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Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is based on a 3D high-spatial-resolution, velocity-corrected gradient-echo MRI sequence that uses magnitude and filtered-phase information to create images. It SWI uses tissue magnetic susceptibility differences to generate signal contrast that may arise from paramagnetic (hemosiderin), diamagnetic (minerals and calcifications) and ferromagnetic (metal) molecules. Distinguishing between calcification and blood products is possible through the filtered phase images, helping to visualize osteoblastic and osteolytic bone metastases or demonstrating calcifications and osteoid production in liposarcoma and osteosarcoma. When acquired in combination with the injection of an exogenous contrast agent, contrast-enhanced SWI (CE-SWI) can simultaneously detect the T2* susceptibility effect, T2 signal difference, contrast-induced T1 shortening, and out-of-phase fat and water chemical shift effect. Bone and soft tissue lesion SWI features have been described, including giant cell tumors in bone and synovial sarcomas in soft tissues. We expand on the appearance of benign soft-tissue lesions such as hemangioma, neurofibroma, pigmented villonodular synovitis, abscess, and hematoma. Most myxoid sarcomas demonstrate absent or just low-grade intra-tumoral hemorrhage at the baseline. CE-SWI shows superior differentiation between mature fibrotic T2* dark components and active enhancing T1 shortening components in desmoid fibromatosis. SWI has gained popularity in oncologic MSK imaging because of its sensitivity for displaying hemorrhage in soft tissue lesions, thereby helping to differentiate benign versus malignant soft tissue tumors. The ability to show the viable, enhancing portions of a soft tissue sarcoma separately from hemorrhagic/necrotic components also suggests its utility as a biomarker of tumor treatment response. It is essential to understand and appreciate the differences between spontaneous hemorrhage patterns in high-grade sarcomas and those occurring in the therapy-induced necrosis process in responding tumors. Ring-like hemosiderin SWI pattern is observed in successfully treated sarcomas. CE-SWI also demonstrates early promising results in separating the T2* blooming of healthy iron-loaded bone marrow from the T1-shortened enhancement in bone marrow that is displaced by the tumor.SWI and CE-SWI in MSK oncology learning objectives: SWI and CE-SWI can be used to identify calcifications on MRI.Certain SWI and CE-SWI patterns can correlate with tumor histologic type.CE-SWI can discriminate mature from immature components of desmoid tumors.CE-SWI patterns can help to assess treatment response in soft tissue sarcomas.Understanding CE-SWI patterns in post-surgical changes can also be useful in discriminating between residual and recurrent tumors with overlapping imaging features.

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the aging population globally are diminishing the overall quality of life, especially for those with demanding daily routines. As medical advancements extend lifespans, the proportion of individuals over 60 is set to double by 2050, necessitating societal shifts toward health-responsible citizenship. Despite longer lifespans, evidence suggests that older age often accompanies mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and substance misuse. Social isolation and loneliness further compound these issues, affecting both physical and mental well-being. Digital wellness empowers individuals to take charge of their health, promoting proactive care and literacy to foster health-conscious citizenship. This paper explores the intersection of mental health, aging populations, preventive wellness initiatives, and health literacy, emphasizing their significance within the Health 5.0 framework, especially for older adults. Traditionally, health regulators offer static workflows for adopting standard procedures in health and well-being, reflecting a reactive approach. However, the evolving landscape of wearable and mobile devices connecting to healthcare IT systems through secure online networks necessitates a shift. Technology now facilitates remote patient monitoring and telemedicine service subscriptions and empowers individuals to manage their health proactively.The BE4YOU project, conducted in Portugal, serves as a case study, facilitating individual maintenance of health and well-being through intelligent and dynamic workflows, which are defined based on analytical models considering each person’s risk profile. By facilitating data sharing, promoting healthy lifestyles, and enabling early detection of mental health issues, the project leverages technology to support personalized monitoring and enhance overall health outcomes. Through technology-driven empowerment, individuals and healthcare professionals are better equipped to assess risks and ensure ongoing wellness monitoring, underscoring the role of technology in fostering personal health and supporting healthcare effectiveness.

Purpose: The role of healthcare workers in cervical cancer prevention is pivotal because healthcare workers’ recommendations have been reported to be a key motivational factor for cervical cancer screening among women in Nigeria. Assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and practices on cervical cancer prevention is necessary.Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional survey involving healthcare workers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A questionnaire designed for the study was used to obtain data about the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the healthcare workers. Logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of practice and a p - value of less than 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.Results: Out of 188 participants that completed the study, 165(90.7%) had good knowledge about the prevention of cervical cancer while 24(13.2%) had good practice concerning the prevention of cervical cancer. positive attitude (Odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.14 - 1.35, p < 0.001) increased the odds of good practice.Conclusion: There was no association between the knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and the practice of the healthcare workers. Further research is required to explore the incongruence between knowledge and practice of cervical cancer prevention and its practice.

