Thoracoscopic versus conventional thoracotomy for esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula repair: a comprehensive meta-analysis of 25 comparative studies.

Purpose: This meta-analysis compares thoracoscopic versus open thoracotomy repair of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF).

Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from inception to April 2025 for studies comparing thoracoscopic versus conventional thoracotomy approaches. Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using appropriate tools.

Dosimetry evaluation and uncertainty analysis of Cobalt-60 HDR brachytherapy for cervical cancer in resource-limited settings.

Background: High-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy is essential in the treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer. While Iridium-192 (Ir-192) is commonly used, its short half-life imposes logistical and financial constraints, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cobalt-60 (Co-60), with a longer half-life and lower operational costs, is a viable alternative.

Ectopic adipose tissue in subsistence populations with minimal coronary disease, large left atria, and very low rates of atrial fibrillation.

Background: Greater deposits of epicardial adipose tissue are associated with atrial fibrillation and coronary disease, but have not been studied in subsistence populations.

Methods: We performed CT imaging to measure coronary artery and thoracic aortic calcium (CAC, TAC), epicardial fat thickness (EFT), liver density, and left atrial (LA) anteroposterior diameter and, using a deep learning-enabled software program, epicardial and thoracic fat volume (EFV, TFV), in two remote Amerindian subsistence populations with minimal coronary artery calcification and virtually no atrial fibrillation. We compared 893 adult Tsimane (mean age 58.

Venous Thromboembolism Risk Assessment in Prolonged Fasting During Ramadan: The Global Ramadan Free Thrombosis Project.

Background Fasting during the month of Ramadan is practiced by over a billion Muslims worldwide. This religious observance, which involves complete abstention from food and fluids during daylight hours, may contribute to dehydration and increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly in hot climates. Despite this theoretical concern, limited clinical evidence exists on the actual incidence and risk of VTE associated with prolonged fasting.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Corrosion Inhibition Assessment of Three New Mononuclear Hybrid Complexes Based on Schiff (2-(2-Hydroxybenzylidene)amino)phenol and Triphenylphosphine Ligand.

In this study, we describe the synthesis and characterization of the mononuclear complexes [ )], [ ], and [ ], where = (2-((2-hydroxybenzylidene)-amino)-phenol). The structural analysis of these complexes was carried out utilizing mass spectrometry, H NMR, C NMR, P NMR, UV-visible, and FT-IR. All three complexes were investigated as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel in 1 M HCl.

Accuracy of Apple Watch to Measure Cardiovascular Indices in Patients with Cardiac Diseases: Observational Study.

The validity of Apple Watch for measuring heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO) in patients with cardiac diseases is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the accuracy of the Apple Watch in measuring HR and SpO in patients with cardiac diseases. A cross-sectional study recruited 260 cardiac patients, including 190 with regular heart rhythm and 70 with cardiac arrhythmia.

Preparation and characterization of lemongrass oil nanoemulsion: Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.

Although citrus essential oils, including lemongrass essential oil, have antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidant properties, their biological instability and poor water solubility render them unsuitable for industrial usage. Thus, this study aimed to prepare both lemongrass essential oil emulsion (LEO-E) and lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion (LEO-NE), and evaluate their different bioactivities. Characterization by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and evaluation of antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anticancer activities were carried out.

Value of thoracic ultrasound including focused cardiac ultrasound in daily practice of outpatient chest clinic.

Background: Chest examination alone may be insufficient to declare cardiorespiratory diseases specially in its early stages and/or silent forms, also it is impractical for the CXR and cardiac consultation to be requested for every patient in the outpatient clinic, therefore involving the chest US and FoCUS (Focused Cardiac Ultra Sound) examination in the bedside practice of outpatient chest clinic may influence the clinical diagnosis and management plan.

Objective: To determine how the bedside thoracic US including FoCUS can alter the clinical diagnosis in patients who are clinically diagnosed as acute bronchitis in the outpatient chest clinic.

