Background: Total gastrectomy remains a key component of gastric cancer treatment, and the method used to construct the esophagojejunostomy may influence long-term functional outcomes and quality of life.Evidence comparing hand-sewn and mechanical anastomoses in this context remains inconsistent.This retrospective study aimed to evaluate and compare longterm functional outcomes and quality of life in patients undergoing total gastrectomy with either hand-sewn or mechanical esophagojejunostomy. Methods and Results:The study included 153 patients who underwent total gastrectomy for histologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma.Patients were divided into two groups based on the anastomotic technique: mechanical circular stapler or hand-sewn anastomosis (according to a patented method).Long-term outcomes were evaluated 12 months postoperatively using EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-STO22 questionnaires, along with endoscopic assessment of reflux esophagitis using the Los Angeles classification.Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.Both groups demonstrated comparable short-term postoperative outcomes and similar complication rates according to the Clavien-Dindo classification.However, patients with a hand-sewn anastomosis showed significantly better long-term quality-of-life scores (EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-STO22), including higher functional domain scores and lower scores for reflux, pain, nausea, and dietary restriction.Endoscopic assessment revealed no significant differences in esophagitis prevalence or severity between groups.Conclusion: While mechanical anastomosis offers advantages in operative duration and blood loss, the hand-sewn technique provides superior long-term functional outcomes and quality-of-life benefits.These findings support the consideration of hand-sewn esophagojejunostomy in clinical settings where long-term recovery and patient-reported outcomes are prioritized.(International

Corrigendum for 'Age- and Gender-Specific Dyslipidemia in Omani Young Adults: Metabolic Links to Cardiovascular Risk' by Begum GS, Agarwal A, Suhail N, Hafiz MN, Jawad MM, Abass AE, Hejazy SA. International Journal of Biomedicine 2025;15(4):668-673. doi:10.21103/Article15(4)_OA3. Following the publication of this article, the authors have realized that errors were made with the description of the listed authors and affiliations. Therefore, the author's names and affiliations, in this paper, should have appeared as follows: Gulam Saidunnisa Begum1, Salima Al Maqbali2, Elham Said Ahmed Al Risi2, Mariah N. Hafiz3, Mohammed M. Jawad3, Awadh Elkareem Abass3, Shefaa A. Hejazy4, Anshoo Agarwal5, Nida Suhail3 1Department of Biochemistry, National University of Science and Technology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sohar Campus, Oman 2Department of Pathology and Blood Bank, Sohar Hospital, Ministry of Health, Sohar, Oman 3Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia 4Diagnostic Hematology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia 5Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused. Erratum for Age- and Gender-Specific Dyslipidemia in Omani Young Adults: Metabolic Links to Cardiovascular Risk. Begum GS, Agarwal A, Suhail N, Hafiz MN, Jawad MM, Abass AE, Hejazy SA. International Journal of Biomedicine 2025;15(4):668-673.doi:10.21103/Article15(4)_OA3.

Background:The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an experimental primer (EP) based on the 10-MDP monomer when used with the fifth-generation adhesive system.Methods and Results: Tests were performed on tooth samples from wisdom teeth and premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes.The EP consisted of 10-MDP monomer (10%), ethanol (40%), propanol-2 (30%), water (18%), and a camphorquinone-based photoinitiator system (2%).The pH of the EP was 2.4.The adhesive resin of the fifth-generation OptiBond Solo Plus (OSP) and the universal composite Herculite XRV were the materials of choice.Two adhesive techniques were tested: the traditional total-etch technique with OSP application, and the optional technique with sequential EP and OSP applications using a selective-etch approach.Adhesive bond strength was assessed in two groups using the ultra-test technique (Ultradent Products, Inc., USA).All samples in each group underwent two sequential shear bond strength (SBS) tests.The quality of the resin composite adhesion was assessed on four specimens using an FE-SEM (Thermo Fisher Scientific Apreo 2S LoVac).Microleakage assessment was made on 10 teeth.In each tooth, two artificial cavities of similar size were prepared.Fillings were placed using two techniques in each tooth.Depth of dye penetration at tooth-composite interface was assessed using nonparametric scores.The phase composition of the dentin surface was assessed on six tooth samples divided into three groups of two using thin-film X-ray diffraction (TF-XRD).Samples from the control group were used for XRD of the dentin surface.Samples of Group 1 were used to apply EP to the dentin surface; samples of Group 2 were used for sequential application of EP and OSB to the dentin surface.A significant difference of more than three times (P=0.000)was observed between the SBS values of the first and second tests in samples from Group 1 compared with those from Group 2. SEM of the filling-to-dentin interface in samples with sequential application of EP and OSP using a selective etch approach showed a more uniform hybrid layer than with OSP application with the total-etch technique.Microleakage analysis of the dentin-composite interface revealed a significantly higher dye penetration rate in samples with the traditional OSP application.The presence of the 10-MDP calcium salt peak at diffraction angle of 2=2.54 after sequential application of EP and OSP corresponded to the longest d-spacing (3.48 nm) of the nanolayered structure on the surface of tooth dentin.

