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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].

The genesis of the youth Community Health Worker (CHW) and Citizen/Community Science (CS) training is rooted in interdisciplinary research and the lived experiences of families in Chicago and Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Mendenhall and colleagues’ (Drs. Robinson, Roberts and Rodriquez-Zas) South Chicago’s Black Mothers’ Resiliency Project provide dinsights into Black women’s experiences with genomics, trauma, and community science. Black women’s testimonies highlighted the health impacts of living in neighborhoods with high levels of gun violence and the resilience strategies they employ. This led to the development of a youth-centered CHW and CS training program, aimed at addressing health disparities. The program trained high school students and young adults (up to age 24) as CHWs and CSs, focusing on the objectives of (1) embedding culturally competent health workers in marginalized communities; (2) amplifying community voices; (3) collecting, analyzing, and quantifying observational data to inform policy decision-making; (4) amplifying community voices in healthcare discussions and (5) creating community health care worker training certification for youth. Over three years, the program trained over 50 participants, incorporating elements of wellness, art, and entrepreneurship.Based on ethnographic notes participants reported increases in wellness such as reduced anxiety and increased empowerment. The program’s long-term goals include creating employment opportunities for graduates and contributing to improved community health outcomes. This initiative represents a step towards addressing racial trauma and promoting community healing through youth-led innovation and empowerment.

Microchip implants have emerged as transformative tools in the realm of oral health and craniofacial science, offering novel solutions to longstanding challenges. This paper aims to explore the diverse applications of microchip technology in dentistry and craniofacial medicine, envisioning a future where these implants play a pivotal role in diagnostics, treatment modalities, and ongoing patient care. The integration of microchips enables real-time monitoring of oral conditions, facilitating early detection of dental issues and providing personalized treatment strategies. Additionally, these implants open avenues for smart prosthetics and orthodontic devices, optimizing patient comfort and treatment outcomes. However, ethical considerations, patient perceptions, and the societal impact of such technology should also be addressed. By examining the multifaceted implications and applications of microchip implants in oral health and craniofacial science, this research overview seeks to contribute valuable insights to the intersection of technology and healthcare in the dental domain.

The background of this novel study is how to apply an empirically adjusted Passive House concept in the tropics - beyond its otherwise prevailing global standards. Even though well-insulated houses have been on the planet since people settled down in some of their first dwellings, passive in the 21st century is different. It includes strict rules for airtightness and fitting of windows along with a sophisticated concept for artificial ventilation. Fresh air reachable from outside by filtered ventilation with heat recovery describes the heart of the system - if natural outside air is not preferable, it is convenient just in seasons with thermal comfort.Hence, the purpose and aim of the study presented here is to use a less common and at the same time more cost-saving approach: It might seem that the modern type of passive house entails the same standards that have been developed firmly on its own global market niche. However, this article tries to contribute toward a new development of modern passive homes for low-cost affordable tropical and subtropical houses in their entirety.As a concluding note, the author states that nobody has ever disproven this evolving concept as a combination of airtightness and a new way of forced ventilation without heat- or coolness recovery which is highly applicable for low-cost residential areas in tropical countries. By generating lower temperatures, it can help to surpass the overheating caused by climate change in certain tropical climate zones in higher altitudes and during cooler seasons. The condition is that the occupants are willing to accept a thermal comfort of up to 28 °C and humidity in its 70s and 80s.

