Association between patent foramen ovale and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a defect in the intra-atrial septum that occurs when the foramen ovale does not close postnatally. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition that causes airflow obstruction.

Objective: This systematic review aimed to consolidate current evidence on the association between PFO and COPD outcomes.

Evaluating strategies for global respiratory pandemic control at ports: a modelling study.

Background: Heavy reliance on container shipping during the COVID-19 pandemic with lockdown implementation and air travel bans placed substantial pressure on shipping crews and ports. Long waiting times at ports, substantial economic losses and massive supply chain disruption of essential and medical goods were observed. To minimise this for future pandemic preparedness, we explore the use of quarantining and testing of crews preboarding instead of quarantining at port calls or during voyages.

Learning to Teach AI: Understanding the Needs of Healthcare Professionals.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies become more integrated into clinical settings to optimize care, healthcare professionals (HCPs) will need to become more adept in responsibly using these novel technologies to augment patient care. A qualitative study, consisting of semi-structured interviews was conducted to explore the informational needs of HCPs and gaps in current AI education. Participants, consisting of educators and learners, were recruited from AI programs.

Long-Term Outcomes of Fontan Patients With an Extracardiac Conduit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Although Fontan palliation improves survival, it poses a large burden of lifelong morbidity. In extracardiac Fontan (ECF) patients, for example, conduit stenosis developing over time has been associated with Fontan failure and other adverse outcomes. This systematic review, for the first time, synthesized existing data on various long-term outcomes of ECF patients, including change in conduit and associated outcomes.

Demonstrating the potential of bioactive glass-infused electrospun PVB fibrous patches in atopic dermatitis moisturizing therapy.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritic and eczematous lesions. Current treatment modalities often focus on symptomatic relief through topical moisturizers to restore impaired skin barrier function. Bioactive glasses, such as 45S5 and 59S compositions, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic applications in dermatological conditions due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and ability to promote wound healing.