The relationship between demographic factors and known risk factors with breast cancer in women aged 30-69.

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most important causes of cancer deaths in women. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between demographic factors and known risk factors with breast cancer in women aged 30-69. Method: This case-control study was conducted with two matched and unmatched control groups. Three hundred fifty women aged 30-69 with breast cancer, 350 age-matched women without cancer, and 350 not age-matched women were included in the study. Controls were selected from the records of women whose breast cancer screening results were normal. Study subjects were evaluated regarding the risk factors for breast cancer. The data collection tool was a checklist including the risk factors investigated in the integrated health system. The collected data were analyzed utilizing SPSS22 software at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results: The average age in the case group was 46.63±11.77 years and 49.61±8.39 in the unmatched control group. The average age of marriage in the case group was 21.54±4.31, and the average age of women at first pregnancy in the case group was 24.06±3.39 years. In the case group, 163 people (46.57%) lived in the city, 221 people (63.14%) were over 40 years old, and 337 people (96.28%) were married. In multivariate analysis, the variable 'age of marriage' 0.821 (0.691-0.976) and 'age of first pregnancy' 1.213 (1.020-1.443) showed a significant relationship with breast cancer which were observed as predictors of breast cancer in comparison to the unmatched control group (P-value <0.05). Conclusion: The age of the first pregnancy and the type of delivery were observed as predictors of breast cancer. Therefore, by performing breast cancer screening in women who are exposed to these risk factors, early diagnosis of the disease and increasing the speed of their treatment can be significantly helped.

Large nasopalatine duct cyst in a child patient: a case report.

Introduction and importance: Nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDC) is one of the most common non-odontogenic cysts of the oral cavity, which it can arise at any age but is seen rarely in children. These cysts are usually asymptomatic, and are detected by routine radiographs. Case presentation: This case report presents the management of a large nasopalatine duct cyst in an 11-year-old pediatric patient. The patient presented with symptoms such severe mobility in central incisors and swelling in the anterior part of the palate. Diagnostic imaging confirmed the presence of a large cyst in the nasopalatine region. Surgical intervention was performed to excise the cyst, and the central incisors were splinted with a rigid splint for 4 weeks. Clinical discussion: The case of a large nasopalatine duct cyst in a child patient poses several important clinical considerations. Nasopalatine duct cysts are relatively rare, especially in pediatric patients, making this case particularly noteworthy. The presentation of a large cyst in a child raises questions about the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for such cases. Conclusions: This case report highlights the importance of considering nasopalatine duct cysts as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients presenting with maxillary swelling and associated symptoms. Early recognition and appropriate management are essential to prevent potential complications and ensure optimal outcomes for the patient. The nasopalatine duct cyst that occurs at children may be aggressive and led to severe loss in the supporting alveolar bone with teeth mobility.

Comparing outcomes of balloon-expandable vs. self-expandable valves in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common heart condition categorized into congenital and acquired forms. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an innovative method for AS management, and two valve types, self-expanding valves (SEV) and balloon-expandable valves (BEV), are used in TAVR. The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes associated with balloon-expandable and self-expandable valves in transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Methods: The researchers conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines and AMSTAR-2 tool. The methodology involved a systematic literature search, strict eligibility criteria, unbiased study selection, meticulous data extraction, quality assessment, and rigorous statistical analysis. Results: Our analysis included twenty-six papers and 26 553 patients. BEV exhibited significant advantages over SEV in overall mortality across 21 studies, particularly in perioperative and 30-day assessments. However, no substantial disparities emerged between the two valve types in stroke incidence. BEV demonstrated notable benefits in reducing hospitalization rates across 6 studies and significantly fewer instances of permanent pacemaker implantations across 19 studies, particularly evident in the perioperative setting. Other secondary outcomes like bleeding, acute kidney injury, and myocardial infarction showcased non-significant differences between BEV and SEV. Conclusion: The analysis indicates that BEV may offer benefits in specific aspects of TAVR outcomes, but further research is needed to fully understand the factors influencing patient outcomes and mortality in TAVR procedures.