Recent studies have shown that long-term uses of herbs have been associated with a rise in morbidity and mortality rates. While most researches are focused on bioactivity investigations, the toxicity of many plants has not been reported. There is a paucity of data on the potential toxicity of the following plants: Harungana madagascariensis (HM), Pterocarpus osun (PO), Phoenix dactylifera (PD), Annona muricata (AM), and Rutidea parviflora (RP). To evaluate the toxicity of the above-mentioned plants; two tests were employed namely: The Brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) and the Allium cepa test. A correlation between the oral acute toxicity assay in mice and the LC50 obtained from BSLT has been established. Allium cepa test measures the potential genotoxic effects of plant extracts exerted on the root meristem of A. cepa (onions). Plant extracts were administered in concentrations ranging from 100 to 2500 µg/ml to the A. cepa for 72 h to obtain their Mitotic Indices (MI) and EC50. Results of the MI at 2500 µg/ml for HM, PO, PD, AM, and RP were 3.75, 4.96, 5.96, 6.10, and 6.71 while 281.81, 398.11, 501.19, 630.96, and 707.9 µg/ml were obtained as the respective EC50 values. Furthermore, 10-1000 mcg/ml concentrations were administered in the BSLT and the obtained LC50 values were 116.3, 250, 581.5, 581.5, and 750 µg/ml. The toxicity result demonstrated that the five plants were moderately toxic, with RP exhibiting minimal toxicity values and thus potentially having a good safety profile. The phytochemical screening of these plants revealed the presence of some pharmacologically important classes of compounds that are abundant. Several bioactive and toxic compounds were identified in the GC-MS analysis for some of the plants.

Compacted bentonite or sand-bentonite mixtures are considered buffer/backfill materials in the engineering barriers of deep geological repositories for high-level nuclear waste (HLW) disposal in many countries. The design and long-term functionality of nuclear repositories have critical importance for environmental safety and public health. The initially unsaturated buffer material could become re-saturated long after following the sealing of the repository. Although the saturation degree of the buffer might decrease due to high temperatures and evaporation, it tends to increase with groundwater intrusion. Therefore, the soil water characteristic curves (SWCCs) for these unsaturated soils are a key factor in geotechnical engineering. Yet, the determination of SWCCs can be time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies. The HYPROP (Hydraulic Property Analyzer) evaporation technique is a preferred method for accurately determining water retention curves of soils. This reliable method was applied to estimate the water retention curves for sand-bentonite mixtures in the presence of boron minerals. Known for their minimal thermal expansion and commonly used in various industries, boron minerals may improve the thermal stability of sand-bentonite mixtures. The findings revealed that the boron addition increased the water retention capacity of the 10% bentonite mixtures but had a negligible impact on the 20% bentonite mixtures.

The present review highlights some of the very important contributions to non-alignment ways of comparing biological sequences, which may be genome sequences of nucleotides, protein sequences of amino acids, or sequences of protein secondary structures. The discussion centers around specific methods applicable to the comparison of three types of sequences. The methods of comparison of genome sequences are based on three pairs of biological groups of nucleotides; the same for protein sequences are based on either physio-chemical property values of amino acids or on classified groups of amino acids of different cardinalities obtained from the physio-chemical properties; the same for sequences of secondary structures of proteins are based on their sequential expressions of structure elements of cardinality three and four. Comparison is made in the time domain and also in the frequency domain. Different taxa of known phylogeny are considered for comparison. It tries to find out the specific method of comparison, which can show the exact phylogeny of the taxa. If a new sequence appears in the database, it becomes essential to know its phylogeny. For this purpose, a phylogenetic tree is drawn on the sequences of the known taxa together with this new sequence using the best possible method. If the species having this new sequence belongs to the old taxa, there is nothing to worry about. Otherwise, the species with the new sequence has to be studied separately. This is the general reason for the construction of a phylogenetic tree in any form of biological sequence comparison.

