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Introduction. Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a prevailing condition widely affecting mobility. However, many non-invasive treatments have been proposed for LSS. Physiotherapy is reported as more commonly used with very little evidence reporting the efficacy of alternative medicine. For clinicians, there was a need to find a better mode of treatment. The purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions and alternative medicine for leg pain, back pain, and walking distance in patients with LSS. Methods. Data sources: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for papers published in the previous 5 years (2016-2020). The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted from September 2021 to December 2021 at the Musculoskeletal Research Lab of Maharishi Markandeshwaer Institute of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation. Study selection and outcomes: randomised controlled trials (RCT), randomised clinical trials, randomised cross-over trials, quasi-RCTs, and non-RCTs were included if they evaluated the effects of physiotherapy or alternative medicine on pain and walking distance in patients with LSS. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Self-paced walk test (SPWT), and treadmill walking were used as outcome measures. All the authors independently screened and extracted data from the 8 studies retrieved through the search using a pilot-tested performa. The quality of studies was assessed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk of bias criteria. Result. Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model that showed (1) Physiotherapy was more effective than the control in improving leg pain. The Standardised mean difference (SMD) (95% CI) in the NRS score for leg pain was found to be 1.12 (0.83, 1.40); (2) Physiotherapy was more effective than the control in improving back pain. The SMD (95% CI) in the NRS score for back pain was 0.29 (-0.18, 0.76); (3) Physiotherapy was more effective than the control in improving walking distance. The SMD (95% CI) for walking distance was found to be 144.59 m (133.16 m, 159.02 m). Conclusions. The results of the present study indicate that physiotherapy has higher significant results than alternative medicine in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of kidney stones reduces the patients' quality of life and imposes high costs on patients and health care system. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a safe procedure to treat urinary stones. Appropriate strategies such as self-care programs can effectively reduce the prevalence and recurrence of this disease, and increase quality of life, save costs, and prevent diseases by increasing patient participation. The aim of this study is to design and implement a web-based self-care application for patients with kidney stones undergoing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Methods: This paper is an applied study and was performed in Sabalan Hospital in Ardabil affiliated to the Social Security Organization of Iran in three stages including needs assessment, design and evaluation. For needs assessment and application design, a questionnaire was designed by searching library resources. The questionnaire was completed by clinical specialists and specialists in health information management and information technology. Then, based on the approved information elements and capabilities, a web-based self-care application was designed. The usability of the designed program was evaluated with the participation of 20 users. Results: The results of the survey showed that the experts confirmed all the identified items and components, and considered them necessary. Users rated the usability of the self-care program at a good level with an average score of 7.9 out of 9. Conclusion: The usability ofthe self-care application was satisfactory to users in various areas of overall application performance, screen, terminology and information, learning and general impressions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonicotinoid pesticides are utilized against an extensive range of insects. A growing body of evidence supports that these neuro-active insecticides are classified as toxicants in invertebrates. However, there is limited published data regarding their toxicity in vertebrates and mammals. the current systematic review is focused on the up-to-date knowledge available for several neonicotinoid pesticides and their non-acute toxicity on rodents and human physiology. Oral lethal dose 50 (LD50) of seven neonicotinoids (i.e. imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, and nitenpyram) was initially identified. Subsequently, a screening of the literature was conducted to collect information about non-acute exposure to these insecticides. 99 studies were included and assessed for their risk of bias and level of evidence according to the Office of Health and Translation (OHAT) framework. All the 99 included papers indicate evidence of reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress induction with a high level of evidence in the health effect of rodents and a moderate level of evidence for human health. The most studied type of these insecticides among 99 papers was imidacloprid (55 papers), followed by acetamiprid (22 papers), clothianidin (21 papers), and thiacloprid (11 papers). While 10 of 99 papers assessed the relationship between clothianidin, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, and nitenpyram, showing evidence of liver injury, dysfunctions of oxidative stress markers in the reproductive system, and intestinal toxicity. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential risks caused by neonicotinoid insecticides to humans and rodents with salient health effects. However, further research is needed to better emphasize and understand the patho-physiological mechanisms of these insecticides, taking into account various factors that can influence their toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was conducted to provide an upto-date understanding of clinical applications in balance capability, as well as delivering a review of pieces of literature on Virtual Reality (VR) on balance control in stroke survivors. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Pedro were searched for published papers from 2010 to 2020 with the terms "Game-based rehabilitation", "balance training", "virtual reality", "stroke", "neurorehabilitation", and "virtual environment". We evaluated the effect of VR on balance improvement after a stroke. Results: 33 articles describing results following the use of VR on balance in patients with stroke that met our inclusion criteria were found. Among these studies, two studies described the results in acute, eight in subacute, twenty-two in chronic stroke patients, and one study included both chronic and subacute stroke patients. The results indicated that balance can be improved with VR. Conclusion: The results of this study strengthen the idea that VR training has the potential to become an effective adjacent to routine rehabilitation treatments for improving balance status post-stroke. However, conducting a randomized control trial that incorporates all three stroke phases with an appropriate study setting is necessary to achieve an integrated clinical protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combinatorial behavior involves combining different elements into larger aggregates with meaning. It is generally contrasted with compositionality, which involves the combining of meaningful elements into larger constituents whose meaning is derived from its component parts. Combinatoriality is commonly considered a capacity found in primates and other animals, whereas compositionality often is considered uniquely human. Questioning the validity of this claim, this multidisciplinary special issue of the International Journal of Primatology unites papers that each study aspects of combinatoriality and compositionality found in primate and bird communication systems, tool use, skills, and human language. The majority of authors conclude that compositionality is evolutionarily preceded by combinatoriality and that neither are uniquely human. This introduction briefly introduces readers to the major findings and issues raised by the contributors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a prevailing condition widely affecting mobility. However, many non-invasive treatments have been proposed for LSS. Physiotherapy is reported as more commonly used with very little evidence reporting the efficacy of alternative medicine. For clinicians, there was a need to find a better mode of treatment. The purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions and alternative medicine for leg pain, back pain, and walking distance in patients with LSS. Methods Data sources: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for papers published in the previous 5 years (2016–2020). The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted from September 2021 to December 2021 at the Musculoskeletal Research Lab of Maharishi Markandeshwaer Institute of Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation. Study selection and outcomes: randomised controlled trials (RCT), randomised clinical trials, randomised cross-over trials, quasi-RCTs, and non-RCTs were included if they evaluated the effects of physiotherapy or alternative medicine on pain and walking distance in patients with LSS. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Self-paced walk test (SPWT), and treadmill walking were used as outcome measures. All the authors independently screened and extracted data from the 8 studies retrieved through the search using a pilot-tested performa. The quality of studies was assessed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane risk of bias criteria. Results Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model that showed (1) Physiotherapy was more effective than the control in improving leg pain. The Standardised mean difference (SMD) (95% CI) in the NRS score for leg pain was found to be 1.12 (0.83, 1.40); (2) Physiotherapy was more effective than the control in improving back pain. The SMD (95% CI) in the NRS score for back pain was 0.29 (−0.18, 0.76); (3) Physiotherapy was more effective than the control in improving walking distance. The SMD (95% CI) for walking distance was found to be 144.59 m (133.16 m, 159.02 m). Conclusions The results of the present study indicate that physiotherapy has higher significant results than alternative medicine in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Dental anxiety and pain in pediatric patients are one of the major reasons leading to untreated dental caries and dental negligence. This study is a systematic review to check the efficacy of aromatherapy using essential oils to help pediatric patients (6-12 years of age) overcome dental anxiety and pain before, during, and after any dental procedure The study designs included were randomized control trial, cross sectional, in vivo studies explaining the effectiveness of aromatherapy for dental anxiety and pain in pediatric children in the age group of 6-12 years. The studies and manuscripts published between January 2013 and April 2023 on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library published in English were considered. The evaluation of effectiveness by using any faces pain scales or checking salivary cortisol or by checking vitals. A systematic review of literature and meta-analysis was performed. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review 2020, the Cochrane Handbook for systematic reviews of interventions, version 5.1.0. The conclusions of all studies indicated that aromatherapy is an effective alternative therapy that can be practiced in dentistry for anxious pediatric dental patients as it reduces anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex steroid hormones (SSH) are extremely versatile molecules with a myriad of physiological functions. Next to their well-known role in sexual development and reproduction, SSH play active roles in practically every tissue in the human body, including the oral cavity. It has long been demonstrated that periodontal tissues express SSH receptors and therefore are responsive to the presence of SSH. Interestingly, SSH not only interact with the periodontal tissues but also with other tissues in the oral cavity such as dental enamel, pulp, cementum, oral mucosa, and salivary glands. Questions concerning the possible physiological functions of these receptors and their role in maintenance of oral health, remain unanswered. The purpose of this scoping review was to gather and summarize all the available evidence on the role of SSH in physiological processes in the oral cavity in humans. Two comprehensive literature searches were performed. References were screened and selected based on title, abstract and full text according to our inclusion criteria. Both searches yielded 18,992 results of which 73 were included. Results were divided into four categories: (1) Periodontium; (2) Dental structure; (3) Mucosa; and (4) Salivary glands. The interaction of these tissues with progestagens, androgens and estrogens are summarized. Sex steroid hormones are an overlooked yet fundamental factor in oral homeostasis. They play important roles in the development and function of the periodontium, dental structure, mucosa and salivary glands. Dentists and healthcare providers should consider these hormonal factors when assessing and treating oral health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study examined the impact of sex, ADHD subtype, and comorbid illnesses (depression/anxiety) on the timing of diagnosis and treatment for ADHD. Method: To analyze ADHD patients, four health databases were used to assess subtype, comorbid mood, and antidepressant or anxiolytic drug exposure. Analyses were stratified by sex and age. Standardized mean differences measured intergroup differences. Results: Females with ADHD were identified at older ages and had higher rates of depression and anxiety diagnoses and treatments before and after their initial ADHD diagnosis. Predominantly inattentive ADHD patients were diagnosed later and more likely to receive mood disorder diagnosis and treatment than hyperactive impulsive ADHD patients. Conclusions: Results suggest a more complex ADHD presentation in females, potentially causing late diagnosis and delayed treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population from 25 villages in two municipalities on Rujan Mt. in southeastern Serbia (130 informants) was surveyed about human and ethnoveterinary medicine by completing a questionnaire containing general information about respondents and specific issues related to their applications. There were 2254 reports on the use of plants in human ethnopharmacology and 793 for ethnoveterinary medicine. The Informant Consensus Factor and comparison of ethnicity and gender for the most frequently reported plant taxa in human and ethnoveterinary medicine were calculated. Multivariate correspondence analysis was performed. A total of 101 medicinal plant taxa used in human ethnopharmacology and belonging to 42 families were recorded during the ethnobotanical research, of which 29 taxa are included in European Pharmacopoeia 10.2. The most frequently mentioned families were Asteraceae (502 reports) and Lamiaceae (404 reports). Hypericum perforatum L. (197 reports) and Matricaria chamomilla L. (164 reports) were the most used plant taxa. Among 17 categories, digestive (513 URs) and skin (331 URs) diseases were the most frequently reported. The research recorded 43 plant species used in ethnoveterinary medicine from 25 families. The most frequently mentioned families were Lamiaceae (6 reports) and Rosaceae (6 reports). The most used plant taxa were Fraxinus ornus L. (108 reports) and Helleborus odorus Waldst. & Kit. (80 reports). Among the six categories, the most reported diseases were digestive (267 reports), infectious (240 reports), and skin (159 reports). The present study contributes significantly to diversifying strategies in traditional human and ethnoveterinary medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects many body functions and activities, including work capacity and ability to work. An evaluation of work-related parameters is important to understand the barriers to maintaining the job. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) core set for MS can be used to predict work capacity and employment status. Methods: The cohort included 151 participants with MS (99 female/52 male, mean age 49 years) referred for a work capacity evaluation. Results: 71 (47.0%) were employed and a major part (131, 86.7%) had a work capacity between 20 and 40% with no difference between those who were employed and those who were unemployed. The analysis revealed that age and the following categories explained 68.8% of the work capacity: b770 Gait pattern functions; b730 Muscle power functions; b134 Sleep functions; d845 Acquiring, keeping and terminating a job; and b620 Urination functions. The following categories in 79.5% predicted ability to work: b164 Higher-level cognitive functions; d510 Washing oneself; d630; Preparing meals; and d870 Economic self-sufficiency. Conclusions: Here, we show that different functions/activities predicted work capacity in comparison with employment status in MS. Therefore, ICF should be implemented when assessing work ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: It is a common belief that constipated patients have hard feces that contributes to the difficulties defecating. To the best of our knowledge, no studies had been published on controlled evacuation of simulated feces with different consistencies. Methods: Twelve normal subjects were recruited for studies with the simulated feces device "Fecobionics" of different consistency (silicone shore 0A-40A corresponding to Bristol stool form scale types 2-4). The subjects filled out questionnaires and had the balloon expulsion test and anorectal