohexane. As for the thermodynamic functions, the entropy drives the solution process in all cases. In relation to the solubility parameter, it can be analyzed that the mathematical models offer approximations; however, the experimental data are still primordial at the time of inferring any process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial in the Journal of Clinical Medicine discusses the evolving field of vasculitis, highlighting unmet clinical needs in diagnosis and treatment. The Special Issue aims to advance knowledge through innovative research, with articles covering diverse topics like biomarkers and disease mimics. The editorial emphasizes the importance of further research in areas like Giant Cell Arteritis, Takayasu Arteritis, Polyarteritis Nodosa, and ANCA-Associated Vasculitis, calling for improved diagnostic tools, validated biomarkers, and tailored treatment approaches. The authors encourage multi-center collaborations and the integration of emerging technologies to address current limitations and enhance future research in vasculitis. [Extracted from the article]

The study investigated nutrition and swallowing outcomes in patients undergoing skull base surgery, finding that pre-surgical screening may not significantly impact these outcomes. Another study evaluated the efficacy and safety of olomorasib in patients with advanced solid tumors harboring KRAS G12C mutations. Additionally, research focused on the impact of a Longitudinal Multidisciplinary Intervention on cancer patients' disease trajectory, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care. Other studies explored the impact of socioeconomic factors on treatment-related cardiovascular disease outcomes in First Nations people with cancer and patterns of care and survival outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Lastly, a study aimed to co-design a guided version of a digital psychosocial intervention to better support cancer patients with advanced disease. [Extracted from the article]

Circumcision anesthesia, aimed at mitigating pain and distress during the procedure, has evolved, reflecting advancements in medical science and societal attitudes toward pain management. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of circumcision anesthesia research, from historical origins to contemporary trends. The Web of Science collection database was used to search for all articles on circumcision anesthesia between 1980 and 2024. All fields were searched using "circumcision anesthesia" or "circumcision anaesthesia" as keywords. Countries, authors, journals, institutions, citation frequency, and journal metrics were extracted. The results were analyzed bibliometrically using the VOSviewer program. A total of 683 relevant publications between 1980 and 2024 were analyzed. The results showed that the USA had the highest number of publications, followed by Turkey. Original articles were the most common publication type, and the main research topics included pain management strategies, anesthesia techniques, and clinical outcomes. The article by Taddio et al. was the most cited article, with 738 citations, while "circumcision" and "pain" were the most common keywords used. Despite cultural and regional differences, this study highlights the growing acceptance of circumcision anesthesia as a vital aspect of medical practice and offers insights to guide future research efforts and clinical interventions. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of circumcision anesthesia in enhancing patient comfort and well-being during this standard surgical procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses various research studies related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal degeneration. It focuses on the development of novel technologies, in vitro experimental models, and the investigation of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying ALS. The studies aim to uncover disease-relevant pathways, identify potential therapeutic targets, and improve the understanding of ALS pathogenesis. The research involves the use of iPSC-derived cells, translatome technologies, and 3D models to study the impact of genetic mutations, cellular senescence, neuroinflammation, and astrocyte activation in ALS. The findings provide insights into ALS progression, cellular interactions, and potential therapeutic interventions. [Extracted from the article]

For proper functioning of the human body, several metals are required in different concentrations but if their concentration slightly elevates, because of any metal-contaminated environment or of other food sources, which leads to high toxicity and different chronic health issues. Different analytical techniques like atomic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma- mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy are used for metals analysis present in different samples in different fields but nowadays neutron activation analysis (NAA) is preferred over other analytical techniques because it is an efficient, multi-elemental, nondestructive analytical technique having an ultralow minimum detection limit, therefore it can detect heavy metals (HMs) even if at a very trace level parts per billion (ppb) with a quite simple sample preparation technique. This technique is known as "referee technique" because of its accuracy and trustworthiness. There is a widespread use of this technique in biomedical science like in Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, metabolism study, brain tumor and in many more conditions where metals are actively present. For its typical sample sizes and due to a multitude of additional benefits, it also helps in mapping of pathophysiology of the disease. Besides all, mainly in biomedical science the biological samples can easily be analyzed irrespective of any form. In recent years NAA is preferred over other analytical techniques in several research fields, so this article focuses on the analytical technique, its general principle and recent applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we analysed the clinical manifestations