Background: Acute leukemia is the result of clonal transformation and proliferation of a hematopoietic progenitor giving rise to poorly differentiated neoplastic cells. Reactive oxygen species play a role in maintaining the quiescence, self-renewal, and long-term survival of hematopoietic stem cells, but it is unclear how they would affect disease onset and progression. The aim is to evaluate, at the transcriptional and systemic level, the oxidative-inflammatory status in newly diagnosis acute leukemia patients. Methods: Seventy acute leukemia patients [26 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 13 Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL), and 31 Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)] and forty-one healthy controls were analyzed. Malondialdehyde and catalase activity were evaluated. Gene expression of NRF2, SOD, PRDX2, CAT, IL-6, and TNF-α was analyzed by real-time PCR.Results: Malondialdehyde concentration was similar in all groups studied. Catalase activity was significantly higher in AML and APL patients compared to controls, while ALL showed similar activity to the healthy group. NRF2, CAT, and PRDX2 expression levels were similar between groups, SOD expression was downregulated in all acute leukemia patients. TNF-α expression was lower in AML groups than in healthy individuals, and IL-6 mRNA expression was downregulated in ALL and APL.Conclusion: This is the first report that correlates transcriptional and systemic parameters associated with the oxidative inflammatory status in newly diagnosed acute leukemia. Some of the parameters evaluated could be used as biomarkers in the selection of an effective therapeutic strategy and will open new directions for the follow-up and evolution of this disease.

Gynecological laparoscopy has to be analyzed also in the context of complications that occur during the surgical procedures. Complications occur daily. For this reason, emphasis should be placed on lifelong continuous education and training. Given the risks and complications we face, we must be trained to deal with them. This improves the safety of laparoscopic operations. Without such certainty, gynecological laparoscopy would not be the method of choice in a minimally invasive approach. This requires significant commitment, effort, and responsibility. In this way, we provide our patients with the best and highest quality healthcare service. Likewise, with such an approach, the frequency of complications is reduced to a minimum. New perspectives and possibilities are associated with the application of robotic surgery.

The Injection of autologous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) into dermal and subdermal layers can improve skin volume and rejuvenation. The SEFFI (Superficial Enhanced Fluid Fat Injection) technique, which involves minimal manipulation of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue, was utilized for harvesting and re-injection, using the SEFFILLER™ disposable medical device. Mechanical fragmentation of adipose tissue is a well-established surgical technique that stimulates tissue regeneration, filler, and biological activity. The study evaluated the biological properties (regenerative and anti-aging) of different harvest and processing fat graft methods among which the fragmented adipose tissue, specifically focusing on the presence of exosomes. Exosomes, nanometer-sized vesicles produced by cells for cellular communication, were found to contain miRNAs with anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and vascular content. The products’ contained exosomes were confirmed in the study through electron microscopy, Western Blotting, gene expression, and sequencing of miRNA content. 

The Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) technique is based on cuffs connected to a pressure device that induces partial arterial inflow. BFR combined with exercise has already been proven to increase strength, muscle mass, and muscular endurance. However, some BFR devices with pneumatic air bands, such as KAATSU (KA), are expensive and less accessible, making either a Sphygmomanometer Cuff (SC) or Elastic Band (EB) an interesting alternative. However, vascular parameters in response to blood flow restriction during KA, EB, and SC have not yet been compared. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the brachial blood flow behavior during restriction using bands such as KA, SC, and EB on the same perceived tightness. Methods: Thirty healthy men participated in a prospective crossover study. Participants underwent blood flow measurements before and during KA, SC, and EB use, with KA-perceived tightness taken as a reference. The brachial blood flow volume, the diameter of the artery, and blood flow velocity were measured before and immediately after the cuff’s inflation at a specific tightness. Results: Blood flow volume was significantly reduced in KA (52%, ES: 1.38), SC (61.7%, ES: 1.29), and EB (41.5%, ES: 1.22) (p

