Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Vitamin K Antagonists in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Bioprosthetic Valve Replacement: An Umbrella Review.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major sequela after bioprosthetic valve replacement (BPVR) in patients with valvular heart disease. This study evaluates the data compiled from different meta-analyses in an umbrella review. We investigated the anticoagulation efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with AF and BPVR.

Risk of heart failure and subtypes with biomarker-calibrated protein intake: Women's health initiative cohort study.

Introduction: Heart failure (HF) is a growing epidemic, with risk of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) significantly higher in post-menopausal women compared to men. Data on its association with dietary protein intake is limited.

Methods: To study the association of dietary protein intake with risk of HF and its subtypes in post-menopausal women, we included post-menopausal women from Women's Health Initiative's (WHI) HF cohort.

Use of oral healthcare facilities for the screening of hyperglycaemia in dental patients with undiagnosed type-2 diabetes mellitus in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Background: Early diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM) is the key to controlling it. Dental care settings can offer an opportunity to identify unknown cases of DM. The Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) is a validated and simple tool designed to predict the type II DM risk in the Indian population.

A Multidisciplinary (Endo-Prostho-Perio) Management of Infected Teeth-Hope for the Hopeless.

Introduction: This study explores an interdisciplinary approach involving endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics in the management of severely infected teeth.

Methodology: Conducted on 50 cases, the research highlights how a coordinated strategy combining root canal therapy, periodontal regeneration, and prosthetic rehabilitation can provide viable solutions for teeth often deemed unsalvageable. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, demonstrating significant improvements in periapical healing, periodontal parameters, and prosthetic success.

Stainless Steel Crown and Stainless Steel Bands Effect on Periodontal and Gingival Health Among Children: A Comparative Evaluation.

Introduction: Stainless steel crowns (SSCs) and bands are widely used in pediatric dentistry; however, their impact on periodontal and gingival health requires evaluation. This study aimed to compare the effects of SSCs and bands on Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) over 6 months.

Methodology: Sixty children aged 6-12 years were divided into two groups: SSCs (n = 30) and bands (n = 30).

Influence of Unhealthy Diet and Sedentary Behavior on the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life on Child and Adolescent Age Groups: An Original Research.

Background: The interplay between dietary patterns, physical activity, and oral health plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall well-being of children. This study investigates the influence of unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behavior on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among 1035 children aged 5-12 years.

Objective: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of unhealthy dietary habits and sedentary behavior on the OHRQoL among children and adolescents especially related to the study of their dietary pattern, sedentary habits, and determination of how dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles affect functional, emotional, and social aspects of OHRQoL.

The efficacy of antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) and antireflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by 24-h pH monitoring: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent and chronic disorder impacting a significant proportion of the global population, approximately 15%. Most GERD patients show improvement with medical treatment, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs); however, around 40% continue to experience symptoms despite ongoing PPI use. Antireflux mucosal ablation (ARMA) and antireflux mucosectomy (ARMS) are minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for treating GERD.

Prospective, Matched Case-Control Study of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty and Semaglutide in Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease at One Year.

Purpose: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and GLP-1RA are proven obesity interventions with potential to aid patients who have MASLD. However, their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to compare ESG and semaglutide in MASLD patients regarding weight loss and improvements in metabolic parameters, including liver enzymes, and FIB-4 scores.

Preservation of residual bone dimension for immediate implantation using horizontal socket shield: A case report.

Vertical bone loss post-extraction is influenced by inflammatory responses and bone remodeling. Horizontal partial extraction Therapy helps preserve bone by preventing additional resorption. A 50-year-old patient with a fractured incisor was treated using horizontal partial extraction therapy with a root form R3510 implant.

Rapid elemental imaging of copper-bearing critical ores using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy coupled with PCA and PLS-DA.

This study presents the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for analyzing various copper-bearing critical ores with significant Cu concentrations. LIBS detected Cu as a base element, along with other minor elements including Al, C, Fe, Mg, Ni, Si, and Zn, under optimized experimental conditions that include 80 ± 0.3 mJ laser energy, 2 μs delay time, ∼500 μm spot size, and a 45° angle between the collecting lens and the sample surface.

Comparing Weight Loss and Metabolic Outcomes of Virtual Versus In-Person Follow-Up Care in Bariatrics: A Propensity-Matched Analysis at 12 and 36 Months Post-ESG.

Introduction: The rising prevalence of obesity and demand for minimally invasive treatments has led to increased adoption of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). As telemedicine expands in bariatrics, understanding the role of virtual follow-up care is crucial. This study aims to use propensity-matching to compare weight loss and metabolic outcomes between virtual and in-person follow-up modalities post-ESG.

Eco-friendly removal of direct orange 26 dye using lignin-ZnO composite: Optimization and application.

