BackgroundGenitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a condition resulting from hypoestrogenism, characterized by symptoms such as vaginal dryness, irritation, urinary urgency, and sexual dysfunction. While conventional treatments include local estrogen therapy and non-hormonal alternatives, evidence suggests a therapeutic role for vitamin D.Research design and methodsThis study assessed the efficacy of vaginal vitamin D supplementation in alleviating GSM symptoms and evaluated clinical factors. Two cohorts were analyzed: 110 postmenopausal women with GSM symptoms and 39 participants aged 35–85 for age-related analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26.ResultsFindings revealed associations between age and pelvic exam outcomes, with older women more likely to exhibit atrophic cervix, while younger participants presented with cervicitis. Delivery mode was also significantly correlated with pelvic exam findings (p = 0.040). Notably, all patients receiving vitamin D (10/10) achieved symptom remission at 3 months versus 34% (10/29) in controls (p = 0.00044), though limited by the small n and observational design of the study. Extended treatment showed 96.7% remission in vitamin D vs. 62.9% controls (aRR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.05–1.50, p = 0.024. Vitamin D + probiotics yielded 100% remission.ConclusionsThese support vitamin D as effective non-hormonal GSM therapy, pending larger RCTs.

ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect and underlying mechanisms of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) on cognitive impairment induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice.Materials and MethodsForty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the sham-operated group, TBI group, and TBI+HMOs group. The TBI model was established via controlled cortical impact (CCI). Mice in the TBI+HMOs group received daily HMOs administration by gavage, while other groups were given normal saline. Relevant indicators were detected using behavioral tests, pathological staining, Western blot, and other methods.ResultsHMOs significantly improved cognitive function in TBI mice, inhibited hippocampal oxidative stress and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), alleviated intestinal barrier injury, and regulated the expression of synaptophysin, BDNF, and pro-BDNF.ConclusionHMOs exert neuroprotective effects by targeting central inflammation, oxidative stress, synaptic function, and intestinal barrier integrity, providing a novel natural therapeutic candidate for TBI treatment.

BackgroundEnhancing communication practices among pharmacy professionals is essential for patient-centered care.Methods and MaterialsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among a random sample of licensed pharmacists from June 2022 to January 2023. Out of 640 pharmacists, 577 participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 90.2%. Participants completed a questionnaire covering demographics and their knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and perceived barriers regarding PCC. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors influencing PCC-related scores.ResultsThe results indicated good knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy toward PCC. Higher PCC scores were associated with older age, postgraduate education, chain pharmacy employment, leadership roles, greater experience, and international or regional education. Key barriers included workload, staff shortages, time constraints, and an unsupportive work environment.ConclusionThe findings, based on self-reported perceptions, suggest standard communication guidelines and awareness programs are warranted to facilitate PCC integration and enhance pharmacy professionals’ confidence and skills in patient-centered care.

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is among the causes of cervical and other cancers globally, but vaccination rates are low in Lebanon. Parental decisions may be influenced by cultural sensitivities, misinformation, and financial constraints.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the prevalence of HPV vaccination among children in Lebanon and identifies demographic, socioeconomic, and informational determinants of parental choice.MethodsA survey was conducted at two hospital-based universities in Beirut between August 2022 and March 2024 as part of a cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was given to Lebanese parents of children aged 9–18 to assess HPV knowledge, vaccine awareness, and barriers. Data were examined in SPSS, with bivariate and multivariate analyses to reveal predictors of vaccine uptake.ResultsAmong 100 participating parents, 23% reported vaccinating their children. Females were more likely to be vaccinated than males (p = 0.04). Awareness that HPV causes cancer and affects both genders was significantly associated with uptake (p = 0.049). High cost was a major barrier (p = 0.002), while doctors were the most trusted source of information.ConclusionHPV vaccination rates among Lebanese children remain low due to financial barriers and limited awareness. Targeted education and integration into national immunization programs are essential.

BackgroundOvarian cancer (OC) is a highly invasive malignancy with poor prognosis, underscoring the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes OC progression by activating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, enhancing tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. P7 peptide is a novel peptide with potential antitumor effects, though its mechanism of action remains unclear. This study investigates whether P7 peptide inhibits bFGF-induced OC progression via suppression of the MEK/ERK pathway.MethodsHuman OC Anglne cells were treated with varying concentrations of bFGF and P7 peptide. Cell proliferation was measured using CCK-8 assays, while RT-PCR and Western blot analyses evaluated the expression of uPA, MMP2, and E-cadherin, along with MEK/ERK pathway activation. Cell migration and invasion were assessed via wound healing and Transwell assays.ResultsbFGF (30 ng/mL, 48 h) significantly enhanced cell proliferation and invasive behavior, alongside upregulation of uPA and MMP2 and reduced E-cadherin expression. P7 peptide (16 μM, 48 h) effectively reversed these effects and inhibited MEK/ERK phosphorylation.ConclusionThese findings suggest that P7 peptide suppresses bFGF-mediated OC progression by targeting the MEK/ERK pathway, supporting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent in OC.