manometry done for reference. The Fecobionics probes were inserted in rectum in random order with +20 minutes between insertions. The bag was filled to urge-to-defecate and evacuations took place in privacy. Non-parametric statistics with median and quartiles are provided. Results: One subject was excluded due to technical issues, and another had abnormal anorectal manometry-balloon expulsion test. The 4 females/6 males subjects were aged 23 (range 20-48) years. Most differences were observed between the 0A and 10A probe (duration, maximum bag pressure, duration x maximum bag pressure, and relaxation of the front pressure and the bend angle during evacuation), eg, the duration was 9 (8-12) seconds at 0A and 18 (12-21) seconds at 10A (P < 0.05), and maximum bag pressure was 107 (96-116) cmH2O at 0A and 140 (117-162) cmH2O at 10A (P < 0.05). The bend angle before evacuation differed between the probes whereas only the 10A differed from 40A during defecation. The 10A was harder to evacuate than the 0A probe. Except for the bend angles, no further significant change was observed from 10A to 40A. Conclusion: Fecal consistency affects defecatory parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission requested an estimation of the BSE risk (C‐, L‐ and H‐BSE) from gelatine and collagen derived from ovine, caprine or bovine bones, and produced in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 853/2004, or Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 and its implementing Regulation (EU) No 142/2011. A quantitative risk assessment was developed to estimate the BSE infectivity, measured in cattle oral infectious dose 50 (CoID50), in a small size batch of gelatine including one BSE‐infected bovine or ovine animal at the clinical stage. The model was built on a scenario where all ruminant bones could be used for the production of gelatine and high‐infectivity tissues remained attached to the skull (brain) and vertebral column (spinal cord). The risk and exposure pathways defined for humans and animals, respectively, were identified. Exposure routes other than oral via food and feed were considered and discussed but not assessed quantitatively. Other aspects were also considered as integrating evidence, like the epidemiological situation of the disease, the species barrier, the susceptibility of species to BSE and the assumption of an exponential dose–response relationship to determine the probability of BSE infection in ruminants. Exposure to infectivity in humans cannot be directly translated to risk of disease because the transmission barrier has not yet been quantified, although it is considered to be substantial, i.e. much greater amounts of infectivity would be needed to successfully infect a human and greater in the oral than in the parenteral route of exposure. The probability that no new case of BSE in the cattle or small ruminant population would be generated through oral exposure to gelatine made of ruminant bones is 99%–100% (almost certain) This conclusion is based on the current state of knowledge, the epidemiological situation of the disease and the current practices, and is also valid for collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Animals and plants present asymmetric structures in nature. The most relevant motor behavioural manifestation of lateralisation is handedness, which is defined as the consistent use of one effector rather than the other in performing certain tasks. In animals, including human beings, handedness is associated with the presence of a nervous system. Researchers have recently challenged this idea by reporting that even organisms without a nervous system, such as plants, exhibit similarities with animals in terms of directional movement patterns (i.e., right-handed prevalence), opening up the possibility of a comparative study of handedness across taxa. Here, we advance a comparative approach to the study of handedness in plants by adopting the experimental paradigms already used to research laterality in various animal species. Structural and functional asymmetries are traceable in every form of life, and some lateralities are homologous. Functionally speaking, the division of labour between the two halves of the brain is a basic characteristic of the nervous system that arose even before the appearance of vertebrates. The most well-known expression of this specialisation in humans is hand dominance, also known as handedness. Even if hand/limb/paw dominance is far more commonly associated with the presence of a nervous system, it is also observed in its own form in aneural organisms, such as plants. To date, little is known regarding the possible functional significance of this dominance in plants, and many questions remain open (among them, whether it reflects a generalised behavioural asymmetry). Here, we propose a comparative approach to the study of handedness, including plants, by taking advantage of the experimental models and paradigms already used to study laterality in humans and various animal species. By taking this approach, we aim to enrich our knowledge of the concept of handedness across natural kingdoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti‐aging research has made significant strides in identifying treatments capable of extending lifespan across a range of organisms, from simple invertebrates to mammals. This review showcases the current state of anti‐aging interventions, highlighting the lifespan extensions observed in animal models through various treatments and the challenges encountered in translating these findings to humans. Despite promising results in lower organisms, the translation of anti‐aging treatments to human applications presents a considerable challenge. This discrepancy can be attributed to the increasing complexity of biological systems, species‐specific metabolic and genetic differences, and the redundancy of metabolic pathways linked to longevity. Our review focuses on analyzing these challenges, offering insights into the efficacy of anti‐aging mechanisms across species and identifying key barriers to their translation into human treatments. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying gaps in translatability, this review aims to underscore the importance of advancing these therapies for human benefit. Bridging this gap is essential to assess the potential of such treatments in extending the human healthspan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: At present, combined provision of direct composite restorations and dental bleaching has become increasingly popular to meet the esthetic demands of patients. This study aimed to assess the effect of internal bleaching on microtensile bond strength of composite to freshly veneered enamel. Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 50 sound extracted human premolars were randomly divided into five groups (n=10). All teeth received composite veneers. Two groups underwent no further intervention and were subjected to measurement of microtensile bond strength of composite to enamel 24 hr and one week after the veneering. The remaining three groups underwent internal bleaching. Group 3 underwent bleaching one month after the veneering, and microtensile bond strength was measured after 24 hr. In groups 4 and 5, bleaching was performed immediately after the veneering. Microtensile bond strength was measured after 24 hr in group 4 and after one month in group 5. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: All the groups were not significantly different regarding the mean bond strength (p=0.110), but they were significantly different in terms of the mode of failure (p=0.01) such that the mode of failure was mainly adhesive in the three bleached groups. Conclusion: Internal bleaching after composite veneering has no significant effect on microtensile bond strength of composite to the enamel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is still disagreement about the prevalence and incidence of dysphagia in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Since the prevalence of dysphagia has been reported very differently in the related literature, it is imperative to estimate pooled prevalence in PD patients. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of dysphagia in PD overall and separately for each assessment method (subjective and objective). Methods: These databases were searched: ScopusPubMed Web of Science, and Google Scholar, January 1990 to October 2021. A random-effects model was used to pool the prevalence rates reported in the included studies by the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. All designs of the studies were included. Results: Thirty-nine articles entered the current meta-analysis. The global estimation of the overall prevalence of dysphagia in PD patients was 50.4% (95%CI:42.2-58.6) in all the 39 studies, which proved statistically heterogeneous (p>0.001). Moreover, the pooled prevalence by the subjective (30 studies) and objective (19 studies) methods of assessment were estimated to be 39.5 and 68.8%, respectively. There was also a significant relationship between the prevalence of dysphagia and age of Parkinson's patients (r=0.44, p=0.011) and also between the prevalence of dysphagia and the duration of PD (r=0.55, p=0.006). Conclusion: Based on the results, one in two patients with PD has dysphagia. This is proven that dysphagia is common in PD. The prevalence of objective dysphagia and subjective dysphasia were very different. It suggests that all Parkinson's patients should be evaluated for swallowing disorders regularly with objective tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 40 Hz auditory steady-state response (ASSR), an oscillatory brain response to periodically modulated auditory stimuli, is a promising, noninvasive physiological biomarker for schizophrenia and related neuropsychiatric disorders. The 40 Hz ASSR might be amplified by synaptic interactions in cortical circuits, which are, in turn, disturbed in neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we tested whether the 40 Hz ASSR in the human auditory cortex depends on two key synaptic components of neuronal interactions within cortical circuits: excitation via N-methyl-aspartate glutamate (NMDA) receptors and inhibition via gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) receptors. We combined magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings with placebo-controlled, low-dose pharmacological interventions in the same healthy human participants (13 males, 7 females). All participants exhibited a robust 40 Hz ASSR in auditory cortices, especially in the right hemisphere, under a placebo. The GABAA receptor–agonist lorazepam increased the amplitude of the 40 Hz ASSR, while no effect was detectable under the NMDA blocker memantine. Our findings indicate that the 40 Hz ASSR in the auditory cortex involves synaptic (and likely intracortical) inhibition via the GABAA receptor, thus highlighting its utility as a mechanistic signature of cortical circuit dysfunctions involving GABAergic inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of speechlessness has hardly been considered in the literature from a psychological point of view. Previous research on speechlessness is limited to the fields of neurology, medicine or psychopathology. The present review aims to consider speechlessness from a psychological perspective distinct from pathology, and to highlight its observability and possible connections to existing research in the context of emotional cognition and processing. Search terms were developed and a comprehensive, systematic literature search was conducted in various databases based on previous scientific work on the understanding of non-speech, silence and speechlessness. Only results that examined the phenomenon of speechlessness from a non-pathological or non-neurological perspective were included. A total of N = 7 publications matching the inclusion criteria were identified. The results were used to develop a procedual model for the phenomenological definition of speechlessness. The developed model