Oral Cancer (OC) or squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers worldwide, with increased incidence in developing countries. The use of tobacco is directly associated with approximately 80% of oral cancers, especially in older men over 40 years of age. As nearly one-third of the Indian population over 15 years consume smokeless tobacco in one or the other forms, a recent increase has been observed in OC incidence among women and young adults. Lately, the sexual behaviors of young & homosexuals have resulted in the emergence of oropharyngeal cancers due to infection with HPV 16. About 60% of oral cancer cases in India have a five-year survival rate, and this can be improved to 70% to 90% by mere early detection in stages I and II and with various treatment modalities. Despite the well-known benefits of oral cancer screening for the whole population in developing countries remains controversial. It is imperative to address the cultural barriers and societal norms, which limit the acceptability and participation in screening programs in India and many developing countries. This unique challenge of increasing OC morbidity in India and developing countries requires horizontal integration of the health systems with new services focused on cancer control, which gives the best chance for long-term survival, improved outcomes, and affordable care!This article is based on the author’s experience of overseeing 1 case of early detection and 2 cases of delayed diagnosis, outcomes and relevant literature review, and current guidelines for the management of OC.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) pose a significant global health challenge, impacting millions with a gradual decline in neurons and cognitive abilities. Presently, available NDD therapies focus on symptom management rather than altering the disease trajectory. This underscores the critical necessity for groundbreaking treatments capable of addressing the root causes of neurodegeneration, offering both neuroprotection and neuro-restoration. This in-depth review delves into the forefront of emerging NDD therapies, encompassing gene therapy, stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, and neurotrophic factors. It sheds light on their potential advantages, hurdles, and recent advancements gleaned from both preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, the document outlines existing NDD treatments, spanning pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, along with their inherent limitations. The overarching conclusion emphasizes the immense potential of emerging therapies in NDD treatment, yet underscores the imperative for continued research and optimization to ensure their safety, efficacy, and specificity.

Strep throat, a common affliction known for its hallmark symptom of a severe and sudden sore throat, is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes, classified under Group-A Streptococcus (GAS) [1]. This condition not only impacts millions globally but also carries the risk of severe complications if left untreated [2]. Understanding strep throat goes beyond recognizing its symptoms; it entails an appreciation of its transmission dynamics, potential complications, and the evolving landscape of treatment and prevention strategies [3].

Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA) can be used as a signal molecule to regulate the expression of resistance genes in the resistance to abiotic stress, thus improving the salt tolerance of wild jujube. Among the resistance genes combined with methyl jasmonate, transcription factors play an important role in response to salt stress. However, the interaction of transcription factors in different tissues under salt stress and the regulation of transcription factors by MeJA remain unclear. In this study, the effects of MeJA on transcription factor expression in wild jujube under salt stress were investigated, and the differences in transcription factor expression among different tissues were compared. It was found that MeJA could increase the type and quantity of transcription factors responding to salt stress. The types of transcription factors responding to salt stress were roughly the same among different tissues, but the quantity and expression of the transcription factors were significantly different. The results of transcription factor co-expression analysis showed that transcription factors play synergistic roles in the face of abiotic stress, which can provide preferable genes for subsequent transgenic work.

Objective: To identify risk factors among pregnant with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal mortality, and morbidity.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 45 pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were confirmed by RT-PCR. The inclusion criteria were pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and hospitalized in the gynecology-obstetrics and intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria were non-pregnant patients and pneumonia cases with unconfirmed COVID-19 causes. The study used SPSS software to analyze the data. Results: Our study recorded 45 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women over 2.5 years. The age group most affected was 20-35 years, with 75% of cases. 57% of patients had no known comorbidities. 88.8% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Almost 30% of patients required admission to the ICU, with 60% requiring oxygen supplementation. The study recorded 36 live births (80%), of which 26 cases (72.2%) required no further care and had a favorable outcome.Conclusion: Pregnant women with medical conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, which can cause respiratory distress syndrome and impact delivery and neonatal outcomes. Preventive measures are important.

