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Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality which primarily occurs due to the blood vessel obstruction or narrowing. Surgical procedures such as, coronary artery and peripheral artery bypass grafting frequently require vascular grafts for long‐term revascularization. However, using autogenous vessels, such as the internal thoracic artery and saphenous vein, especially for vessels with diameters less than 6 mm, are associated with number of concerns due to limited availability, invasive retrieval procedures, and aptness. To overcome these limitations, the development of tissue‐engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) is in continuous thrust. This review comprehensively provides the potentiality of a range of artificial and naturally occurring biopolymers and their fabrication techniques, cell sources and seeding techniques to realize the state‐of‐the‐art TEVGs. Moreover, this review article presents a synopsis of insights obtained from a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies, including human clinical trials. It underscores the need for further exploration into key areas such as optimal cell sources, seeding techniques, mechanical properties, hemodynamics, graft integration, the impact of patient conditions, optimum burst pressure, sufficient suture strength, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and related factors. In summary, the review offers insights into the current strategies, challenges, and future perspectives of TEVG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background HIV testing services (HTS) are the first steps in reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals to achieve and maintain low HIV incidence. Evaluating the effectiveness of different demand creation interventions to increase uptake of efficient and effective HTS is useful to prioritize limited programmatic resources. This review was undertaken to inform World Health Organization (WHO) 2019 HIV testing guidelines and assessed the research question, 'Which demand creation strategies are effective for enhancing uptake of HTS?' focused on populations globally. Methods and findings The following electronic databases were searched through September 28, 2021: PubMed, PsycInfo, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL Complete, Web of Science Core Collection, EMBASE, and Global Health Database; we searched IAS and AIDS conferences. We systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any demand creation intervention (incentives, mobilization, counseling, tailoring, and digital interventions) to either a control or other demand creation intervention and reported HTS uptake. We pooled trials to evaluate categories of demand creation interventions using random-effects models for meta-analysis and assessed study quality with Cochrane's risk of bias 1 tool. This study was funded by the WHO and registered in Prospero with ID CRD42022296947. We screened 10,583 records and 507 conference abstracts, reviewed 952 full texts, and included 124 RCTs for data extraction. The majority of studies were from the African (N = 53) and Americas (N = 54) regions. We found that mobilization (relative risk [RR]: 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.30, 3.09], p < 0.05; risk difference [RD]: 0.29, 95% CI [0.16, 0.43], p < 0.05, N = 4 RCTs), couple-oriented counseling (RR: 1.98, 95% CI [1.02, 3.86], p < 0.05; RD: 0.12, 95% CI [0.03, 0.21], p < 0.05, N = 4 RCTs), peer-led interventions (RR: 1.57, 95% CI [1.15, 2.15], p < 0.05; RD: 0.18, 95% CI [0.06, 0.31], p < 0.05, N = 10 RCTs), motivation-oriented counseling (RR: 1.53, 95% CI [1.07, 2.20], p < 0.05; RD: 0.17, 95% CI [0.00, 0.34], p < 0.05, N = 4 RCTs), short message service (SMS) (RR: 1.53, 95% CI [1.09, 2.16], p < 0.05; RD: 0.11, 95% CI [0.03, 0.19], p < 0.05, N = 5 RCTs), and conditional fixed value incentives (RR: 1.52, 95% CI [1.21, 1.91], p < 0.05; RD: 0.15, 95% CI [0.07, 0.22], p < 0.05, N = 11 RCTs) all significantly and importantly ([greater than or equal to]50% relative increase) increased HTS uptake and had medium risk of bias. Lottery-based incentives and audio-based interventions less importantly (25% to 49% increase) but not significantly increased HTS uptake (medium risk of bias). Personal invitation letters and personalized message content significantly but not importantly ( Conclusions Mobilization, couple- and motivation-oriented counseling, peer-led interventions, conditional fixed value incentives, and SMS are high-impact demand creation interventions and should be prioritized for programmatic consideration. Reduced duration counseling and video-based interventions are an efficient and effective alternative to address staffing shortages. Investment in demand creation activities should prioritize those with undiagnosed HIV or ongoing HIV exposure. Selection of demand creation interventions must consider risks and benefits, context-specific factors, feasibility and sustainability, country ownership, and universal health coverage across disease areas., Author(s): Anjuli D. Wagner 1,*, Irene N. Njuguna 1,2, Jillian Neary 3, Kendall A. Lawley 3, Diana K. N. Louden 4, Ruchi Tiwari 1, Wenwen Jiang 3, Ngozi Kalu 5, [...]