of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) before and after treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods: This was a retrospective study. Clinical manifestations and imaging features of patients with biopsy-proven GLM before and after treatment were retrospectively analysed from April 2021 to April 2023 at Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Results: Among 29 women of childbearing age (mean age, 34.3±3.6 years), Compared to pre-therapy, the number of patients with lumps, ruptures, pain, and menstrual irregularities was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The Chinese medicine staging demonstrated a transition from bulk to ulcerated (P=0.041). Pre- and post-treatment MRI changes included lesion number, distribution, maximal diameter, time-signal intensity curves (TIC), apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC), and BI-RADS categories 3 and 4a (all P<0.05). Furthermore, substantial changes were seen in chest wall invasion, nipple discharge, increased feeding arteries, and skin edema (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Combining internal and external Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy proved successful for GLM. A reliable assessment of therapy efficacy is provided by MRI examination of lesion changes before and after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is highly diverse and heterogeneous. Accurate and rapid analysis of the characteristics of individual cancer cells, using a complex array of big data that includes various clinicopathological features and molecular mechanisms, is crucial for advancing precision medicine. In recent years, experts in biomedical sciences and data sciences have explored the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze such extensive data sets. The next phase of AI-based medical research on cancer should focus on the practical applications of AI tools and how they can be effectively used in actual medical research settings. Recently, translational research that leverages AI and comprehensive genetic analysis data has emerged as a significant research focus. This field represents an opportunity for groundbreaking discoveries to be shared globally. To further precision medicine in clinical practice, it is vital to develop sophisticated AI tools for cancer research. These tools should not only identify potential therapeutic targets through comprehensive genetic analysis but also predict therapeutic outcomes in clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article from BJU International presents a case study of a 74-year-old patient with castration-resistant prostate cancer who underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for 20 metastatic lesions. The patient had a complex treatment history involving various therapies before receiving SBRT, which served as a bridge therapy while awaiting 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. The SBRT treatment was delivered without reported side effects, resulting in a decrease in PSA levels and a partial or complete response at treated sites. The article discusses the efficacy and challenges of SBRT in treating multiple metastatic sites, highlighting the evolving landscape of prostate cancer therapy. [Extracted from the article]

Marine algae, a rich source of bioactive substances, have long been utilized in biomedical and veterinary sciences. This study breaks new ground by assessing the antiviral therapeutic potential of water extracts from four algal species – Colaconema formosanum, Caulerpa microphysa, Gelidium amansii and Sarcodia suae – against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection. The standout among these was Sarcodia suae water extract (SSWE), which not only significantly repressed VSV replication and enhanced cell survival without cytotoxic effects, but also demonstrated its antiviral activity through interference with viral attachment, entry, RNA replication, and egress, and reduced VSV-induced autophagy in Mv1Lu cells during the late stages of infection. The EC50 of SSWE was 0.422 ± 0.14 mg ml‒1. The cytotoxicity assay confirmed the high biocompatibility of SSWE. This study identifies SSWE as a promising natural antiviral agent and elucidates its mechanisms of action, highlighting the need for further research to optimize its use in controlling VSV-related diseases. Highlights: The bioactive water extract of Sarcodia suae was identified as a sustainable antiviral agent for the algal cultivation industry. The antiviral activity of S. suae against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection was confirmed. The mechanisms of action of the extract from Sarcodia suae on the autophagic pathway were demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While narratives of divine healing are common, we rarely encounter scientific investigations into divine healing presented to the scientist, the theologian, and the curious alike. This research begins by highlighting the brilliance of the design of the human body that has been intricately fine-tuned through the work of the Holy Spirit (HS) to resist disease. The study discusses how creation harbors plant-derived bioactive molecules strategically placed to safeguard and heal the body of certain cancers and other diseases through dietary means–a testament to the design and protective work of the HS intricately woven into nature. The study also scientifically investigates divine healing by examining evidence-based data on significant cases from medical records and scientific literature. We investigate cases of remarkable divine healings from metastatic cancer, inherited genetic disease, cardiac arrest, and coma in response to prayer for healing after modern medicine offered no permanent solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document contains abstracts from the Anatomical Society Winter meeting in Liverpool, UK. The abstracts cover a range of topics related to craniofacial anatomy and development. Some of the studies discussed include the development of an automated craniofacial segmentation tool, postnatal changes in the semicircular canals of mice, the