Background: The use of narcotic substances among minors represents an increasing public health concern in Albania and globally, carrying significant physical and mental health consequences.The goal of this study was to provide clinical and epidemiological evidence of psychoactive substance use among minors to inform national policy, optimize preventive strategies, and enhance therapeutic frameworks tailored to youth at risk in Albania. Methods and Results:This study employed a retrospective observational design and was conducted at the Clinical Toxicology Service of the University Hospital Centre "Mother Teresa" in Tirana.The study included all patients who were treated for confirmed or suspected of intoxication by psychoactive substances from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2024.Data were collected from clinical records and included types of substances used, treatment provided, and demographic factors.A total of 1,032 patients were treated for psychoactive substance intoxication.Among them, 27 (2.6%) were minors (<18 years), while 1,005 (97.4%) were adults.Among minors, 25 (92.6%) were male and 26 (96.3%) resided in urban areas.The majority of minors, 18(66.7%),lived in Tirana prefecture.Among minors, cannabis was the most prevalent substance used (37.0%),followed by opioids (22.2%), polysubstances (22.2%), and cocaine (18.5%).No alcohol-only intoxications were recorded among minors.A significantly higher proportion of minors had cannabis-related intoxication than did adults (37.0% vs. 5.7%), while cocaine use was more common among adults (39.1% vs. 18.5%).These differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion:This study highlights the urgent need to address narcotic substance use among minors in Albania.Strengthening national surveillance systems and integrating mental health services into prevention efforts will be key to protecting vulnerable populations and shaping effective policy responses.(

Background: This review examines how different patterns of alcohol consumption—moderate, acute, and chronic—affect the development and management of diabetes mellitus, based on experimental and clinical studies. Methods and Results: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and gray literature sources. Alcohol impacts diabetes pathophysiology, notably insulin resistance and β-cell function. Chronic heavy drinking worsens glucose tolerance and promotes diabetes progression. In contrast, moderate intake with meals may enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce cardiovascular risk. Acute alcohol use, especially without food, can cause hypoglycemia. Effects vary depending on the dose, timing, and individual health. Conclusions: Alcohol has both beneficial and harmful effects on diabetes. Moderate consumption may help, but chronic use increases risks. Personalized medical advice is essential for safe alcohol use in diabetic patients.

Background: One of the most common issues that adult females face is abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).The preferred sampling method for identifying endometrial pathology is still uterine curettage or biopsy.Hormonal imbalance patterns, atrophic endometrium, endometritis, endometrial polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrial cancer are examples of common diseases.The purpose of this study was to identify the endometrial histological pattern in women of different ages who presented with AUB. Methods and Results:In this retrospective study, the medical records of 309 women who had endometrial curettage for AUB were reviewed.Every endometrial curettage specimen received for histological examination between January 2025 and June 2025 by the histopathology department of the Al Kharj Military Industries Corporation Hospital, in cooperation with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PSA Hospital, is included in the study.Endometrial biopsies were taken using a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure.Following hematoxylin and eosin staining, a microscopic analysis was conducted.The most common histopathological finding was proliferative endometrial disorders (34.95%), followed by endometrial polyps (32.36%).Endometrial hyperplasia without atypia was found in 91 cases (29.45%).Endometrial adenocarcinoma was the sole diagnosis in four cases (1.29%). Conclusion:Abnormal uterine bleeding may be the only complaint presented by patients with endometrial lesions.Endometrial curettage and biopsy are reliable procedures for detecting endometrial pathology.