Prevalence and assessment of risk factors of chronic kidney disease in the ASIR region of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health concern in Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of CKD and associated risk factors in Saudi Arabia's general population are not efficiently studied. The goal of this research is to determine the prevalence rate of CKD in the ASIR region and its associated epidemiological risk factors. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study that used a comprehensive direct questionnaire to collect data on CKD prevalence and risk factors in the ASIR region of Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out in different age groups. Demographic characteristics, presence of CKD, and associated factors such as a history of acute kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, family history, history of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), smoking status, comorbidities, and history of periodontal diseases were asked. The survey tool was validated through a pilot study, and a statistical p value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 967 participants were included in the study, with a CKD prevalence rate of 1.9%. Sex, history of acute kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, family history of kidney disease, smoking, diabetes, peptic ulcer disease, hypertension and hyperlipidemia were commonly found to be associated with CKD. A binary logistic regression model was carried out to assess the risk factors for CKD. Sex, history of acute kidney disease, family history of kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, smoking status, peptic ulcer, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes, two or more comorbidities and NSAID use had an increased risk of CKD. Conclusion: Sex, history of acute kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, family history, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer, hyperlipidemia, multi-comorbidity, and use of NSAIDs are all associated with an increased risk of CKD. The prevalence of CKD in this study is comparatively lower when compared to other regions in Saudi Arabia.

Awareness of consanguineous marriage burden and willingness towards premarital genetic testing in Sudan: a national cross-sectional study.

Background: Despite the widespread practice of consanguinity in Sudan, there is a lack of exploration into the community's awareness of its health implications on offspring and their overall attitude towards consanguineous unions. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the community's awareness of the possible health adversities of consanguinity on children and assess the effect of knowledge level on the prevailing attitude towards this practice in Sudan. Methods: From August to December 2018, data were collected from adults aged 18 years and above in five provinces of Sudan regardless of their marital status. The analysis involved both descriptive and multivariate statistical techniques. Results: This study revealed a consanguinity rate of 30.2%. Despite a high awareness level (73.7%) regarding the effects of consanguineous marriage on the health of the offspring, a moderately negative attitude towards this practice (63.9%) was observed. Conclusion: The discordance between the high consanguinity rate in the Sudanese population and the moderately negative attitude suggests a potential persistence of this practice in the future. Without the implementation of educational programs and the provision of genetic counselling services to consanguineous couples, the prevalence of consanguinity is likely to endure.

ARISCAT and LAS VEGAS risk scores for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications after cardiac surgery: a cohort study.

Background: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) could lead to morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stay. Different risk-scoring systems are used to predict the identification of patients at risk of developing PPCs. The diagnostic accuracies of the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) and Local Assessment of Ventilatory Management During General Anaesthesia for Surgery (LAS VEGAS) risk scores are compared in prediction of PPCs taking pulmonary complication as the gold standard in cardiac surgery. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study with consecutive sampling technique. A total of 181 patients were included. Quantitative data is presented as simple descriptive statistics giving mean and standard deviation, and qualitative variables are presented as frequency and percentages. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracies are also calculated. Results: Total 181 post-cardiac surgery patients were analyzed. The median [interquartile range] of age, height, weight, and BMI were 60.0 [52.0-67.0] years, 163.0 [156.0-168.0] cm, 71.0 [65.0-80.0] kg and 27.3 [24.2-30.4] kg/m2. 127 (70.2%) were male, and 54 (29.8%) were female. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of ARISCAT for the prediction of PPCs were (94.9%, 4.65%, 76.1%, 22.9% and 73.4%), whereas LAS VEGAS were (97.1%, 4.65%, 76.5%, 33.3% and 75.1%), respectively. Conclusion: Both the ARISCAT and LAS VEGAS risk scores are of limited value in cardiac surgery patients for the prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications, based on the predicted scores in this study.

MXene-based composites in smart wound healing and dressings.

MXenes, a class of two-dimensional materials, exhibit considerable potential in wound healing and dressing applications due to their distinctive attributes, including biocompatibility, expansive specific surface area, hydrophilicity, excellent electrical conductivity, unique mechanical properties, facile surface functionalization, and tunable band gaps. These materials serve as a foundation for the development of advanced wound healing materials, offering multifunctional nanoplatforms with theranostic capabilities. Key advantages of MXene-based materials in wound healing and dressings encompass potent antibacterial properties, hemostatic potential, pro-proliferative attributes, photothermal effects, and facilitation of cell growth. So far, different types of MXene-based materials have been introduced with improved features for wound healing and dressing applications. This review covers the recent advancements in MXene-based wound healing and dressings, with a focus on their contributions to tissue regeneration, infection control, anti-inflammation, photothermal effects, and targeted therapeutic delivery. We also discussed the constraints and prospects for the future application of these nanocomposites in the context of wound healing/dressings.