role of the digastric muscle in rabbits during mastication, tissue engineering the human TMJ disc, diet-related morphological changes in the craniofacial skeleton of red squirrels, and the biomechanics of biting in infants. Other studies explore tooth regeneration in mice, the use of anatomical models for remote learning, cranial blunt force trauma, the development of the soft palate in mammals, the morphology of the mandibular symphysis in snakes, and the mechanical behavior of cranial sutures in cases of craniosynostosis. Additionally, there is a study on the presence of bone growths in the external auditory canal of prehistoric human populations and the creation of accurate 3D printed models of juvenile skulls for educational purposes. The integration of ultrasound into the anatomy curriculum and the anatomical covariation between the endocranium and brain are also examined. These studies provide valuable insights into various aspects of craniofacial anatomy and development. [Extracted from the article]

Physiology is a scientific discipline of how people's and animals' bodies function that requires traditionally suitable experimental models that often rely on animals. However, at the end of the 50th of the last century, researchers themselves addressed concerns about the use of animals for biomedical science and physiology in particular. At that time, the so-called 3R strategy was implicated where the three "R" stand for replacement, reduction, and refinement. When addressing these concerns, researchers nevertheless realized that a critical dispute about experimental models in the light of the 3R initiative may require further attention to other points such as robustness, registration, reporting, reproducibility, and rigor of the work. The question that has to be addressed now is first whether the use of animals in physiology changed in the post-3R period, whether it led to a replacement, reduction, or refinement of animal handling, and most importantly, how this affected the scientific progress in (patho)physiology. In order to address open questions concerning the relationship between the use of animals and physiological research, complete volumes of the Pflügers Archiv – European Journal of Physiology were analyzed every 10 years starting in 1950 and ending in 2020 and compared to volumes of the Journal of Physiology. It analyzed how scientists organize their projects published in the journal and what kind of models they used. The results show that physiological science has dramatically changed in the last 70 years. Replacement, reduction, and refinement were achieved to a certain level. However, during the last years, no further achievement could be seen. It seems that a certain level of animal testing is required for biomedical science and physiology in particular. Physiological studies in the present time are dominated by investigation of the physiological function of small rodents mainly mice and rats with only a few exceptions. The analysis also shows that in the future, researchers must have a critical look at further requirements of their research such as data robustness, improvement of reproducibility of data, and generation of rigor data as a prerequisite to improve our physiological view on life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To look for the spectrum of infections and the factors predisposing to infection in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this retrospective study, demographic, clinical features, details of infections, immunosuppressive therapy, and outcomes of patients with SSc attending clinics at department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India from 1990 to 2022 were captured. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors of infection. Data of 880 patients, mean age 35.5 ± 12 years, and female: male ratio 7.7:1, were analyzed. One hundred and fifty-three patients had at least 1 infection with a total of 233 infectious episodes. Infections were most common in lung followed by skin and soft tissue. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 45 patients (29.4%). Klebsiella was the commonest non-tubercular organism in lung and Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections. In comparison to matched control group, patients with infection had a greater number of admissions due to active disease, odds ratio (OR) 6.27 (CI 3.23–12.18), were receiving immunosuppressive medication OR, 5.05 (CI 2.55–10.00), and had more digital ulcers OR, 2.53 (CI 1.17–5.45). Patients who had infection had more likelihood for death OR, 13.63 (CI 4.75 -39.18). Tuberculosis is the commonest infection and lung remains the major site of infection in patients with SSc. Number of hospital admissions, digital ulcers and immunosuppressive therapy are predictors of serious infection in patients with SSc. Patients with infections had more likelihood of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical science, the knowledge and the skills that healthcare professionals acquire and subsequently upgrade, are dynamic. The nature of the medical profession requires health professionals to continuously improve and effective exchange of information and good medical practices. For the implementation of the exchange of medical specialists and the sharing of good clinical practices, the Bulgarian legislator has provided several legal possibilities in which a foreign medical specialist can perform medical activities on the territory of the country and share his professional experience with his colleagues here. The possibility of implementing such an exchange by Bulgarian medical specialists in other countries depends on their own legislation, therefore this article only examines the possibilities for foreign medical specialists who can practice in Bulgaria. Promoting the exchange of medical professionals, not just students and medical data, would improve the quality of medical care provided. Good results require qualified specialists, reasoned decisions and actual theoretical knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, most efforts to decolonise curricula have focussed on the arts and