AbstractInulin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide derived from plants such as chicory root, has emerged as a significant ingredient in pharmaceutical sciences due to its diverse therapeutic and functional properties. This review explores the multifaceted applications of inulin, focusing on its chemical structure, sources, and mechanisms of action. Inulin’s role as a prebiotic is highlighted, with particular emphasis on its ability to modulate gut microbiota, enhance gut health, and improve metabolic processes. The review also delves into the therapeutic applications of inulin, including its potential in managing metabolic health issues such as diabetes and lipid metabolism, as well as its immune-modulating properties and benefits in gastrointestinal health. Furthermore, the article examines the incorporation of inulin in drug formulation and delivery systems, discussing its use as a stabilizing agent and its impact on enhancing drug bioavailability. Innovative inulin-based delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and hydrogels, are explored for their potential in controlled release formulations. The efficacy of inulin is supported by a review of clinical studies, underscoring its benefits in managing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular health, and gastrointestinal disorders. Safety profiles, regulatory aspects, and potential side effects are also addressed. This comprehensive review concludes with insights into future research directions and the challenges associated with the application of inulin in pharmaceutical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a multifactorial illness, have decreased post-bronchodilator lung function. While it was once believed that hyperresponsiveness and acute bronchodilator reversibility were characteristics of asthma, it is now generally acknowledged that these clinical features also occur in COPD. The current review provides an overview of corticosteroids' role in treating COPD signs. Both localized and systemic inflammations are key components of the pathophysiology of COPD. Inflammation occurs during an exacerbation and has been linked to a quicker course of COPD. Both systemic and local inflammations have been linked to COPD and using both Inhaled and Systemic Corticosteroids (ICS) has been found to be important when treating COPD. According to several current international documents on the management and therapy of COPD, patients at high risk of exacerbations-those with a Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) of a fifty percent probability of exacerbation or more than one exacerbation per year-should receive ICS in addition to long-acting bronchodilators as maintenance treatment. In summary, systemic corticosteroids are the gold standard for treating Acute Exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Research has shown that using these drugs can improve lung function in the short term while reducing the likelihood of treatment failure, 30-day recurrence rates and length of hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current diagnostic methods for Bovine tuberculosis (TB) and Paratuberculosis (pTB) involve invasive sampling methods that require handling and restraining causing stress and pain to the animals along with days required for the interpretation of test results. By the 3Rs ethical principle and animal welfare, an alternative non-invasive sampling method to screen herds could be a better option. Milk may be a major source for the large-scale spread of tuberculosis and to a considerable extent of paratuberculosis bacilli in humans. Keeping this in view, milk samples were utilized for the screening of herds employing acid-fast staining microscopic examination to determine the presence of Mycobacterium and other acid-fast bacilli (AFB). For the study, a total of 150 milk samples collected randomly from dairy herds of five major gaushalas of the Vrindavan and Mathura region of Uttar Pradesh, India were screened. Microscopic examination reveals the presence of AFB in 18 samples from 3 out of the 5 herds under study. In conclusion, the presence of the AFB in the milk being used for feeding calves and human consumption is alarming for both animal and human health aspects and requires confirmation on a large scale to control the further spread. Also, the study indicates the importance of milk samples microscopic examination for AFB as an alternative non-invasive procedure for initial screening of dairy herds for TB and pTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Learning one's HIV status through HIV testing services (HTS) is an essential step toward accessing treatment and linking to preventive services for those at high HIV risk. HTS may impact subsequent sexual behaviour, but the degree to which this varies by population or is true in the setting of contemporary HIV prevention activities is largely unknown. As part of the 2019 World Health Organization Consolidated Guidelines on HTS, we undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of HTS on sexual behaviour. Methods: We searched nine electronic databases for studies published between July 2010 and December 2019. We included studies that reported on at least one outcome (condom use [defined as the frequency of condom use or condom-protected sex], number of sex partners, HIV incidence, STI incidence/prevalence). We included studies that prospectively assessed outcomes and that fit into one of three categories: (1) those evaluating more versus less-intensive HTS, (2) those of populations receiving HTS versus not and (3) those evaluating outcomes after versus before HTS. We conducted meta-analyses using random-effects models. Results and discussion: Of 29 980 studies screened, 76 studies were included. Thirty-eight studies were randomized controlled trials, 36 were cohort studies, one was quasi-experimental and one was a serial cross-sectional study. There was no significant difference in condom use among individuals receiving more-intensive HTS compared to less-intensive HTS (relative risk [RR]=1.03; 95% CI: 0.99 to 1.07). Condom use was significantly higher after receiving HTS compared to before HTS for individuals newly diagnosed with HIV (RR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.36 to 1.99) and marginally significantly higher for individuals receiving an HIV-negative diagnosis (RR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.62). Individuals receiving more-intensive HTS reported fewer sex partners at follow-up than those receiving less-intensive HTS, but the finding was not statistically significant (mean difference = -0.28; 95% CI: -3.66, 3.10). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of using limited resources towards HTS strategies that focus on early HIV diagnosis, treatment and prevention services rather than resources dedicated to supplementing or enhancing HTS with additional counselling or other interventions. Keywords: HIV testing; sexual behaviour change; condom-protected sex; number of sexual partners; systematic review; meta-analysis, 1 | INTRODUCTION HIV testing and knowledge of one's status is an essential first step towards linkage to HIV treatment, prevention and care [1] . Early linkage to antiretroviral therapy [...]