Subjects And Methods: This study was conducted at Chest outpatient clinic, Al-Azhar University in the period between January 2024 to March 2025.

The nitrogen regulator AreA modulates lipid metabolism through uga2 in Mucor circinelloides.

Oleaginous filamentous fungus Mucor circinelloides harbors a GATA transcription activator AreA, which regulates nitrogen metabolism. In our previous study, deletion of AreA resulted in increased lipid production, while its overexpression reduced lipid synthesis. Although it is not a direct lipogenesis regulator, AreA influences metabolic flux by modulating nitrogen utilization pathways, which in turn affects carbon distribution.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives as new antiproliferative agents with multikinase inhibitory activity.

Two series of triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were designed and synthesized as antiproliferative agents targeting multi kinase inhibition aiming to increase potency and combat drug resistance. The synthesized compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activity. The triazolopyrimidine derivatives 9b, 9c, 12b and 12c showed promising anticancer activities, in particular, compounds 12b and 12c displayed broad spectrum antiproliferative potential against NCI cancer cell lines with GI mean value of 10.

Mitigating salinity and cadmium stress in rice ( L.) using PGPR and salicylic acid: rhizosphere, health risk, and physiological insights.

Soil contamination with salinity and heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) is becoming a serious global problem due to the rapid development of the social economy. Although plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria PGPR and organic agents such as salicylic acid (SA) are considered major protectants to alleviate abiotic stresses, the study of these bacteria and organic acids to ameliorate the toxic effects of salinity and Cd remains limited. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the individual and combined effects of PGPR and SA on enhancing the phytoremediation of salinity (100 mM NaCl) and Cd (50 µM CdCl₂) using rice ( L.

Development of a Sensitive Fluorimetric Method for Atomoxetine Determination in Tablets and Plasma Using a Dansyl Chloride Derivatization Approach.

New, eco-friendly method for analyzing atomoxetine (AXT) was developed using dansyl chloride as a fluorescent derivative. The method demonstrated a linear range from 50.0 to 900.

Novel antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory aminated chitosan hybrid quinoline Schiff base as multi-target agent: Design, molecular docking, and toxicity assessment.

This study involves the synthesis of a novel 7-ethoxy-3-formyl-2-morpholino quinoline (MQ) derivative, which was hybridized with aminated chitosan (AMCH) to yield a new AMCH-MQ Schiff base. Structural characterization via H NMR, FTIR, electronic spectra, XRD, and TGA confirmed successful hybridization. Ion exchange capacity decreased from 28.

Effectiveness of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (iNPWT) in the Prevention of Post-Amputation Complications: Systematic review & Meta-analysis.

Objectives: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is an advanced therapy utilizing sub-atmospheric pressure at the wound site to generate a controlled environment that promotes blood flow and stabilizes the wound area. However, its effectiveness in diminishing surgical site complications remains unproven effectively. We aim to assess the impact of iNPWT on the reduction of surgical wound complications, mortality rate, and improvement of healing rate following lower limb amputation.

The effect of 0.5 mg dose of colchicine on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Inflammation plays a critical role in the progression of atherosclerosis, and the anti-inflammatory effects on clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are still uncertain.

Objectives: We aimed to study the effects of a 0.5 mg dose of colchicine on clinical outcomes following AMI.

Relationship of vitamin D, fibrinogen and their ratio with acute coronary syndrome: A comparative analysis of unstable angina, NSTEMI, and STEMI.

Background: There is emerging evidence suggesting that vitamin D and fibrinogen play contrasting roles in ACS pathophysiology and their combined impact, expressed as the vitamin D/fibrinogen ratio, can be a potential biomarker for ACS severity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D, fibrinogen, and their ratio with ACS types, and assess their potential as risk stratification biomarkers.

Methods: This multicenter observational study was conducted in tertiary care hospitals in Afghanistan, Egypt, and Pakistan, including 300 ACS patients.

Impact of Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation on Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Gastric Emptying in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in improving gastric motility in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Materials And Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane CENTRAL until December 15, 2024. Observational studies and clinical trials evaluating DBS effects on gastric motility and gastric emptying in patients with PD were included.