humanities, with many believing that science subjects are objective, unbiased, and unaffected by colonial legacies. However, science is shaped by both contemporary and historical culture. Science has been used to support imperialism, to extract and exploit knowledge and natural resources, and to justify racist and ableist ideologies. Colonial legacies continue to affect scientific knowledge generation and shape contemporary research priorities. In the biomedical sciences, research biases can feed into wider health inequalities. Reflection of these biases in our taught curricula risks perpetuating long‐standing inequities to future generations of scientists. We examined attitudes and understanding towards decolonising and diversifying the curriculum among students and teaching staff in the biomedical sciences at the University of Bristol, UK, to discover whether our current teaching practice is perceived as inclusive. We used a mixed methods study including surveys of staff (N = 71) and students (N = 121) and focus groups. Quantitative data showed that staff and students think decolonising the curriculum is important, but this is more important to female respondents (P < 0.001). Students are less aware than staff of current efforts to decolonise the curriculum, while students from minority ethnic groups feel less represented by the curriculum than white students. Thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed three themes that are important for a decolonised curriculum in our context: rediscovery, representation and readiness. We propose that this '3Rs framework' could guide future efforts to decolonise and diversify the curriculum in the biomedical sciences and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to establish best practices and guidelines to ensure that experimental research utilizing Postmortem Human Subjects (PMHS) for injury prevention adheres to relevant ethical principles, which are also commonly accepted in research involving human tissues and living subjects. Furthermore, it reviews existing literature to underscore the pivotal role of PMHS testing in evaluating the efficacy of safety systems, with a particular focus on airbag performance. Methods: This paper conducts an examination of the primary ethical principles governing human subject research as outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki (1965) and traces their evolution up to the latest framework proposed by the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) in 2002. Input was solicited from international experts and laboratories experienced in PMHS testing to understand how these ethical principles are implemented in practice. This is complemented by a comprehensive review of literature that assesses the contribution of PMHS testing to airbag performance enhancements in frontal impacts. Results: The findings underscore the importance of informed consent from donors or their next-of-kin, as highlighted in CIOMS declarations, to ensure the ethical integrity of the donation process in line with international standards. The study also finds it customary for an independent review board to evaluate the research methodology and the necessity of employing PMHS tissue over alternative methods, such as computational models or crash test dummies. Despite various national regulations on human subject participation and living tissue research, no specific legal framework governing PMHS tissue use was identified. The systematic literature review revealed that PMHS testing has been crucial in identifying potential injury mechanisms not detected by Anthropomorphic Test Devices (ATD), significantly contributing to the enhancement of computer human body models and the biofidelity of crash test dummies. Conclusion: The International Council on the Biomechanics of Injury (IRCOBI) recognizes the need to provide guidance for research involving human cadaveric tissue to be conducted with the highest ethical standards. This study proposes five recommendations to ensure adherence to these ethical principles in PMHS testing, highlighting the paramount importance of obtaining informed consent and securing independent committee approval. Moreover, IRCOBI emphasizes that until a thorough understanding of tissue damage tolerance levels is achieved and human surrogates, such as ATDs or Human Body Models (HBM), reach full biofidelity, the use of human cadavers remains indispensable for developing effective injury prevention strategies and measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome and the response to anti-PD-1-based combination therapy in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to identify potential non-invasive biomarkers and new strategies to modulate immunotherapy in HCC. Methods: In this study, fresh stool samples and clinical data were collected from unresectable HCC patients treated with anti-PD-1-based combination therapy at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2020 and December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups based on their response to treatment: the treatment responder group (R group) and the treatment non-responder group (NR group). The composition and diversity of the gut microbiome were bioinformatically analyzed by using the Whole Genome Shotgun strategy, including taxonomic composition analysis, Alpha diversity analysis, Beta diversity analysis, and differentially enriched bacterial taxa analysis. Differentially enriched bacterial taxa between R and NR groups were identified based on the magnitude of the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and analyzed for their impact on the survival of the patient. Results: A total of 45 eligible patients with unresectable HCC treated with anti-PD-1-based combination therapy participated in this study. The gut microbiological composition and Alpha diversity of patients were not statistically different, but there was a statistically significant difference in Beta diversity between the R and NR groups. (PERMANOVA tests, P = 0.006). We further identified 56 enriched bacterial taxa in the R group and 44 enriched bacterial taxa in the NR group based on the LEfSe