Background: Endometrial morular metaplasia, a clinical conundrum from a diagnostic and management angle given its rarity and low oncogenic potential, has been linked to endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma. Case report: A 77-year-old woman with no significant past medical history, was found to have an asymptomatic thickened endometrium on pelvic imaging, after presenting with lower abdominal pain, 3yrs ago. Diagnostic hysteroscopy identified an endometrial polyp within a pyometra. Histopathology showed focal complex endometrial hyperplasia without atypia with superimposed morular metaplasia(EMM) with a negative microbiology assay.Following conservative management with multidisciplinary team(MDT) overview, as-per patient choice with 6-monthly follow-up hysteroscopy, endometrial biopsies and a short use of the Mirena® Intrauterine system (discontinued following poor tolerance), histopathology shows resolved hyperplasia with persistent EMM. Due to persistent disease, a hysterectomy is under consideration.Discussion: Current evidence suggests that a sub-type of EMM, a likely histological manifestation of beta-catenin (CTNNB1) gene mutation: could be a precursor of endometrial hyperplasia and low-grade endometrioid-endometrial carcinoma sub-type. Though low-grade in nature, the increased recurrence risk raises significant concerns.Prognostication following gene mutation identification can help with management options which include conservative, hormonal therapy with adjunct repeat endometrial sampling: or hysterectomy. The optimal frequency of endometrial sampling when uterine-sparing, is unclear, leading to a management conundrum, whilst persistent disease may require a hysterectomy.Conclusion: Management of endometrial morular metaplasia can be difficult but must reflect the woman’s choice with a MDT-overview. Immuno-histochemical tools utilizing new molecular biological advances, can simplify the diagnostic and prognostication processes, aiding clinical management.

Aquaculture may simply be referred as “Underwater Agriculture.”India is a major maritime state and an important aquaculture- based country in the worldhaving major aquaculture activitiesin the production of Carp from Freshwater,Shrimp from Brackish water, etc. Feed requirements of fish vary in quantity and quality according to the feeding habits, physiological stages of the species and environmental variations viz., temperature; amount and type of natural food availability in the culture system.A nutritious and cheap feed is a pre requested for profitable aquaculture. Though, use of commercially available feed is in practice in many countries. The feed cost consumes more Than half of running expenditure. Therefore, the search of nutritionally well-balanced feed Prepared from very cheap locally available ingredients in progress in all the aqua farming countries. In the present study, an attempt has been made to well-balanced nutritious feed Particularly from the locally available cheaper ingredients. The objectives of the present study are: to assess the effect of feed on the growth of finfish and shellfish in the laboratory, to prepare the conventional feed with traditional ingredients and to check the effect of feed on the growth performance of ornamental fish - Guppy, Poecilia reticulata.

Carotidynia refers to an idiopathic, self-limiting, benign condition of head and neck pain emanating from a tender carotid artery. We report a case where a patient presenting with carotidynia combined with fever elevated white blood count and C-reactive protein (CRP), nine days after treatment with chemotherapy (paclitaxel-carboplatin) and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). The condition resolved after treatment with glucocorticoids in combination with antibiotics. The radiological findings were congruent with caritodynia and the conclusion from the case was that the anti-cancer treatment was causative, supported by the literature reviewed, although paclitaxel has previously not been implicated.

Septic arthritis is a serious inflammatory infectious state of the joint secondary to microbial infection. In the pediatric population the most common route of infection is haematogenous spread. Less than fifty percent of patients with septic arthritis will yield positive culture results with a mortality rate of up to 42% in some cases. Due to the challenge in obtaining culture and identification of the causative organism the management of septic arthritis has been more of empirical in nature with the chosen antibiotic synchronized with the epidemiological data. Here is a case of a 14 months old female patient presenting at our hospital with a left knee and lower thigh swelling for three days with failure to bare weight on the limb. In addition, she had fever and diarrhea for three days. Upon evaluation clinical, laboratory and radiological findings supported septic arthritis expect for her blood, pus and synovial fluid culture of which all came back negative. She had poor response to intravenous ceftriaxone, gentamycin, metronidazole, ampicillin- cloxacillin and amoxicillin clavunate. Over the course of therapy, she developed septic shock, severe anemia and acute liver failure and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Afterwards she was initiated vancomycin and developed a hypersensitivity reaction with generalized edema which prompted cessation of the drug. Due to her critical state and poor response a triple therapy regimen composing of meropenem, ciprofloxacin and metronidazole was selected and maintained for three weeks followed by an oral clindamycin course for another three weeks of which she responded. In addition, surgical debridement arthrotomy, irrigation and drainage were done. Physiotherapy for rehabilitation is ongoing with patient recovering well.