Aim: A descriptive-analytical study was done to assess the proportion of the risk of stroke among male patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, in Ernakulam District, Kerala. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the proportion of the risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient departments and to determine the association of stroke risk level with socio-personal variables. Methods: The research approach of the study is a quantitative approach. The research design selected for the study is a descriptive-analytical design. The convenience sampling method was used for sample selection. The study was done in MOSC Medical College Hospital, Kolenchery among 288 male patients who met the inclusion criteria. Data collection was done using socio-personal proforma and stroke risk scorecards. Results: Collected data were analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics presented in tables and pie diagrams. The study findings revealed that out of 288 subjects, 43.4% have low stroke risk, 13.9% are in caution and 42.7% have high stroke risk. The findings also revealed that there is a significant association of stroke risk level with age, education, occupation, BMI and place of residence. Statement of the problem: Proportion of risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Ernakulam district, Kerala. Proportion of risk of stroke among male patients attending outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, Ernakulam district, Kerala.

Today, it is well known that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has four types of proteins within its structure, between them the spike protein (S). The infection mechanism is carried out by the entry of the virus into the human host cell through the S protein, which strongly interacts with the human cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In this work, we propose an atomic model of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the S spike protein of the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus. The molecular structure of the model was composed of 50 amino acids that were chemically bonded, starting with Leucine and ending with one amino acid Tyrosine. The novelty of our work lies in the importance of knowing the sites and zones of maximum reactivity of the RBD from the fundamental levels of quantum mechanics considering the atomic structure of matter. For this, the local and global reactivity indices of the RBD were calculated, such as frontier orbitals, Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO), Fukui indices, chemical potential, chemical hardness, electrophilicity index; with this, it will be possible to know what type of molecules are more likely to interact with the RBD structure, and in this way, new knowledge will be generated at the quantum, atomic and molecular level to inhibit the virulent effects of wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Finally, in order to identify the functional groups within the most stable structure and thereby verify the future reactions that can be carried out between the RBD structure and biomolecules, the Infrared (IR) absorption spectrum was calculated. For this work, we used Material Studio v6.0 which uses the density functional theory (DFT) implemented in its DMol3 computational code. The IR spectrum was obtained using the Spartan ‘94 computer code. One novelty would be that we found nine amino acids more that could make the RBD and ACE2 binding further the already known. Thus, the Mulliken charge distribution indicates that the highest concentrations of positive and negative charge are found in the zones 477S, 478T, 484E, and 501N amino acids letting ionic or Van der Waals possible interactions with other structures.

Introduction: Hypoglycemia affects patient safety and glycemic control during insulin treatment of both type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is still a major clinical problem in the treatment of type 1 diabetes that impairs metabolic control. This study aimed to assess hypoglycemia and associated factors among type 1 diabetes mellitus patients attending the outpatient clinics of Debra–Tabor Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital, in 2021.Method: institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 204 selected type I DM, from June 1/2021 to August 30/2021. The study participants were selected by systematic sampling method from monthly follow-up lists and lists of registration. Data were cleaned and entered into Epi Data and then exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Data were presented with texts, graphs, diagrams, and tables but an analytic form of findings will be presented by text form of the odds ratio. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with hypoglycemia p – value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant and reported as a 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: A total of 204 participants participated with a response rate of 100%, and prevalence of self-reported hypoglycemia was 88.7% (95%, CI: 83.8-92.6) and the prevalence of hypoglycemia was significantly associated with occupation [AOR: 4.01 (95% CI:1.86-9.35)], higher educational status [AOR: 2.13 (95% CI:1.92-13.15)], diabetic duration < 1 [AOR: 3.80 (95% CI:1.32-9.28)], poor knowledge [AOR: 4.91 (95% CI:1.09-11.06)] and favorable attitude [AOR: 5.86 (1.10-6.07)]. The current study revealed that the knowledge, attitude, and practice of respondents were 81.9% (95%, CI, 76-86.8), 73% (95% CI, 66.7-78.9), and 91.2% (95% CI, 86.8-94.6) respectively.Conclusion and recommendation: Hypoglycemia was highly prevalent among diabetic patients treated at Debra-Tabor Comprehensive and Specialized Referral Hospital. To reduce the higher prevalence of hypoglycemia the health professionals working in the hospital had better provide appropriate patient advice about, BGL monitoring, medication adherence, self-injection as well as oral hypoglycemic agent administrations.