A comparative study of moisture adsorption on GO, MOF-5, and GO/MOF-5 composite for applications in atmospheric water harvesting.

Water scarcity is an alarming situation across the globe. Several methods have been reported in the literature to minimize the water shortage problem. Sorbent-based atmospheric water harvesting (SBAWH) is considered an energy-efficient, low-cost strategy, and sustainable approach. In the present study, the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) was carried out using a modified Hummers' method, while the synthesis of MOF-5 and a GO/MOF-5 composite was carried out using a solvothermal approach. The synthesized materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The phase composition and crystallinity of all synthesized samples were confirmed by XRD analysis. SEM analysis provided information about the surface morphology of all synthesized samples. The adsorption of water vapors on surfaces of GO, MOF-5, and the GO/MOF-5 composite was evaluated by FTIR analysis. The negative charge was explored by the PZC technique on the surface of all synthesized materials. The water adsorption characteristics of GO, MOF-5, and the GO/MOF-5 composite were evaluated using an atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) plant. The maximum adsorption capacity of 542 mg g-1 was achieved by the MOF at 55% RH (relative humidity), while a low adsorption capacity of the MOF was observed at higher humidity values. This problem was overcome by making a GO/MOF-5 composite. GO imparts structural stability to the MOF-5 structure at higher humidity values. The maximum adsorption capacity of 1137 mg g-1 was achieved by the GO/MOF-5 composite at 75% RH. Several isotherm models, such as Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin, were applied to confirm the single-site occupation by water molecules and chemisorption behavior. Several thermodynamic properties were calculated, including isosteric heat (Q st), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and sorption entropy (ΔS). The overall thermodynamics study confirms that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic. In addition, second-order kinetics confirms that all synthesized material shows chemisorption behavior.

Aging AdipoR2-deficient mice are hyperactive with enlarged brains excessively rich in saturated fatty acids.

To investigate how the fatty acid composition of brain phospholipids influences brain-specific processes, we leveraged the AdipoR2 (adiponectin receptor 2) knockout mouse model in which the brain is enlarged, and cellular membranes are excessively rich in saturated fatty acids. Lipidomics analysis of brains at 2, 7, and 18 months of age showed that phosphatidylcholines, which make up about two-thirds of all cerebrum membrane lipids, contain a gross excess of saturated fatty acids in AdipoR2 knockout mice, and that this is mostly attributed to an excess palmitic acid (C16:0) at the expense of oleic acid (C18:1), consistent with a defect in fatty acid desaturation and elongation in the mutant. Specifically, there was a ~12% increase in the overall saturated fatty acid content within phosphatidylcholines and a ~30% increase in phosphatidylcholines containing two palmitic acids. Phosphatidylethanolamines, sphingomyelins, ceramides, lactosylceramides, and dihydroceramides also showed an excess of saturated fatty acids in the AdipoR2 knockout mice while nervonic acid (C24:1) was enriched at the expense of shorter saturated fatty acids in glyceroceramides. Similar defects were found in the cerebellum and myelin sheaths. Histology showed that cell density is lower in the cerebrum of AdipoR2 knockout mice, but electron microscopy did not detect reproducible defects in the ultrastructure of cerebrum neurons, though proteomics analysis showed an enrichment of electron transport chain proteins in the cerebellum. Behavioral tests showed that older (33 weeks old) AdipoR2 knockout mice are hyperactive and anxious compared to control mice of a similar age. Also, in contrast to control mice, the AdipoR2 knockout mice do not gain weight in old age but do have normal lifespans. We conclude that an excess fatty acid saturation in brain phospholipids is accompanied by hyperactivity but seems otherwise well tolerated.

Isothermal and non-isothermal transport properties of diluted fullerene binary and ternary aromatic solvent mixtures.