analysis (LDA >2.66, P< 0.05). Patients with a high abundance of Collinsella genus, Ruminococcus_AM4211, and Ruminococcus_AF25_28AC had a longer median PFS and median OS compared to those with low abundance (P < 0.05). On the contrary, the median PFS and OS of patients with a high abundance of Bacteroides_AF20_13LB and Veillonella_ atypica were significantly shorter than those of patients with low abundance (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that the abundance of Bacteroides_ AF20_13LB and Ruminococcus_ AF25_28AC was independent related factors for PFS, and the abundance of Bacteroides_AF20_13LB was an independent related factor of OS. Conclusion: The enrichment of specific gut microbiota affected clinical efficacy and survival benefits in HCC treated with anti-PD-1 therapy and may be a promising non-invasive gut microbial biomarker and a new strategy for modulating immunotherapy in HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the environmental and health implications of the construction of the Panama Canal. It highlights the significant amount of dirt and rock that was moved during the excavation and the lack of attention given to where this material was dumped. The article discusses the transformation of landscapes and the loss of wetlands and mangroves during this period. It also examines the decision-making process behind the location of dumps, which was influenced by concerns about public health and economic gain. The article emphasizes the power relations and economic concerns involved in canal construction and the impact on ecosystems in Panama. [Extracted from the article]

Nowadays, an important count of biomedical data is created continuously in several biomedical equipment and experiments because of quick technical enhancements in biomedical science. The study of clinical and health data is vital to enhance the analysis precision, prevention, and treatment. Initial analysis and treatment are extremely important approaches for preventing deaths in many diseases. Accordingly, the data mining and machine learning (ML) approaches are helpful tools for utilizing minimization error and for providing helpful data for analysis. But the data obtained in digital machines takes higher dimensionality, and not every data attained in digital machines is significant to specific diseases. This article develops an artificial bee colony-based feature selection with optimal hybrid ML model for medical data classification (ABCFS-OHML) technique. The presented ABCFS-OHML technique mainly aims to identify and classify the presence of disease using medical data. To attain this, the presented ABCFS-OHML technique initially pre-processes the input data in two ways namely null value removal and data transformation. Furthermore, the presented ABCFS-OHML technique uses ABCFS model for the choice of effectual subset of features. At last, root means square propagation with convolutional neural network-Hop field neural network (CNN-HFNN) model for classification purposes. The usage of RMSProp optimizer assists in attaining optimal hyperparameter selection of the CNN-HFNN method. The performance validation of the ABCFS-OHML technique takes place using three medical datasets. The comparison study reported that the ABCFS-OHML technique has accurately classified the medical data over other recent approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A widely adopted measure of housing affordability is that households should spend no more than 30% of their household income on housing. However, this normative threshold is an arbitrary Great Depression-era guideline and may not be relevant today. This paper proposes a subjective indicator of housing affordability by introducing a method commonly used in the medical sciences. It utilizes discrete information to estimate a subjective affordability ratio that discriminates between subjective house-poor and non-house-poor households. We apply the proposed method to household-level data collected in Selangor, Malaysia, and show that the optimal cut-off point is 23.5%. This estimated value suggests a higher prevalence of house-poor households than is implied by the regularly assumed 30% threshold. In addition, we perform a sensitivity analysis and find the bias in the estimated cut-off point is close to zero. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bibliometric rankings of researchers are increasingly important for academic hiring and for making grant application decisions in the biomedical sciences. As a case study, we performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of German pharmacology and toxicology. The 42 members of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) represented in the German 'best scientist' ranking in biology and biochemistry on www.research.com for the year 2022 were analyzed according to various aspects. The scientist ranking on Research.com is based on the Hirsch Index (h-Index). In the comparatively small field of pharmacology, which accounts for only 4.2% of the scientists in the ranking on Research.com, there are only two women. This shows that female pharmacologists are highly underrepresented in elite pharmacology. To achieve a high h-Index, a pharmacologist must publish more papers than a biochemist or biologist. Furthermore, German elite pharmacology was compared in the three sub-societies of the DGPT. There are no significant differences between elite pharmacologists and toxicologists in terms of productivity. Two large German pharmacology schools (Günter Schultz and Franz Hofmann) are similar in all bibliometric parameters except for number of total publications. Age-specific factors were also defined for the analysis: 'academic age' and the quotient of the h-Index by 'academic age'. Any given bibliometric parameter (or combination of parameters) yielded different ranking results. This became even more evident when additionally considering the highly popular and widely used Laborjournal ranking of top pharmacology and toxicology researchers with only very few DGPT members listed. We unmasked 7 types of publication patterns of pharmacologists, an age-dependent