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and substance use behaviors has sparked extensive research efforts. The COMET-G international study, organized by the Department of Medicine and the Rectorate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in collaboration with the World Psychiatric Association, delved into these issues. Running from March 2020 to April 2021, the study collected responses from 55,589 individuals across 40 countries. Through a comprehensive questionnaire, participants provided insights into their mental state, attitudes toward the pandemic, and the resultant changes in their personal and daily lives. Findings revealed, among other things, significant patterns of change in substance use, with notable correlations between reduced usage and the severity of lockdown measures among non-binary individuals. Mental health history emerged as a strong predictor of substance use changes, with influences from anxiety disorders, depression, and self-harm. Additionally, family and social dynamics, including economic expectations and household composition, significantly shaped substance use behaviors during lockdowns. Given these findings, the development of comprehensive approaches targeting the adverse effects of the pandemic on individual behaviors and general welfare is crucial.

This study aims to make a database of the birds in the area of Elssuki, Sinnar state - Sudan. The period of study spanning from 2008 to 2023 with a mix of methods used to identify bird species in many sites in the locality, these methods include road count, line transects, and direct count besides registering every strange, rare, or unusual single species seen in the area. All these methods are used by different researchers and applied in such studies in Sudan.The study revealed that the area is one of the important areas enriched of birds in Sinnar state of 19 orders 53 families. The total number of species is 129 species. It included all birds; water birds, tree birds, diving birds, dabbling birds, swimming birds, small waders, and passerines which the most. The study concluded that there is a need for comprehensive and regular studies and short and long-term monitoring to identify, classify, and establish a database for Sudan Birds Atlas.

Summary: Exercise is recommended for the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes. Also, to control and reduce glucose fluctuations in people with type 1 diabetes. However, the most appropriate time and the most effective intensity of exercise is still unknown, and various studies provide different results and different recommendations, and none of the studies provide a comprehensive and practical result. We conducted our studies to examine the results and determine the effect of time and intensity of exercise on blood sugar control and glucose fluctuations during the day. Methods: search in PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords morning, evening, type 1 and 2 diabetes, exercise, interval, periodic, aerobic, and glucose and blood sugar fluctuations were performed. A total of 31 articles were reviewed and finally, 10 articles that were most related to each other or had complementary information were selected. Conclusion: HIIT exercises are useful for type 2 diabetes, but they are recommended for type 1 diabetes with less pressure. Morning exercise increases glucose and evening exercise is applicable for type 1 and 2 diabetes.

The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to increase with over one million curable STIs occurring daily worldwide. Sex disparity in the rates of testing for STIs can compromise the efforts to reduce the incidence of STIs. The study aimed to explore the barriers to facility-based screening for STIs among men in Ghana. A qualitative exploratory design was employed in this study. Using a semi-structured interview guide, individual in-depth interviews were conducted among purposively sampled men from November 2019 to January 2020. Data saturation was achieved at the ninth participant. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically through Braun and Clarke’s approach. Four themes emerged from the analyses: (1) lack of privacy from healthcare providers, (2) mistrust of healthcare providers, (3) the burden of handling thoughts of positive status, and (4) fear of stigmatisation. These barriers deterred men from seeking clinic-based screening for STIs. The barriers were multi-factorial and a major hindrance to ensuring that people are aware of their STI status through screening and diagnosis. It is imperative to consider these barriers when designing STI screening interventions and policies to help promote facility-based screening for STIs among men in Ghana.

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system are rare entities and can present in different clinical forms with mild and non-specific symptoms (such as headache and tinnitus) to severe and limiting symptoms (focal deficits and intracranial hypertension), mimicking the most diverse pathologies. In addition to the peculiar changes in imaging tests, diagnosis is always a challenge given the multitude of possible differential diagnoses, including aseptic meningitis. Given this, we bring here the case of a 59-year-old patient who attended care due to headache and vertigo followed by involvement of the cranial nerves and spinal cord, corroborated by physical examination and imaging study suggesting diffuse involvement of the meninges, which was subsequently confirmed by anatomopathological examination as a primary melanocytic neoplasm of the central nervous system but ended up dying due to complications resulting from late diagnosis. The objective of this work is to raise awareness about the possibility of this pathology as a differential diagnosis in these cases where there are often frustrating clinical manifestations but with changes in imaging tests, to enable an early diagnosis and consequently the possibility of a better therapeutic result, in addition to a brief review of the propaedeutic findings of this pathology.

Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury (IRI) is the outcome of two intertwined pathological processes resulting from the shortage of blood flow to tissues and the subsequent restoration of circulation to a previously ischemic area. IRI (sometimes just one side of the dyad) remains one of the most challenging problems in several branches of emergency medicine. Mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum dysfunction is a crucial pathological factor involved in the development of IRI. The sigma-1 receptor (Sig1-R) is an intracellular chaperone molecule located between the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum with an apparent physiological role in regulating signaling between these cell organelles and serves as a safety mechanism against cellular stress. Therefore, amelioration of IRI is reasonably expected by the activation of the Sig1-R chaperone. Indeed, under cellular stress, Sig1-R agonists improve mitochondrial respiration and optimize endoplasmic reticulum function by sustaining high-energy phosphate synthesis. The discovery that N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is an endogenous agonist of the Sig1-R may shed light on yet undiscovered physiological mechanisms and therapeutic potentials of this controversial hallucinogenic compound. In this article, the authors briefly overview the function of Sig1-R in cellular bioenergetics with a focus on the processes involved in IRI and summarize the results of their in vitro and in vivo DMT studies aiming at mitigating IRI. The authors conclude that the effect of DMT may involve a universal role in cellular protective mechanisms suggesting therapeutic potentials against different components and types of IRIs emerging in local and generalized brain ischemia after stroke or cardiac arrest.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Synthetic Biology has the potential to change the way we approach medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. AI automates tasks, optimizes experimental designs, and predicts biological behaviours, resulting in more efficient design and engineering of biological systems. However, there are challenges such as data limitations, interpretability issues, and ethical considerations like biosafety and biosecurity concerns that need to be addressed. AI can be used to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns. This has led to successful applications of AI in high-throughput screening and biomanufacturing, which can drive innovation and address critical challenges. AI-powered closed-loop systems for real-time monitoring and control of biological processes also show promise in providing real-time feedback and optimizing systems on the fly. Despite these advancements, it's important to consider ethical implications to ensure the responsible development and application of AI in synthetic biology. Proper consideration of challenges and ethical considerations can help leverage the power of AI to drive innovation and tackle pressing societal challenges. Overall, the potential of AI in synthetic biology is significant. By addressing challenges and ethical considerations, we can use them effectively to solve pressing problems.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with a mortality rate of 37%. There is an upregulation of adhesion molecules which leads to the expression of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor. A prospective, descriptive study was done to determine the safety and efficacy of macitentan in patients with SCD and PH. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± SEM or percentage where appropriate. We screened 13 patients and recruited five. All five patients were adults. Data were analyzed as appropriate by student t - test. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Baseline pulmonary hemodynamics obtained by right heart catheterization and systemic hemodynamics were (± SEM): mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) 32 ± 8 mmHg, right atrial pressure (RAP) 9 ± 4 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 257 dynes-sec/cm5 and CI 3·7 ± 0.39 l/m2. Of all parameters, only PVR and 6-min walk distance changed significantly. For the group, MPAP decreased by 15.6%, PVR by 22.5% and RAP by 25.5%. The 6-minute walk distance increased over sixteen weeks except in Patient 4 who had a 3% decrease. The mean walk distance increased in the total distance, from 464 ± 158 meters to 477 ± 190 meters (p .123). In four patients, the adverse events were mild to moderate and did not lead to study drug discontinuation. Significant improvement in pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with SCD-related pulmonary arterial hypertension. We found that macitentan was safe and well tolerated.

Anxiety is also a very common disorder, both in patients and their family members. Anxiety and stress can compromise the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. Feelings of anxiety and anguish can occur at various times of the disease path: during screening, waiting for test results, at diagnosis, during treatment or at the next stage due to concern about relapses. Anxiety and distress can affect the patient’s ability to cope with diagnosis or treatment, frequently causing reduced adherence to follow-up visits and examinations, indirectly increasing the risk of failure to detect a relapse, or a delay in treatment; and anxiety can increase the perception of pain, affect sleep, and accentuate nausea due to adjuvant therapies. Failure to identify and treat anxiety and depression in the context of cancer increases the risk of poor quality of life and potentially results in increased disease-related morbidity and mortality [1]. From all this we deduce the need and importance of dedicated psychological and psychiatric support for these patients within the Breast Unit. The fact that the psycho-oncologist who is dedicated to the care of patients with breast cancer must be an integrated figure in the multidisciplinary team of the Senological Center and not an external consultant is enshrined in the same European Directives that concern the legislation concerning the requirements that a Breast Unit must have in order to be considered a Full Breast Unit (Wilson AMR, et al. 2013).One of the most complex situations you find yourself dealing with is communication with the patient. This communication is particularly complex in two fragile subpopulations that are represented by women. [Menditto L. T (Tirannie) Cancer of the Breast. Am J Psychol & Brain Stud, 2023; 1(1):26-30].