Written by Jiří Černý
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Ixodes ticks act as vectors of a wide range of pathogens responsible for infectious diseases, many of which are found in natural settings. This review aims to analyze the available research on the infestation of Ixodes ticks with disease-causing microorganisms in the Russian Federation. Sources such as RSCI, Cyberleninka, PubMed, WoS, and Scopus provide valuable insights into the role of Ixodes ticks as vectors for such diseases. This study synthesizes findings from different regions through ana
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Written by Olga P. Lebedeva
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, is regulated by both pro-apoptotic factors (such as p53) and anti-apoptotic factors (such as Bcl-2). During pregnancy, apoptosis plays an important role in maintaining the balance for the proper development of the placenta. However, spontaneous abortions are often associated with cellular dysfunction, which may result from excessive apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate how pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic factors interact and influence the occurr
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Written by Radhika Rampat
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
The high prevalence of cataracts necessitates the development of advanced technologies in ophthalmic microsurgery. A research team has introduced an innovative hydrodynamic scheme designed to increase the safety of phacoemulsification procedures. This system detects occlusion by monitoring the vacuum levels in the aspiration line; when a critical threshold is reached and sustained, the system detects the occlusion and gradually reduces the vacuum to a predetermined value, all while maintaining o
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Written by Thayne Woycinck Kowalski
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1; MIM #162200), commonly called von Recklinghausen disease, is a frequently encountered genetic condition transmitted via autosomal dominant inheritance. It is characterized by a spectrum of neurocutaneous symptoms, such as café-au-lait patches, freckling in skin folds, various types of neurofibroma (including dermal and plexiform), as well as neurological and skeletal complications. The condition affects approximately 1 in every 3,000 to 4,000 people. Separately, co
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Written by Mateusz Kęska
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), both of which are characterized by systemic inflammation that increases the risk of CVD. Although these two conditions share this common inflammatory component, the specific pathways and associated factors that elevate cardiovascular risk differ. This article delves into the immune system’s response, inflammatory processes, and genetic factors t
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Written by Ahmed Ebrahim Elerian
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and shock wave therapy (SWT) on pain levels, shoulder mobility, and function in individuals with diabetic frozen shoulder (DFS). A total of 84 patients (aged 40–60 years) were randomly assigned into two groups: the shock wave group (G1; n = 41) and the HILT group (G2; n = 43). Shoulder functionality was measured using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, pain was evaluated using the visu
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Written by Hassan Noor
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
The present study aimed to investigate advances in the treatment of esophageal stricture and the role of stents in benign and malignant diseases. The esophagus is a muscular tube that plays a crucial role in the process of swallowing and transports both solids and liquids from the pharynx to the stomach. Its development involves contributions from the embryonic endoderm, mesoderm, and neural crest cells. Esophageal pathology is diverse, and surgical procedures for its correction often require on
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Written by Patrick Leo Sullivan
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan is traditionally employed in the management of oral infections. Nevertheless, scientific evidence supporting its therapeutic effects and phytochemical profile remains scarce. This research aimed to evaluate the protective potential of leaf and stem extracts from C. bispinosa against oral pathogens. Phenolic and tannin levels were quantified via the Folin-Ciocalteu assay following extraction with various solvents. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of t
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Written by Matteo Riccardo Fontana
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in mitigating oxidative stress caused by one-lung ventilation, as well as its impact on pulmonary function and postoperative recovery quality among lung cancer patients. A total of 80 patients (n = 80) were randomly allocated to either the sham group or the TEAS group. In the TEAS group, stimulation was applied to bilateral Feishu (BL13), Zusanli (ST36), and Hegu (LI4) points starting 30 minutes
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Written by Ivana Marija Babic
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Early identification of cognitive impairment (CI) is essential for the health and quality of life of older adults. The MyCog assessment utilizes two established iPad-administered tests drawn from the NIH Toolbox® for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIH Toolbox). These tests target key cognitive areas: Picture Sequence Memory (PSM) for episodic memory and Dimensional Change Card Sort Test (DCCS) for executive function/cognitive flexibility. The research included 86 participant
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Written by Rebecca Anne Mitchell
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Transmission via fomites represents a potential pathway for various pathogens to disseminate in institutional settings. In healthcare environments, elevator buttons are frequently protected with diverse plastic coverings; yet, scant data exist on how different plastic types influence disinfection efficacy. This research sought to determine the most appropriate plastic material for wrapping elevator buttons and to establish suitable cleaning frequencies. Six covering materials were evaluated: pol
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Written by Benjamin Robert Harris
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Alcohol abuse is associated with dysregulated immune and inflammatory pathways, which may elevate the susceptibility to autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTDs). Nevertheless, evidence in Asian populations remains scarce. The present study was designed to explore this association and fill the existing research void. Data were obtained from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database to identify all individuals diagnosed with alcohol abuse from 2000 to 2017. A comparison group witho
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Written by Luciana Beatriz Farias
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
This research investigated two extraction solvents and evaluated antioxidant potential using the most dependable assay for antioxidant activity. Additionally, the study sought to assess the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties of extracts from locally sourced (Indonesian) Ficus carica Linn. leaves. Maceration was employed for extraction with two organic solvents: methanol and ethanol. Phytochemical screening of the extracts targeted several secondary metabolite groups, including
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Written by Jonas Frederik Nielsen
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Plants have traditionally served as a rich reservoir of medicinal compounds, yet numerous species remain underexplored in terms of their chemical composition and pharmacological properties. While many Atriplex species have undergone extensive examination, A. leucoclada, a halophyte endemic to the deserts of Saudi Arabia, has not been thoroughly assessed for its secondary metabolites or therapeutic capabilities. The present research evaluated the chemical profile and anti-inflammatory effects of
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Written by Kenji Masato Nakamura
Published in Vol 4 Issue 2, 2024
Hibiscus sabdariffa and Cucumis sativus are commonly employed in traditional medicine to manage various ailments, including high blood pressure. This research sought to evaluate the in vitro ACE-inhibitory effects of infusions derived from H. sabdariffa and C. sativus, along with their phytochemical profiles. Infusions were made using 10, 20, and 30 grams of each plant material in 300 ml of hot distilled water. Mixtures of the two plants were additionally prepared in 1:1, 2:1, and 1:2 ratios. AC
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