publication peak at around 55 years and different trajectories for high- and low-volume publishing pharmacologists. In the future, less emphasis should be paid to bibliometric parameters in academic hiring and grant decisions than to the authentic societal and scientific impact of the research. Bibliometric parameters are very arbitrary within a very large segment of pharmacologists. Studies according to the paradigm of this account should be made for other countries, other learned societies, and other scientific fields. The different cultures among related scientific fields must be considered in bibliometric analyses as exemplified here for pharmacology versus biochemistry. Conversely, the bibliometric similarities between pharmacology and toxicology show that both fields belong together and have a very similar culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engaging in undergraduate research experiences is known to have broad and positive impacts on college students. Despite the benefits, achieving faculty buy-in and support can be challenging even when faculty have strong research funding. In order to understand how to better support undergraduate research programs, we applied quantitative models to explore how the impact of research funding is mediated by faculty beliefs about undergraduate research mentoring in STEM disciplines. The results indicate that faculty characteristics and beliefs about the benefits and barriers of mentoring undergraduate students in research impact the number of students mentored even when accounting for research funding levels of the individual faculty. Practical recommendations are presented based on the models from this research project in order to provide insight into how centers or units on a campus may work with faculty to support and encourage mentoring of undergraduates in research in the biomedical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need to advance Parkinson's disease research in Africa through the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program. It highlights the lack of diversity in PD research, particularly in African populations, and the challenges faced in research capacity and infrastructure. Efforts are being made to address these challenges by collaborating to genotype and sequence African cohorts, providing training and capacity building, and promoting collaboration in genetic research. The ultimate goal is to increase professionals skilled in clinical research, genetics, and bioinformatics to drive progress in PD research in Africa. [Extracted from the article]

We envision "AI scientists" as systems capable of skeptical learning and reasoning that empower biomedical research through collaborative agents that integrate AI models and biomedical tools with experimental platforms. Rather than taking humans out of the discovery process, biomedical AI agents combine human creativity and expertise with AI's ability to analyze large datasets, navigate hypothesis spaces, and execute repetitive tasks. AI agents are poised to be proficient in various tasks, planning discovery workflows and performing self-assessment to identify and mitigate gaps in their knowledge. These agents use large language models and generative models to feature structured memory for continual learning and use machine learning tools to incorporate scientific knowledge, biological principles, and theories. AI agents can impact areas ranging from virtual cell simulation, programmable control of phenotypes, and the design of cellular circuits to developing new therapies. By combining human creativity and subject expertise with the power and potential of artificial intelligence, "AI systems" will help enable powerful discoveries across the biomedical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article delves into the rare subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma called dual-phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma (DPHCC), which has a poor prognosis and high invasiveness. It compares clinical and MRI features of DPHCC with non-DPHCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) to aid in diagnosing DPHCC accurately. Factors such as absence of tumor capsule, persistent enhancement, arterial rim enhancement, and target sign on DWI image were identified as significant for distinguishing DPHCC from non-DPHCC. The study emphasizes the importance of precise preoperative diagnosis for selecting personalized treatment options for DPHCC, as well as exploring histologic characteristics and prognostic significance of small hepatocellular carcinoma with biliary differentiation. [Extracted from the article]

The editorial delves into the role of epigenetic mechanisms in rare diseases, particularly focusing on histone post-translational modifications and DNA methylation. Specific articles within the research topic explore rare neurological diseases and the impact of epigenetics on liver fibrosis. The study highlights the presence of rare deleterious variants in the IGF signaling pathway in Han Chinese autism cohorts, suggesting a potential link between IGF1R mutations and autism pathogenesis. The research emphasizes the importance of IGF1R and IGF2R in cortical development and their influence on IN-PV neurons, indicating a possible connection between IGF signaling pathways and autism. Targeting the IGF signaling pathway could potentially offer new therapeutic approaches for autism, but further research is necessary to fully comprehend the underlying molecular mechanisms. [Extracted from the article]