We present mass transport properties of C60 fullerene in five aromatic solvents, methylnaphthalene, toluene and three xylene isomers. Optical beam deflection and thermogravitational column techniques were used to determine molecular diffusion, thermodiffusion and Soret coefficients. All thermo-optical properties necessary to determine the abovementioned coefficients are also given at a mean working temperature of 298.15 K and an atmospheric pressure of 0.101 MPa. The magnitude of all transport properties is governed by the molecular weight ratio. In the particular case of the isomers, experiments revealed that movement under isothermal conditions (described by molecular diffusion) is dominated by density, while under non-isothermal conditions viscous forces affect the displacement (thermodiffusion depends on the dynamic viscosity). In the case of the Soret coefficients, as a combination of both, density is the dominant parameter and also the moment of inertia.

Mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) as a predictor of atrial fibrillation development after coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To predict the possibility of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) with mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) measurement, which is a cheap, reproducible echocardiographic method and to monitor these patients more closely and to evaluate them more effectively postoperatively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 247 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery were evaluated and 200 patients were included in the study.The enrolled patients were classified into the two groups according to the occurrence of postoperative AF or maintained sinus rhythm after coronary artery bypass surgery (normal sinus rhythm [NSR] group vs. AF group).The clinical and demographic data of all the patients were recorded on admission. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed prior to elective surgery. RESULTS: Postoperative new onset AF occurred in 37 (18.5%) patients. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis carried out after the formation of the model based on the parameters related to AF development, the relationships with white blood cell count, LAd and MAPSE were observed to be prevalent.When MAPSE, which is a parameter used to predict the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation, was compared in the ROC analysis, the area under the curve was found to be 0.831, 95% CI lower-95% CI upper (0.761-0.901) (p<0.001).The distinguishing MAPSE value in predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation development was found to be 11.6 (sensitivity: 90%, specificity: 81%). CONCLUSIONS: We showed that MAPSE could play a role in determining postoperative atrial fibrillation development after coronary artery bypass surgery (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 28).

The Ability of ChatGPT in Paraphrasing Texts and Reducing Plagiarism: A Descriptive Analysis.

Background: The introduction of ChatGPT by OpenAI has garnered significant attention. Among its capabilities, paraphrasing stands out. Objective: This study aims to investigate the satisfactory levels of plagiarism in the paraphrased text produced by this chatbot. Methods: Three texts of varying lengths were presented to ChatGPT. ChatGPT was then instructed to paraphrase the provided texts using five different prompts. In the subsequent stage of the study, the texts were divided into separate paragraphs, and ChatGPT was requested to paraphrase each paragraph individually. Lastly, in the third stage, ChatGPT was asked to paraphrase the texts it had previously generated. Results: The average plagiarism rate in the texts generated by ChatGPT was 45% (SD 10%). ChatGPT exhibited a substantial reduction in plagiarism for the provided texts (mean difference -0.51, 95% CI -0.54 to -0.48; P<.001). Furthermore, when comparing the second attempt with the initial attempt, a significant decrease in the plagiarism rate was observed (mean difference -0.06, 95% CI -0.08 to -0.03; P<.001). The number of paragraphs in the texts demonstrated a noteworthy association with the percentage of plagiarism, with texts consisting of a single paragraph exhibiting the lowest plagiarism rate (P<.001). Conclusions: Although ChatGPT demonstrates a notable reduction of plagiarism within texts, the existing levels of plagiarism remain relatively high. This underscores a crucial caution for researchers when incorporating this chatbot into their work.

Hemodynamic Characteristics of a Tortuous Microvessel Using High-Fidelity Red Blood Cell Resolved Simulations.

