The escalating incidence of hospital infections due to antibiotic resistance necessitates the identification of alternative therapeutic agents such as probiotics. This study was designed to isolate and evaluate the efficacy of probiotics against , a prevalent etiological agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A total of 100 strains were isolated from clinical samples and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing via the disc diffusion method. Concurrently, probiotic bacteria were isolated from Bulgarian cheese and shallot yogurt, and their antibacterial activity against strains was assessed. The inhibitory potential of probiotic supernatants was evaluated using microtiter plate assays, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) determined at a 1/2 dilution. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to analyze the concentrations of organic acids produced by the probiotics. The results revealed that all strains were resistant to tetracycline and doxycycline but susceptible to other antibiotics. strains M and B demonstrated notable antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against isolates. These probiotics exhibited susceptibility to most antibiotics and lacked virulence factors, suggesting their safety for therapeutic use. The organic acids produced by the probiotics were identified as lactic acid, acetic acid, and formic acid. In conclusion, strains M and B exhibit potent antimicrobial properties against , indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for UTIs. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the possibility of these probiotics in clinical applications.

Curcumin is a polyphenol compound with anticancer effects. We aimed to review the anti-neoplastic effects of curcumin on urogenital cancers, by regulating different microRNA expressions. A systematic search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to the end of August 2024. All English, in vitro, and observational studies that evaluated the effect of curcumin on preventing or treating urogenital cancers through its impact on microRNA expression were included. In vivo or silico studies were excluded. A total of 2549 records were found. Finally, 25 studies were included. Twelve studies assessed the effect of curcumin on prostate cancer, six studies on ovarian cancer, three studies on cervical cancer, three studies on bladder cancer, and one study on renal cancer. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate the post-transcriptional pathways. They possess pivotal roles in different fundamental mechanisms in cells such as differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and proliferation. Curcumin exerts its anticancer effects on urogenital neoplasms by upregulating tumor suppressor microRNAs (miR-143, miR-145, miR-Let-7, miR-101, miR-3127, miR-3178, miR-1275, miR-3198, miR-1908, miR-770, miR-1247, miR-411, miR-34a, miR-383, miR-708, miR-483, miR-199a, miR-335, miR-503, miR-10b, miR-551a, miR-9, miR-203, miR-7110, miR-29b, and miR-126) and downregulating oncogenic microRNAs (miR-21, miR-210, miR-382, miR-654, miR-494, miR-193b, miR-671, miR-222, miR-23b, miR-664, miR-183, miR-214, miR-320a, miR-23a, miR-30a, miR-320d, miR-1285, miR-32, miR-181a, miR-205, miR-216a, miR-1246, and miR-106b). Cell proliferation is inhibited, and cell apoptosis is induced by curcumin in different urogenital cancers through suppressing oncogenic microRNAs or provoking tumor suppressor microRNAs.

When replacing the maxillary central incisor (MCI) or adjusting its dimensions, Syrian dentists may have difficulties in selecting the appropriate size due to the lack of a dental anthropometric database for Syrian society. The purpose of this observational study was to investigate the correlation between MCI dimensions and face length and width in Syrian females and males. The study included 180 Syrian participants (90 females and 90 males) without facial or dental defects and aged between 20 and 25 years. A digital photograph of each individual's face was taken to measure face length and width. Maxillary stone casts were made for each individual to assess the MCI width and height using a digital caliper. The correlation between facial and dental variables was investigated with the Pearson correlation coefficient. Moreover, intersex variations were tested using an independent-sample -test ( < 0.05 considered significant). The mean MCI width was 8.58 mm, the mean MCI cervical width was 7.96 mm, the mean MCI height was 9.69 mm, the average MCI width-to-height ratio was 89%, and the average MCI cervical width-to-height ratio was 82%. The intersex variations in dental values were not statistically significant. None of the studied facial dimensions showed any significant correlation with any of the MCI measurements. The faces of Syrian men were larger than those of Syrian women, but their MCIs had similar proportions and sizes. Facial height and width were not the appropriate parameters for determining MCI size for Syrians.

A biomarker is defined as a characteristic that is measured as an indicator of a normal biological or pathological process, a response to an exposure or intervention. Biomarkers with a diagnostic approach must identify not only the presence but also the absence of the disease with high precision, so having the biological source of the said marker is of vital importance to ensure precision and accuracy; the aim was to carry out a review of its diagnostic potential. The search strategy was carried out in three databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. The keywords that were used were as follows: "gingival crevicular fluid", "Biomarker", and "Diagnosis", using the Boolean operator "AND". The filter was used at 10 years. Within the type of molecules most studied, the cytokine family was the most abundant with 25.42% of the studies, followed by metalloproteinases and proteins with 16.9% each one. Studies that included RNA-type genetic material were less frequently found. As has been demonstrated, the use of GCF as a source of biomolecules for diagnostic use has been increasing, both for oral diseases, which reflects the local conditions of the disease; it also has the ability to reflect the development of distant diseases; and this is because GCF is a blood ultrafiltrate.