The investigation of periodontitis pathogenesis is critically important due to its global prevalence.It has been established that periodontitis is associated with chronic periodontal inflammation, alveolar bone loss, the development of oxidative stress, and oral microbiota dysbiosis.Oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g., malondialdehyde, 8-OHdG) and genetic factors (CXCR4, SELL, ITGAL) exacerbate tissue damage and osteoclastogenesis.The oral microbiota plays a significant role in the development and progression of periodontitis through complex interactions with host immune responses, mediated by pathogenic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis and their metabolic byproducts.Emerging therapies targeting OS (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin) and microbial balance highlight the need for integrated treatment strategies.In this context, it is particularly relevant to investigate the interplay between oxidative stress and microbial dysbiosis to develop targeted therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis and its systemic complications.

Background: Burn injuries reduce skin protection and immune responses, making them a global health issue.Among the most prevalent opportunistic bacteria in burn wounds is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is drug-resistant and produces biofilms.This study investigated biofilm-associated virulence genes, antibiotic susceptibility, and the link between gene expression, biofilm production, and antibiotic resistance.Methods and Results: Burn patients hospitalized in Baghdad between June and August 2024 provided 120 burn swabs.P. aeruginosa isolates were identified using biochemical tests and the VITEK-2 system.Susceptibility to antibiotics was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique and interpreted in accordance with the 2024 CLSI criteria.A microtiter plate test was used to quantify the production of biofilm at an optical density (OD) of 570 nm.The algD, pelA, and pslA genes were detected by PCR.P. aeruginosa has been verified in 57 (47.5%) of the isolates.Of them, 91.2% were resistant to ceftazidime, 87.7% to imipenem, 73.7% to gentamicin, and 61.4% to ciprofloxacin.MDR was detected in 63.1% of isolates.In 49.1%, 35%, and 15.9% of the isolates, biofilm development was strong, moderate, and weak, respectively.The algD, pelA, and pslA genes were detected in 86.0%, 68.4%, and 59.6% of the isolates, respectively.A clear relationship was observed between these genes and biofilm production and resistance patterns. Conclusion:The results in our study support a robust link between biofilm production, antibiotic resistance, and genes related to biofilm production by P. aeruginosa isolated from burn sites.Implementing gene-targeted techniques and optimal combination treatment may greatly enhance infection management and patient outcomes in burn care facilities.

Introduction: Cucurbitacin IIa (CuIIa), one of the most important active components of Cucurbitaceae plants, has a wide range of pharmacological effects. However, the mechanisms underlying its effects on Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanisms of CuIIa activity against LNB. Methods and Results: Potential CuIIa targets were obtained from the Pharmmapper, Swiss Target Prediction, and Batman-Traditional Chinese medicine databases. LNB-associated genes were obtained from OMIM, GeneCards, and DisGeNET. Disease-drug intersection targets were identified using Venny. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using STRING. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were done on the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). A drug-target-pathway-disease network was constructed and Autodock software was used to verify molecular docking between active ingredients and the core targets. Finally, the key targets were experimentally validated. A total of 574 CuIIa targets and 73 LNB-associated genes were identified, and 13 genes were common between the 2 groups. By constructing a PPI network for key targets, the top 10 core target genes were MMP9, TNF, ALB, CTSG, TGFB1, CCL2, IL4, CRP, CCL3, and CCL5. GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses identified 118 entries and 110 pathways, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that CuIIa binds to key important targets in the core network with high affinity. Validation analyses of the key targets, CCL2 and CCL5, showed that CuIIa decreased their expression in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: This study revealed the potential mechanism of CuIIa activity against Lyme neuroborreliosis. Our preliminary findings using molecular docking modeling and experimental validation provide a basis for future clinical CuIIa applications.