OBJECTIVE: Tortuous microvessels are characteristic of microvascular remodeling associated with numerous physiological and pathological scenarios. Three-dimensional (3D) hemodynamics in tortuous microvessels influenced by red blood cells (RBCs), however, are largely unknown, and important questions remain. Is blood viscosity influenced by vessel tortuosity? How do RBC dynamics affect wall shear stress (WSS) patterns and the near-wall cell-free layer (CFL) over a range of conditions? The objective of this work was to parameterize hemodynamic characteristics unique to a tortuous microvessel. METHODS: RBC-resolved simulations were performed using an immersed boundary method-based 3D fluid dynamics solver. A representative tortuous microvessel was selected from a stimulated angiogenic network obtained from imaging of the rat mesentery and digitally reconstructed for the simulations. The representative microvessel was a venule with a diameter of approximately 20 µm. The model assumes a constant diameter along the vessel length and does not consider variations due to endothelial cell shapes or the endothelial surface layer. RESULTS: Microvessel tortuosity was observed to increase blood apparent viscosity compared to a straight tube by up to 26%. WSS spatial variations in high curvature regions reached 23.6 dyne/cm2 over the vessel cross-section. The magnitudes of WSS and CFL thickness variations due to tortuosity were strongly influenced by shear rate and negligibly influenced by tube hematocrit levels. CONCLUSIONS: New findings from this work reveal unique tortuosity-dependent hemodynamic characteristics over a range of conditions. The results provide new thought-provoking information to better understand the contribution of tortuous vessels in physiological and pathological processes and help improve reduced-order models.

Toll-like receptor 13-mediated signaling protects against the development of colon cancer.

Appropriate host-microbiota interactions are essential for maintaining intestinal homeostasis; hence, an imbalance in these interactions leads to inflammation-associated intestinal diseases. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize microbial ligands and play a key role in host-microbe interactions in health and disease. TLR13 has a well-established function in enhancing host defenses against pathogenic bacteria. However, its role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and controlling colitis-associated colon cancer (CAC) is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of TLR13-mediated signaling in intestinal homeostasis and colonic tumorigenesis using ex vivo cell and in vivo CAC animal model. Tlr13-deficient mice were prone to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. During the early stages of the CAC regimen (AOM/DSS-treated), Tlr13 deficiency led to severe ulcerative colitis. Moreover, Tlr13-deficient mice exhibited increased intestinal permeability, as evidenced by elevated levels of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran, endotoxins, and bacterial translocation. Enhanced cell survival and proliferation of colonic intestinal cells were observed in Tlr13-deficient mice. A transcriptome analysis revealed that Tlr13 deficiency is associated with substantial changes in gene expression profile of colonic tumor tissue. Tlr13-deficient mice were more susceptible to CAC, with increased production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12, and TNF-α cytokines and enhanced STAT3, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling in colon tissues. These findings suggest that TLR13 plays a protective role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and controlling CAC. Our study provides a novel perspective on intestinal health via TLR13-mediated signaling, which is crucial for deciphering the role of host-microbiota interactions in health and disease.

Synthesis of 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone derivatives as potent PDE-1 and -3 inhibitors: in vitro and in silico insights.

Aim: Synthesis of novel bis-Schiff bases having potent inhibitory activity against phosphodiesterase (PDE-1 and -3) enzymes, potentially offering therapeutic implications for various conditions. Methods: Bis-Schiff bases were synthesized by refluxing 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone with hydrazine hydrate, followed by treatment of substituted aldehydes with the resulting hydrazone to obtain the product compounds. After structural confirmation, the compounds were screened for their in vitro PDE-1 and -3 inhibitory activities. Results: The prepared compounds exhibited noteworthy inhibitory efficacy against PDE-1 and -3 enzymes by comparing with suramin standard. To clarify the binding interactions between the drugs, PDE-1 and -3 active sites, molecular docking studies were carried out. Conclusion: The potent compounds discovered in this study may be good candidates for drug development.

[Box: see text].

Mast cell secretory granule fusion with amphisomes coordinates their homotypic fusion and release of exosomes.

Secretory granule (SG) fusion is an intermediate step in SG biogenesis. However, the precise mechanism of this process is not completely understood. We show that Golgi-derived mast cell (MC) SGs enlarge through a mechanism that is dependent on phosphoinositide (PI) remodeling and fusion with LC3+ late endosomes (amphisomes), which serve as hubs for the fusion of multiple individual SGs. Amphisome formation is regulated by the tyrosine phosphatase PTPN9, while the subsequent SG fusion event is additionally regulated by the tetraspanin protein CD63 and by PI4K. We also demonstrate that fusion with amphisomes imparts to SGs their capacity of regulated release of exosomes. Finally, we show that conversion of PI(3,4,5)P3 to PI(4,5)P2 and the subsequent recruitment of dynamin stimulate SG fission. Our data unveil a key role for lipid-regulated interactions with the endocytic and autophagic systems in controlling the size and number of SGs and their capacity to release exosomes.