About 80% of pregnant women use at least one medication during their pregnancy period. Many drugs that are not allowed to be used during pregnancy (from FDA Pregnancy Categories D and X) were used. Irrational use of these drugs during pregnancy may result in different birth defects, as explained by thalidomide and diethylstilbestrol's tragedy. Knowledge of drug utilization and associated factors that affect the pattern is important to enhance rational prescribing. But information about prescription patterns and associated factors among pregnant women is scarce in the Debre Tabor area and generally in Ethiopia. This study was aimed at assessing drug prescription patterns, potential teratogenicity, and associated factors among pregnant women attending the antenatal care unit at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia. A retrospective cross-sectional study design was performed on 359 pregnant women attending antenatal care units from June 01, 2022, to August 30, 2022, in the hospital. Necessary data were obtained through a questionnaire by reviewing the medical charts of the women. Analysis of the data was performed using SPSS Version 23. The association of the independent variables to medication use was assessed using multivariate logistic regression. A value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Most of the study participants (325/359) were married (90.5%). From a total of 359 participants, 350 (97.5%) were prescribed with drugs. About 64% (385/602) of the prescribed medications were iron and vitamins. The most commonly prescribed medications are iron and folic acid combination (340/602, 56.5%), albendazole (48/602, 8%), mebendazole (37/602, 6.1%), omeprazole (33/602, 5.5%), followed by amoxicillin (32/602, 5.3%). The majority (79.3%) of the drugs were from FDA Pregnancy Categories A and B. Prescribed drug utilization was more probable in women who first visited the facility at their second (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI [1.12-6.64]) and third trimesters (AOR = 4.32, 95% CI [1.37-6.81]), had chronic illness (AOR = 7.54, 95% CI [2.34-14.68]), and live in rural areas (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI [1.56-8.43]). The study revealed that the prescription pattern in the hospital is in line with the WHO reference. Age, gravidity, number of ANC visits, first visit to the facility, presence of chronic illness, educational status, and residency were significantly associated with prescription drug use in pregnant mothers. But still, some pregnant women received drugs that may have teratogenicity risk (FDA Category C).

Delile (VAD), also known as bitter leaf, is widely utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including cancer. The presence of bioactive compounds in VAD is believed to be responsible for its characteristic bitterness. In Ghana, it is a common practice to mitigate the bitterness of VAD by combining it with (Christm.) Swingle (lime) juice extracts, although this method lacks scientific evidence and documentation. Therefore, the antioxidant and anticancer activities of VAD and lime juice extracts (V5) and their combined effects were evaluated in vitro. The antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effects of VAD extracts were determined against Jurkat, MCF-7, HepG2, and PNT2 cells using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to quantify antioxidant activity and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to assess cytotoxicity. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism 8.0. Linear regression was employed to determine the correlation between the concentration and the percentage of antioxidant activity, while values were calculated using Student's -test. The laboratory analysis focused on the extracts V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5. Briefly, V1 and V2 contained equal amounts of saponins and terpenoids. Among these, V2 exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity, as indicated by an EC50 value of 2.14 ± 0.06 mg/mL. V2 also demonstrated cytotoxicity against the MCF-7, HepG2, Jurkat, and PNT2 cell lines. On the other hand, V3 and V4 did not show any cytotoxic effects across all tested cell lines. In contrast, V5 was toxic to HepG2 and MCF-7 cells but had no cytotoxic effect on Jurkat cell lines. V2 exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity (0-1000 g/mL), with the strongest inhibition observed against Jurkat cells (IC50 value = 96.341 g/mL) and a selective index of 3.567. The difference in activity between the extracts from different parts of the plant and the extract combined with lime juice was significant ( < 0.05), indicating a synergistic effect of the phytochemicals in both VAD and lime juice. V2 and V5 demonstrated a remarkable antioxidant property, and they are effective in inhibiting cancer cell lines, respectively.

Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus Type 2 (cVDPV2) was isolated in sewage and later in stool samples from children with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in northern Ghana. A multidisciplinary and multisectoral team investigated this outbreak and reported on epidemiological and laboratory investigations. Sewage/wastewater samples were collected from the environment, while stool samples were collected from AFP/contact children under 5 years of age. The samples were processed for virus isolation, and positive isolates were sequenced. We also conducted a descriptive investigation involving a review of records, active case search, and Monovalent Oral Polio Vaccine 2 campaigns. Additionally, we interviewed caregivers about the vaccination status of their children, as well as their knowledge on polio prevention. Water quality, sanitation, hygiene practices, and health-seeking behaviours were also assessed. A total of 18 cVDPV2 were confirmed in the three regions of Ghana during the outbreak in 2019-2020. All strains were genetically linked to a Nigerian cVDPV2 strain NIE-KWS-KSB-18-006HC29 that circulated in 2018. Evaluation of the surveillance system shows that officers have good knowledge of AFP and know how to collect samples, package them, and ship them to the laboratory. Few communities had access to potable water. Open defecation was common, and the water supply, sanitation, and hygiene practices of the communities were poor. The cVDPV2 outbreak represents the first time cVDPV2 has circulated in the country since Ghana embarked on the polio eradication program in 1996. However, with quality mOPV2 mop-up campaigns, a nationwide IPV catch-up campaign coupled with enhanced surveillance measures, transmission was interrupted.

Self-management (SM) is the gold standard of care and is the direct active participation of patients in their disease management. Condition-specific factors, physical and social environment, individual and family, and the process of SM are factors that influence SM in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Poor SM leads to high retroviral infection transmission, mortality, and morbidity. This study was aimed at assessing SM and its associated factors among PLHIV at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UOGCSH), Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling technique at the UOGCSH from May 20 to July 30, 2022. The data were collected using a previously validated tool and were entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 25. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor SM. The statistical significance was considered at a value < 0.05. Of 419 PLHIV, the median (IQR) SM score was 39 (9), and above half (52.6%, 95% CI: 48%-57%) of them had poor SM. Being unemployed (AOR = 2.49, 95%CI = 1.19, 5.19), living alone (AOR = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.12, 4.17), unfamiliar with the management of HIV-related symptoms (AOR = 3.59, 95%CI = 2.08, 6.20), poor social support (AOR = 3.02, 95%CI = 1.54, 5.93), poor self-efficacy (AOR = 3.04, 95%CI = 1.83, 5.06), and unsupported by the adherence support group (AOR = 17.17, 95%CI = 8.37, 35.22) were significantly associated with poor SM. The majority of PLHIV had poor SM. This study supports the findings of individual family SM theory and previously published studies regarding factors affecting SM. The government, hospital, adherence support groups, and PLHIV should work on modifiable sociodemographic, condition-specific, and process of SM to improve SM of PLHIV.

As part of efforts to reach the elimination target by 2030, the WHO and CDC recommend that all HCWs adhere to the three-dose Hepatitis B vaccination schedule to protect themselves against the infection. This study assessed Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and associated factors among personnel working in health facilities in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana. A cross-sectional study involving 530 HCWs was conducted in four hospitals in Kumasi from September to November 2023. An investigator-administered questionnaire was employed in gathering participant demographics and other information related to vaccination coverage. IBM SPSS Version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0 were used for analysing the data. Even though the majority (70.6%) reported having taken at least one dose of the vaccine, only 43.6% were fully vaccinated (≥ 3 doses). More than a quarter (29.4%) had not taken any dose of the HBV vaccine. Close to a quarter (23.6%) had not screened or tested for HBV infection in their lifetime. The statistically significant variables influencing vaccination status were age, marital status, profession, and status in the hospital. Nearly one-half (44.9%) of the participants who have not taken the vaccine reported they do not have a reason for not taking it, and a high proportion (80.1%) were willing to take the vaccine when given for free. To combat the low Hepatitis B vaccination coverage among healthcare workers in Kumasi, Ghana, amidst the significant public health threat of HBV infection, comprehensive measures are necessary. These include implementing infection prevention control programmes, enhancing occupational health and safety, and conducting health promotion campaigns in healthcare facilities. Extending and intensifying Hepatitis B screening and vaccination initiatives to tertiary institutions and encouraging employers, supervisors, or team leaders to provide these services nationwide are also recommended.