differentiates the observable phenomenon of speechlessness into a non-intentional, unconscious form and a intentional, conscious form. The present work suggests that meaningful emotions and their perception and processing is a core element in the emergence of speechlessness and provides a first, psychological, non-pathological explanation of speechlessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is assumed that cells corresponding to innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in humans, in addition to lymphoid tissue inducer cells (LTi), are also found in teleosts. In this systematic group of organisms, however, they are a poorly understood cell population. In contrast to the data on ILCs in humans, which also remain incomplete despite advanced research, in teleosts, these cells require much more attention. ILCs in teleosts have been presented as cells that may be evolutionary precursors of NK cells or ILCs identified in mammals, including humans. It is a highly heterogeneous group of cells in both humans and fish and their properties, as revealed by studies in humans, are most likely to remain strictly dependent on the location of these cells and the physiological state of the individual from which they originate. They form a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. The premise of this paper is to review the current knowledge of ILCs in teleosts, taking into account data on similar cells in humans. A review of the knowledge concerning these particular cells, elements of innate immunity mechanisms as equivalent to, or perhaps dominant over, adaptive immunity mechanisms in teleosts, as presented, may inspire the need for further research. • Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are identified in teleost fish. • The population of ILCs in fish consists of NK cells, ILC1, ILC2, ILC3. • Fish ILCs express cytokines that induce type 1, 2 and 3 immunity. • The properties of ILCs in fish are determined, among other things, by their location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia are opportunistic microorganisms with remarkable zoonotic transmission potential due to their capacity to infect humans and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these microorganisms in stool samples of animal and human origin. In total, 369 stool samples (205 from human patients with diarrhea and 164 of animal origin) were included in the study. Cryptosporidium spp. and Microsporidia presence were determined by using multiplex nested PCR. Positive results were analyzed by using Sanger sequencing of the amplicon, utilizing BLASTN and ClustalX software to confirm identification. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 0.97% and 4.26% of human and animal samples, respectively. Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in human and animal stools in 6.82% and 3.05% of the samples, respectively. No associations were found when analyzing the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi and the demographic and clinical variables of patients and animals. This study demonstrates the presence of these microorganisms in human and animal samples from different species, and the most interesting findings are the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in pets (e.g., rodents) that are not usually included in this type of study, and the identification of E. bieneusi in patients with diarrhea without underlying disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are among the most prevalent foodborne parasitic and bacterial infections worldwide. However, the concurrent impact of coinfection on gastric pathology has yet to be studied in depth. The effect of coinfection generally either adds a synergetic or antagonistic impact; we aimed in the current work to assess the impact of T. gondii coinfection on the progression of H. pylori-associated gastric pathology and reporting H. pylori virulent strains. The study was conducted on 82 patients complaining of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms with failed treatment response and prone to endoscopy. They were subjected to stool examination to detect H. pylori antigen, serological screening for latent toxoplasmosis, endoscopy, histopathological examination, and molecular detection of H. pylori virulence strains in gastric biopsies. Out of the 82 patients, 62 patients were positive for H. pylori antigen in stool and 55 patients confirmed positivity by histopathology; out of them, 37 patients had isolated Vac As1 variants, 11 patients had combined Vac As1 and Cag A variants, and 7 patients had combined Vac As1, Cag A and VacAs2 variants. Patients with the combined two or three variances showed significantly deteriorated histopathological features than patients with a single Vac As1 variant (P < 0.05). Latent toxoplasmosis was positive among 35/82 patients. Combined H. pylori and Toxoplasma gondii infection had significantly marked inflammation than patients with isolated infection (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Screening for toxoplasmosis among H. pylori-infected patients is recommended as it is considered a potential risk factor for gastric inflammation severity. H. pylori gastric inflammation may be heightened by Toxoplasma coinfection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past decade, Iranian households have experienced a decline in dairy product consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the population-attributable risk of prevalent non-communicable diseases related to dairy product consumption. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study involved 628 adults over 18 years old in Hamadan City in 2021. Clusters were selected based on comprehensive urban health centers. The standardized Iranian version of the food frequency questionnaire was used. Participants were categorized into 3 levels of dairy product consumption: >1 serving per day, 1-2 servings per day, and ≥3 servings per day. Results: The mean age of the 628 participants was 38.05 (SD: 12.5), with 42.36% being male. Cheese (54.5%), yogurt (39.7%), and milk (30.4%) were consumed most frequently. The prevalence of insufficient dairy product consumption was 48.6%, higher than that reported in previous studies. Insufficient dairy product consumption was associated with hypertension (9.3%), cardiovascular disease (5.6%), and osteoporosis (5.1%). Conclusion: Individuals with lower education levels, female gender, lowest quartile of socioeconomic status, and those diagnosed with cardiovascular disease were more likely to have insufficient dairy product consumption. Insufficient dairy product consumption was associated with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The effective provision of health services is affected by human resources and this renders upholding ethical principles in hospitals more urgent than in any other organization. This study aimed to determine the ethical predictability of human resources in hospitals in 2022. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in public, private, and "social security" hospitals in Mazandaran province in 2022. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire designed based on Iranian national accreditation standards. The questionnaire consisted of 18 questions from 6 areas, including organizing manpower, employee evaluation, employee satisfaction and participation, employee empowerment, job promotion, and paying attention to employee motivation. The content validity was confirmed using experts' views, and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient higher than 0.78. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the mentioned hospitals regarding the ethical predictability of human resources (p < 0.05), which was higher in social security hospitals (3.80 ± 0.00) compared to public hospitals (3.30 ± 0.00) and private hospitals (2.49 ± 0.00). The highest and the lowest mean ethical predictability of human resources in selected hospitals were reported for the areas of employee empowerment (3.89 ± 0.00) and employee evaluation (2.83 ± 0.00), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to exerting an impact on enhancing the satisfaction and productivity of employees, identifying ethical predictability factors will help medical and health services managers identify the priorities of human resources and adopt solutions to improve them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The worldwide shortage of intravenous (IV) Omnipaque iodinated contrast (Iohexol, GE Healthcare; Milwaukee, WI, USA) forced institutions to adopt various policies regarding contrast allocation. We sought to evaluate the impact of our hospital's response to the shortage, which was to decrease the dose of IV contrast from 100 mL to 75 mL for patients weighing between 45.4 and 136 kg (100–300 lbs) undergoing abdominal computed tomography (CT) examinations. The main objective was to assess for any differences in liver attenuation and enhancement between contrast dosages. Secondary outcomes included assessing differences in aortic and portal vein attenuation, the variance in attenuation measurements, and whether radiology reports included the correct IV contrast dose. Material and Methods: Consecutive CT abdomen or CT abdomen and pelvis examinations without and with contrast were analyzed for the 3 months before the contrast shortage and for 3 months during the contrast shortage. Attenuation in Hounsfield units (HUs) was measured in the liver on pre-contrast and portal venous phase images. Vessel attenuation was measured in the aorta (arterial phase) and main portal vein (portal venous phase). Standard deviation of liver attenuation measurements was recorded as an indicator of signal-to-noise. Liver enhancement was calculated as the difference between liver portal venous phase attenuation and pre-contrast attenuations. Results: Thirty-nine fixed dose (100 mL) and 36 reduced dose (75 mL) consecutive CT studies were included in the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to baseline characteristics such as age, weight, body mass index, and gender. There was no significant difference in pre-contrast liver attenuation between groups, but there was statistically significant greater liver attenuation (99.6 vs. 91.2 HU, P = 0.04) and liver enhancement (51.5 vs. 39.1 HU, P < 0.0001) during the portal venous phase for the fixed-dose group compared to the reduced dose group. There was significantly greater main portal vein opacification during the portal venous phase for the fixed dose group (146.6 vs. 122.2 HU, P < 0.0001). No significant difference was found in aortic opacification during the arterial phase (245 vs. 254 HU, P = 0.52). There was no difference in the standard deviation of liver attenuation measurements on the portal venous phase between the groups. The dose was reported correctly in all the patients receiving the fixed dose and in 92% of patients receiving the reduced dose, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.11). Conclusion: Reducing the IV contrast dose from 100 mL to 75 mL Omnipaque 350 in patients weighing 45.4–136 kg (100–300 lbs) undergoing an abdominal CT examination resulted in significantly decreased portal vein opacification and liver enhancement. In particular, liver enhancement and calculated iodine concentrations fell below suggested thresholds for adequate conspicuity of liver lesions. The change in contrast administration protocol also led to more errors in contrast dose reporting in the radiologist's report. These findings are broadly applicable to many practice settings and can help inform strategies in response to any potential future-iodinated contrast shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite considerable advancement of first choice treatment (pharmacological, physical therapy, etc.) over many decades, neurological disorders still represent a major portion of the worldwide disease burden. Particularly concerning, the trend is that this scenario will worsen given an ever expanding and aging population. The many different methods of brain stimulation (electrical, magnetic, etc.) are, on the