Keloids are regarded as an inflammatory skin disease with altered metabolic demands. Calcium ions are known to regulate cell movement. Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) not only balances glucose metabolism but also acts as a multifunctional cytokine, as those calcium ions do. Here, for the first time, we aimed to explore the intracellular calcium level controlled by PGI in keloid fibroblasts (KFs) and normal fibroblasts (NFs). In addition, whether PGI regulates the biological functions of KFs via the inflammatory status was investigated. The inflammatory status, fibrotic activity, and migration ability of KFs and NFs were evaluated via RT-PCR, western blot analysis, and scratch assay. We inhibited PGI with erythrose 4-phosphate (ER4P) to determine whether PGI regulates KF migration. The upregulation of PGI expression was measured in both KFs and keloid tissues. Suppressing PGI inhibited SMA and type I collagen expression, and cell migration in KFs. Indeed, PGI regulated inflammation and calcium influx in KFs. Our study is the first to show that PGI regulates the migration of KFs via a calcium influx-dependent inflammatory response and that blocking PGI might be a therapeutic strategy for keloids.

AimUpper airway anatomy is important in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study conducted a correlation analysis between the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score and upper airway measurements obtained from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), arch measurements obtained from diagnostic casts, and subjective data from patients’ records, including the Berlin Sleep Questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale.MethodsTwenty-five subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of OSA via polysomnography with a mean AHI of 25.5 (SD18.5) were enrolled in this study.ResultsA significant correlation was found between the AHI score and the following factors: male sex, obesity categories, Berlin questionnaire category, sleep efficiency, and maxillary intermolar width measured between the mesiobuccal cusp tip of the right and left first molars. Airway measurements from CBCT, including anterior cranial base length, facial proportion, and the length of the soft palate in the mid-sagittal plane and the retroglossal area in the axial plane, were significantly correlated with the AHI score.ConclusionIn addition to male gender and obesity, anatomic factors related to upper airway measurements on CBCT are significantly correlated with AHI, indicating upper airway limitations, OSA severity, and aiding early diagnosis.

Background and objectivesTargeting macro-autophagy (MAut) through Nano-medicine can be more prospective than traditional medicine subjected to resistance in atrophic arthritis (RA). MAut is a degenerative process that restores healthy chondrocytes it plays a vital role in RA onset and cell homeostasis this opened Novel Avenue in targeting RA via liposomal drug delivery system. The insufficient response to existing therapies or systemic toxicity and poor bioavailability, are quiet unsettled problems lying across the full retardation of RA treatment. Various Nano-carriers with sustained drug release, improved physicochemical properties, and active targeting were designed to promote the drug delivery efficiency.MethodsSingle subcutaneous dose of Norphytane (200 μL) induced Atrophic arthritis in rat model then rats were treated with Liposomal loaded-Isethione or Isethione.ResultsLiposomal-Isethione ameliorated autophagy biomarkers including Beclin-1, P62, and X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1), cell survival, and oncogenic biomarkers including Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT-3A), Phosphoinisitol kinase-3 (PI3K), AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase-1 (AKT), and Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) post elevation via Norphytane. Moreover, rheumatoid factor biomarkers including Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α).ConclusionLiposomal-Isethione significantly targeted MAut signaling pathways, including Beclin-1/XBP/COMP/STAT-3A/PI3K/AKT/PTEN via increased bioavailability and targeting inflamed tissues, thus decreased drug resistance.

ObjectiveThis study sought to identify neurotransmitter receptor-related genes (NR-RGs) that are critically involved in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through bioinformatics approaches.MethodsThe TCGA-NSCLC dataset was utilized as the training cohort, while the GSE50081 dataset served as the validation cohort. NR-RGs were curated, and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) scores were computed. Subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and functional enrichment analyses were conducted. A risk prediction model and a prognostic model were constructed based on identified gene signatures. Finally, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was established, and gene expression levels were experimentally validated.Results192 differentially expressed genes were identified as candidate NR-RGs. The risk model ultimately highlighted six genes: CPS1, CDH17, NIPAL4, SOX2, CALB2, and KREMEN2 as potential biomarkers. The prognostic model demonstrated robust predictive performance for patient outcomes. Immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between neutrophil abundance and the risk score. Expression analysis indicated that CPS1 and CALB2 were downregulated in NSCLC samples, whereas CDH17, NIPAL4, SOX2, and KREMEN2 were upregulated.ConclusionThe genes CPS1, CDH17, NIPAL4, SOX2, CALB2, and KREMEN2 were identified as prognostic biomarkers in NSCLC, providing insights into their potential roles in disease progression and therapeutic targeting.

Background & AimsSickle cell disease (SCD) leads to recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and hospitalizations, imposing a substantial healthcare burden. Hydroxyurea (HU) is known to reduce VOC frequency and hospitalization rates in SCD; however, data comparing the impact of different HU doses on length of stay (LOS) and clinical outcomes in adults are limited.MethodsThis retrospective study assessed the effect of high- versus low-dose HU on LOS among adults with SCD admitted to medical wards. Secondary endpoints included VOC frequency and hemoglobin electrophoresis findings. Pearson’s chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests were used, with significance set at p < 0.05.ResultsA total of 141 patients were analyzed (26 on low-dose, 115 on high-dose HU), with a median age of 31 years; 52.5% were female. The overall median LOS was 3 days (IQR 1–10). The low-dose group had a significantly longer median LOS (7 days [IQR 7–9]) compared with the high-dose group (2 days [IQR 2–3]; p < 0.001). Higher HU doses were also associated with improved Hgb F% and Hgb S% (p < 0.001), while annual VOC rates showed no significant difference (p = 0.132).ConclusionHigh-dose HU was linked to shorter hospital stays and favorable hematologic outcomes in adults with SCD.