In low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, home birth is the main cause of maternal and neonatal mortality. Several separate studies have been conducted on the prevalence of home birth preference. However, there is no pooled prevalence of home birth preferences. So, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed at assessing the overall preference for home birth and related factors among Ethiopian women. The review included only published articles. Medline/PubMed, Web Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library are the main databases. The review includes cross-sectional studies in English that meet eligibility requirements. The combined prevalence of women's preference for home birth is calculated by random effect models. In addition, Egger's tests and funnel diagrams were used to investigate publication biases. STATA Version 14 is used to perform all statistical analyses. The review included 14 studies with 6631 participants. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of women's preference for home birth was 41.48% (confidence interval (CI): 49.99; 63, 56; I2:98.7%; ≤ 0.001). In the analysis of the subgroups, the Oromia region had the highest home birth preference rate at 61.40% (55.54%, 67.16), while southern Ethiopia had the lowest value at 20.52% (5.18, 29.75). The probability of preferring home birth was higher for women without education (OR = 0.22, ≤ 0.001, = 69.7%) and for younger women (ODR = 0.47, ≤ 0.001, = 84.2%). According to the study, 41% of Ethiopian women prefer home births over institutional births. Age and education of women are statistically important factors in the choice of birthplace. To solve this problem, health professionals and other stakeholders are strongly encouraged to provide women's health education at the community and institutional levels.

This study examines cesarean section (C-section) deliveries in Ghana from 2008 to 2017 in 10 regions, distinguishing between scheduled and emergency procedures. Scheduled C-sections target specific maternal conditions, such as advanced age, multiparity, and medical history, while emergency C-sections address acute fetal distress, preeclampsia, bleeding, and other urgent situations. The analysis reveals various regional patterns, with the Brong-Ahafo Region showing a potential deceleration after 2017 and the Upper West Region indicating a possible acceleration. The high number of C-sections in Greater Accra and Ashanti may be related to population density and health facilities. The study proposes empirical models, including linear, quadratic, and exponential components, emphasizing quasilinearity. The exponential model suggests transient and permanent phases of cesarean frequency, with the latter dominated by quasilinearity. Optimal parameter values are determined, which highlights the stability of the model. However, caution is advised when projecting too far into the future due to the inevitable slowing of observed trends. The findings offer insights for healthcare planning, resource allocation, and policymaking, emphasizing the need for region-specific approaches and ongoing monitoring of cesarean dynamics to inform nuanced interventions.

Heavy metals are lethal and hazardous pollutants for the ecosystem owing to their virtues including acute toxicity, prolonged persistence, and bioaccumulation. These contaminants are not only a threat to aquatic/terrestrial biota but also pose serious health issues to humans. Natural and anthropologic processes consistently upsurge heavy metal concentration beyond acceptable limits and mobilization and hence disturb biogeochemical cycles and the food chain, although several conventional strategies including adsorption, chemical precipitation, ion exchange, and membrane separation methods are being employed for the removal of these lethal heavy metals from the ecosystem but failed due to lower efficiency rates and high application charges. The current scenario highly demands advanced biosorption or bioaccumulation processes that slow down heavy metal mobilization within the acceptable limit in the ecosystem. Genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) with desired features are developed through interdisciplinary participation of genomics, molecular microbiology, and bioinformatics that have more potential to bioremediate heavy metals than the native microbes from polluted ecosystems. The study focuses on different sources of heavy metals, their impact on the ecosystem, and the bioremediation of toxic heavy metals via GMMs.

The purpose of this is to examine the visualization, dynamicity, and collaborative networking of scientific production on visible light (VL) and skin aging through scientometric analysis. This research consisted of a cross-sectional and descriptive design with a scientometric approach that examined the publication trends and collaborative patterns among authors and institutions from 2018 to 2023. A comprehensive search strategy was also employed by using specific keywords related to VL and skin aging. In this case, several indicators were employed, including scholarly output, view count, field-weighted citation impact (FWCI), and citation count. The analyses were performed by using SciVal software and R Studio version 4.3.2. A total of 180 sources were identified, with 280 documents generated, indicating an annual growth rate of 6.72%. The documents, averaging 3.25 years in age, received an average of 12.14 citations, revealing their impact. Additionally, collaborations were evident, with a ratio of 5.6 coauthors per paper and 25.71% consisting of international collaborations. In terms of institutions, there were notable disparities in scholarly activities and impact metrics, highlighting the diversity of the research landscape. Meanwhile, journals, such as , revealed a substantial impact (FWCI 2.05). Overall, the impact of the journals showed a general upward trend, reflecting dynamicity and variability over time. An annual growth rate of 6.72% was found, with 180 sources and 280 papers on VL and skin aging. Moreover, international collaborations, the positive impact in leading journals, and the distribution patterns identified through scientometric laws underscored the vitality and complexity of the field. These results offer valuable insights into guiding future research in this multidisciplinary field.