Effectiveness of injected versus topically applied platelet-rich plasma in diabetic foot ulcers: A randomized controlled trial with clinical and histopathological assessment.

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes that can lead to significant morbidity. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), rich in growth factors and cytokines, has emerged as a promising treatment to enhance ulcer healing. This study aimed to compare the clinical and histological efficacy of injected PRP versus topically applied PRP and traditional wound care in the management of DFUs.

Synthesis, in vivo analgesic activity, molecular docking and density functional theory analysis of acyl hydrazide derivatives of mefenamic acid.

This study explores the synthesis of new acyl hydrazide derivatives of mefenamic acid as potent analgesics with enhanced safety profiles. Thirteen compounds were synthesized via hydrazide intermediate functionalization and characterized spectroscopically (H/C NMR, and HRESI-MS). In vivo evaluation (acetic acid writhing, formalin paw licking, and tail immersion tests) revealed significant peripheral and central analgesic activity, with compounds 5 (N'-(4-chlorobenzoyl)) and 11 (N'-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)) outperforming mefenamic acid (81.

A novel sulfamoylphenyl-dihydro-thiadiazole derivative as a dual EGFR and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for cancer therapy.

A novel sulfamoylphenyl-dihydro-thiadiazole derivative (compound 14) has been designed and synthesized as a dual inhibitor targeting EGFR and human carbonic anhydrases (hCA_IX and hCA_XII). Computational studies, including density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, confirmed its stability, favorable binding interactions, and reactivity profiles. Compound 14 showed potent inhibition of EGFR (IC₅₀ = 10.

Transgenerational Effects of Cadmium and Copper Exposure on Development, Reproduction, and Midgut Integrity in (Diptera: Culicidae): Implications for Vector Ecology Under Metal Pollution.

Heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems poses persistent threats to aquatic organisms and public health. This study evaluates the transgenerational toxicity of cadmium chloride and copper sulfate on , focusing on development, reproduction, and midgut histopathology over two successive generations. Larval bioassays showed cadmium chloride to be more toxic than copper sulfate, with early instars exhibiting higher sensitivity (LC = 8.

A comprehensive systematic review of randomized controlled trials on anesthetic agents in children's upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: highlighting safety concerns and efficacy.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) is essential for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal disorders in children aged 6-12 years, yet it often requires sedation due to the significant discomfort and pain involved. We conducted a PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Ovid (inception to March 30, 2024). Inclusion criteria are as follows: RCTs comparing sedative regimens (e.

D-optimal design-based optimization of etoricoxib cubogel for management of arthritis; in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Etoricoxib (Et) is selective COX-2 inhibitor with several drawbacks after oral administration. Current study focused on formulating targeted Et cubogel for osteoarthritis management. Interaction between formulation factors; (glyceryl-monooleate (GMO) and Poloxamer407 (Px)) concentrations and process parameters (melting/solvent-evaporation preparation methods) was investigated using D-optimal design.

Efficacy of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in Degenerative Temporomandibular Joint.

Background: Degenerative joint disease is a chronic condition marked by the gradual breakdown in the articular cartilage, together with alterations in the underlying bone and surrounding soft tissues, leading to ongoing joint deterioration. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the differences between efficacy of injectable platelet rich fibrin (I-PRF) versus platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection in degenerative temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Methods: The investigation was conducted on a cohort of 20 patients aged over 18 years, both sexes, with unilateral or bilateral TMJ Osteoarthritis.

Comparative analysis of structural, radiation shielding, and optical properties in ZIF-8 and BDC-Cu (MOFs) for utilization in various applications.

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the structural properties of ZIF-8 and BDC-Cu using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). By studying the structural characteristics of these MOFs, we aim to understand how their unique properties influence their effectiveness as radiation shielding materials. The FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of metal-ligand and OH bonds that influence interactions with electromagnetic radiation and potentially contribute to shielding properties.