The study explored a sustainable and greener conversion of wheat straw to lignin for wastewater treatment application. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were incorporated into wheat straw extracted lignin (WSEL) to design WSEL@ZnO composite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed a crystalline structure (25 nm) of WSEL@ZnO composite, with enhanced direct orange 26 (DO26) adsorption and photocatalytic efficiency.

Laser-Based Characterization and Classification of Functional Alloy Materials (AlCuPbSiSnZn) Using Calibration-Free Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and a Laser Ablation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer for Electrotechnical Applications.

In this paper, we present the analysis of functional alloy samples containing metals aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), silicon (Si), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn) using a Q-switched Nd laser operating at a wavelength of 532 nm with a pulse duration of 5 ns. Nine pelletized alloy samples were prepared, each containing varying chemical concentrations (wt.%) of Al, Cu, Pb, Si, Sn, and Zn-elements commonly used in electrotechnical and thermal functional materials.

Systematic review of technical factors associated with persistent fistula after EUS-directed transgastric ERCP in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Background And Aims: An important unintended consequence of EUS-directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE) in patients with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is persistent fistula (PF) formation after stent removal. To better inform procedural decision-making, we wanted to elucidate the technical factors associated with PF after EDGE.

Methods: We performed a systematic literature search of EMBASE, Scopus, and PubMed databases from inception until November 2024.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty for the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is an incisionless weight loss procedure that has been demonstrated to be safe and effective for the treatment of obesity; however, the efficacy of ESG for the treatment of comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been less well studied. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature to evaluate the outcomes of ESG on T2DM and MetS.

Methods: Bibliographic databases were systematically searched for studies assessing the outcomes of ESG on T2DM and MetS.

Metal versus plastic stents for EUS-guided walled-off necrosis drainage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background & Objective: The endoscopic step-up approach is the mainstay of walled-off necrosis management (WON). However, using metal stents versus plastic stents during WON drainage is debatable, with limited high-quality evidence. Therefore, we aim to investigate the comparative safety and efficacy of metal versus plastic stents for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided WON drainage.

Malaria and missed school days: exploring school absenteeism patterns and local strategies in Odisha, India.

Background: Malaria continues to pose a significant global health challenge, disproportionately affecting children. While its effects on physical health are well-documented, the impact on education, particularly school absenteeism, remains less understood. This study aimed to explore the influence of malaria on school absenteeism in Odisha, India.

Rare Allergic Reaction to Local Anesthesia: A Case Report.

One of the most commonly used local anesthetic (LA) agents in dentistry is lidocaine. Hypersensitivity reactions to lidocaine have been reported. In such cases, it is crucial to record a detailed clinical history and perform allergy testing to select a suitable alternative LA agent.

Phase I Study of Vorinostat and Temsirolimus in Newly Diagnosed or Progressive Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.

Background: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) carries a poor prognosis with a median survival of less than 12 months. Key molecular features include histone H3 mutation (K27M) and AKT pathway dysregulation. There is currently no curative treatment.

Characterization of bone & cartilage endplate junction in the human lumbar spine: novel ultrastructural insights & association with elemental composition, vascularity and degeneration.

Objective: Intervertebral disc (IVD)-related pathology is associated with integrity of cartilaginous endplate (CEP), bony endplate (BEP) and their junction. However, ultrastructural details of the CEP, BEP and IVD and their interplay with disc degenerative features such as fissures and calcification are understudied. The current study aimed to ultra structurally explore CEP-BEP junction to IVD features.

Diagnostic Feasibility of Cardiac PET CT in the Evaluation of Inflammatory, Infectious, and Malignant Heart Disease.

Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a power- ful imaging tool with diverse applications in the detection and diagnosis of various cardiac conditions, including inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic processes. Using the radiotracer 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG), cardiac PET enables the identification of cardiac involvement in diseases such as sarcoidosis and severe infections affecting the heart tissue. Additionally, 18F-FDG PET is valuable in the evaluation of cardiac masses, helping to assess their metabolic activity and potential malignancy.

Diagnostic Feasibility and Accuracy of Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in the Evaluation of Ischemic Heart Disease.

Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can be used for the assessment of myocardial perfusion. Compared to other cardiac imaging techniques, notably Single Photon Emission Computer Tomography (SPECT), cardiac PET offers superior image resolution, higher accuracy, quantitative measures of myocardial perfusion, lower radiation exposure, and shorter image acquisition time. However, PET tends to be costlier and less widely available than SPECT due to the specialized equipment needed for generating the necessary radiotracers.

Development of a guide for continuous positive airway pressure use - A good fit: Making continuous positive airway pressure work for you.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent in veterans with mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Untreated OSA reduces the effectiveness of the treatment of PTSD. Treatment of OSA has been shown to reduce daytime sleepiness and symptoms of PTSD and depression.