This phase 3, observer-blinded, non-inferiority randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05517642), conducted from September 2022 to May 2023 at three Malaysian sites, involved 540 adults previously vaccinated with three COVID-19 doses. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either one dose of inhaled Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine (Ad5-nCoV-IH) or intramuscular tozinameran (BNT-IM). The study assessed safety, vaccine efficacy (VE) and immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. The primary outcome was the non-inferiority of anti-spike protein receptor-binding domain (S-RBD IgG) antibodies, with a 97.5% confidence interval lower limit for the geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratio >0.67. Ad5-nCoV-IH showed lower immunogenicity than BNT-IM, with a GMC ratio of 0.22 and a seroconversion rate difference of -71.91%. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were less frequent with Ad5-nCoV-IH (39.26%) compared to BNT-IM (64.68%). No serious vaccine-related adverse events were reported. Both vaccines had comparable efficacy against COVID-19 variants. This study was funded by Tianjin Biomedical Science and Technology Major Project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial published in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience on October 17, 2024, focuses on revisiting mouse models of traumatic brain injuries, specifically looking at intracellular mechanisms. The article discusses the importance of mouse models in TBI research due to limitations in human clinical studies. It highlights the relevance and shortcomings of existing TBI mouse models and investigates dysregulated intracellular mechanisms in the injured brain. The research aims to improve understanding and potential treatments for TBI, emphasizing the need for further studies on translational outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Teachers can perceive themselves as a true teacher and act as one only if they have a strong professional identity. This study aimed to identify factors that shape the unique professional identity of basic medical sciences teachers in Pakistan. Methods: A qualitative study was performed using the concepts of phenomenology and purposive sampling. A 20-item text-based interview was conducted by sharing a Google Form link with basic medical sciences teachers from select institutions. Iterative data collection and analysis were performed until data saturation was attained. Results: A total of 40 participants took part in the study. Nine categories were identified and grouped into two major themes: four personal and five environmental factors. Personal factors included characteristics, preferences, religious values, and professional development. Environmental factors included community of practice, students' feedback, administrative support, work environment, and societal apathy. Among these factors, aptitude, family preference or work-life balance, hard work, dedication, and effect on parenting were more evident in women. By contrast, passion, experience, complacency, and unique identity were the prominent factors. Discussion: Community of practice [31 (77%)], passion for teaching [21 (52%)], students' feedback [18 (45%)], work-life balance [16 (40%)], and religious values [13 (32%)] were the primary positive contributors to the identity of basic medical sciences teachers. By contrast, poor administrative support [8 (20%)], negative work environment [11 (27%)], job dissatisfaction [7 (17%)], societal apathy [4 (10%)], and lack of opportunities for professional growth [6 (15%)] negatively impact the professional identity of basic medical sciences teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document is a preface to a special issue of the Journal of Mechanics in Medicine & Biology, focusing on the application and progress of biomechanics in medicine. It highlights various research papers that explore topics such as the effects of whole-body vibration exercise on older adults, the use of electrical muscle stimulation in athletic performance, and the application of deep learning models in traditional Chinese medicine. The preface emphasizes the importance of biomechanics in revolutionizing medical science and patient care, inviting readers to explore new developments and potential directions in the field. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a case report of a 6-month-old male with a rare inborn error of immunity that initially presented as acute respiratory failure. The patient's condition worsened despite treatment for bronchiolitis, leading to further investigations that revealed Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PJP) secondary to CD40L deficiency. CD40L deficiency is associated with various clinical manifestations and poor prognosis, but early management with IVIG and antibiotic prophylaxis can reduce life-threatening infections, with hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) being the only cure. The patient was discharged home after treatment and remains on prophylactic medications while awaiting HSCT. [Extracted from the article]

The document contains the proceedings of the 34th Symposium of the European College of Veterinary Neurology and the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, featuring abstracts of research presentations on various topics related to veterinary neurology. Studies discussed include the efficacy of azathioprine and prednisolone in treating meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown origin in dogs, the genetic origin of metabolic disorders in Yorkshire terriers, and the removal of intracranial foreign bodies in dogs. The document also covers cases of encephalopathy in a European brown bear cub, mycotic discospondylitis in a German Shepherd, and oligodendroglioma in a boxer, among other neurological conditions in dogs and cats. Additionally, the establishment of a companion animal brain bank in the UK and the socioeconomic burden of intervertebral disc herniation in dogs are discussed. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a case of a seven-month-old female child with a congenital mandibular appendicular nodule and a cervical/submandibular mass. The diagnosis was determined to be partial diprosopus with developmental cystic formation, a rare condition characterized by duplication of facial structures. Surgical intervention was performed to excise the accessory mouth and jaw, as well as the cystic lesion, with postoperative follow-up showing no complications. The family is receiving genetic counseling for future pregnancies, and the patient's growth and development are being closely monitored. [Extracted from the article]