other hand, one of the most promising alternatives to mitigate the suffering of patients and families when conventional treatment fall short of delivering efficacious treatment. With applications in virtually all neurological conditions, neurostimulation has seen considerable success in providing relief of symptoms. On the other hand, a large variability of therapeutic outcomes has also been observed, particularly in the usage of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) modalities. Borrowing inspiration and concepts from its pharmacological counterpart and empowered by unprecedented neurotechnological advancement, the neurostimulation field has seen in recent years a widespread of methods aimed at the personalization of its parameters, based on biomarkers of the individuals being treated. The rationale is that, by taking into account important factors influencing the outcome, personalized stimulation can yield a much-improved therapy. Here, we review the literature to delineate the state-of-the-art of personalized stimulation, while also considering the important aspects of the type of informing parameter (anatomy, function, hybrid), invasiveness, and level of development (pre-clinical experimentation versus clinical trials). Moreover, by reviewing relevant literature on closed loop neuroengineering solutions in general and on activity dependent stimulation method in particular, we put forward the idea that improved personalization may be achieved when the method is able to track in real time brain dynamics and adjust its stimulation parameters accordingly. We conclude that such approaches have great potential of promoting the recovery of lost functions and enhance the quality of life for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An epizootic of rift valley fever (RVF) was suspected on 21 February 2021 in various districts of Madagascar, with a lab confirmation on 1 April 2021. A cross-sectional survey aiming to detect cases of RVF in humans and to study the circulation of rift valley fever virus (RVFV) in animals was conducted from 22 April to 4 May 2021 in the district of Mananjary. Blood samples from cattle and humans were tested using serological and molecular techniques. In cattle, the circulation of RVFV was confirmed between 5 February and 4 May 2021. The positivity rates of anti-RVFV IgG and IgM were 60% and 40%, respectively. In humans, the circulation of RVFV was observed from 1 April to 5 May 2021. The positivity rate of RVFV was estimated to be 11.7% by combining the results of the molecular and serological approaches. Of the 103 individuals who agreed to participate in the survey, 3 were determined to be positive by RT-PCR, and 10 had anti-RVFV IgM. Among them, one was positive for both. Given that previous studies have reported the circulation of RVFV during inter-epidemic periods and the occurrence of outbreaks due to imported RVFV in Madagascar, our findings suggest the importance of strengthening RVF surveillance from a "One Health" perspective by conducting syndromic and risk-based surveillance at the national and regional levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischemic stroke may trigger neuroplastic changes via proliferation, migration towards the lesion, and differentiation of neuroprogenitor cells into mature neurons. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) may promote brain plasticity. This study aimed to assess rTMS's effect on post-stroke endogenous neuroplasticity by dosing plasma miRs 17~92, Netrin-1, Sema3A, and BDNF. Methods: In this case-controlled study, we randomized 19 ischemic stroke patients within five days from symptoms onset (T0) to neuronavigated-rTMS or sham stimulation. Stimulation was applied on the stroke hemisphere daily between the 7th and 14th day from stroke onset. Blood samples were collected at T0, before the first rTMS section (T7), and at the end of the last rTMS session (T14). Five healthy controls were also enrolled in this study. Results: Of 19 patients, 10 received rTMS and 9 sham stimulation. Compared with the sham group, in the rTMS group, plasma levels of miRs17~92 and Ntn-1 significantly increased whereas Sema3A levels tended to decrease. In multivariate linear regression analyses, rTMS was independently related to Ntn-1 and miR-25 levels at T14. Conclusions: We found an association between rTMS and neurogenesis/axonogenesis biomarker enhancement. Our preliminary data suggest that rTMS may positively interfere with natural endogenous plasticity phenomena of the post-ischemic human brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brown adipose tissue (BAT), specialized in thermoregulation in mammals, has been linked to improved glucose and lipid homeostasis when activated by cold exposure (CE). This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the metabolic effects of CE-induced BAT activation in healthy humans, examining changes in glucose and lipid metabolism compared to thermoneutrality (TN). A literature search was conducted, identifying relevant human studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, based on predefined inclusion criteria. Seven studies (a total of 85 participants) fully met the criteria. Data on plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides (TGs), and free fatty acids (FFAs) were extracted for meta-analysis. When comparing TN and CE under fasting conditions, there were no significant changes in glucose, insulin, or TG concentrations (all p > 0.36). In contrast, CE significantly increased FFA concentrations (p = 0.002; n = 38). Bias was absent for all parameters, but heterogeneity was observed for insulin (I2 = 74.8%). CE primarily affects FFA concentration, likely reflecting cold-induced BAT activity. This suggests that circulating FFAs, serving as the primary fuel for thermogenesis, could indicate BAT activation. However, understanding the effects of BAT activation on overall metabolism requires a broader approach beyond fasting glucose and lipid concentration measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]