Herbal medicines (HMs) have deciphered indispensable therapeutic effects against cardiovascular disease (CVD) (the predominant cause of death worldwide). The conventional CVD therapy approaches have not been efficient and need alternative medicines. The objective of this study was a review of herbal bioactive compound efficacy for CVD therapy based on computational and in silico studies. HM bioactive compounds with potential anti-CVD traits include campesterol, naringenin, quercetin, stigmasterol, tanshinaldehyde, Bryophyllin A, Bryophyllin B, beta-sitosterol, punicalagin, butein, eriodyctiol, butin, luteolin, and kaempferol discovered using computational studies. Some of the bioactive compounds have exhibited therapeutic effects, as followed by in vitro (tanshinaldehyde, punicalagin, butein, eriodyctiol, and butin), in vivo (gallogen, luteolin, chebulic acid, butein, eriodyctiol, and butin), and clinical trials (quercetin, campesterol, and naringenin). The main mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds for CVD healing include cell signaling and inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, decrease of lipid accumulation, and regulation of metabolism and immune cells. Further experimental studies are required to verify the anti-CVD effects of herbal bioactive compounds and their pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic features.

Cancer is a disease resulting from uncontrolled cell division, which significantly contributes to human mortality rates. An alternative approach to cancer treatment, such as cancer immunotherapy, is needed as the existing chemotherapy and radiotherapy approaches target the cancer cells and healthy dividing cells. Vitamin E is a plant-derived lipid-soluble antioxidant with numerous health-promoting benefits, including anticancer and immunomodulatory properties. Vitamin E comprises eight natural isoforms: tocopherols (, , , and ) and tocotrienols (, , , and ). While initial research focused on the anticancer properties of -tocopherol, there is growing interest in other natural forms and modified synthetic analogues of vitamin E due to their unique properties and enhanced anticancer effects. Hence, this review is aimed at outlining the effect of vitamin E and its analogues at various steps of the cancer-immunity cycle that can be used to stimulate anticancer immune responses.

This study sought to examine the effects of systemic ozone (O) treatment on the healing of skin wounds induced on the dorsal surface of Wistar rats. The skin wounds were created using a 10 mm round punch following the sagittal medial plane in 72 rats. Then, the animals were randomly assigned to four groups, each receiving the following treatments: group C, which did not undergo treatment with the O/O mixture; group OZ0.3, administered the O/O mixture at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg; group OZ0.7, given the O/O mixture at a dose of 0.7 mg/kg; and group OZ1.0, provided with the O/O mixture at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Six animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. Clinical, histological, histometric, and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were accomplished. Data from clinical and histometric assessments revealed that OZ0.7 and OZ1.0 demonstrated more favorable healing, with greater wound contraction observed in the OZ1.0 group at 14 and 21 days. Histologically, the OZ1.0 group exhibited aspects consistent with an accelerated tissue repair process. IHC analysis revealed greater vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) immunostaining in the OZ0.7 (7 days) and OZ1.0 (7 and 14 days) groups compared to the C group. Expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 was significantly increased in the OZ0.7 (14 days) and OZ1.0 (7 and 14 days) groups compared to the C group. In conclusion, our data suggest that systemic use of O enhanced tissue repair in cutaneous wounds in a dose-dependent manner, with concentrations of 1.0 mg/kg providing the most beneficial effects. Furthermore, the results of this study implicate the use of O for the treatment of skin wounds aiming at improving the healing process over time. Our findings suggest the use of O as a viable alternative to enhance wound healing and repair.

Stroke is considered a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana due to its impact on quality of life. However, there is a lack of comprehensive pooled data on the prevalence and incidence rates of stroke in Ghana. Updating this information would help inform decision-making bodies on measures to reduce the burden of stroke in Ghana. This systematic review is aimed at critically appraising evidence gathered from studies done in Ghana on the prevalence and incidence rates of stroke among the Ghanaian population. Four databases (CINAHL via EBSCOhost, Web of Science, MEDLINE via PubMed, and PsycINFO via EBSCOhost) were searched, for articles published between May 2000 and May 2020 on stroke burden. The search was constrained to studies conducted in Ghana and published in English that have been peer reviewed. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess the quality of evidence. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled stroke prevalence and incidence in the country. A total of three studies that documented 12,974 stroke cases in 1,197,498 participants based on the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The meta-analysis revealed that the overall national prevalence and incidence rate of stroke for the country were 7.96% and 1.17%, respectively, calculated at 95% confidence intervals. According to the review findings, the incidence and prevalence rates of stroke are high in Ghana or among the Ghanaian population, and they are increasing.

Although intensive care units (ICUs) are where severe and complicated cases are managed, there is limited evidence on treatment outcomes in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the magnitude and associated factors of mortality among patients with sepsis admitted to ICUs at southern Amhara public hospitals, Ethiopia. A total of 547 medical records of patients with sepsis admitted to the ICUs at Injibara, Debre Markos, and Debre Tabor hospitals in the past 3 years were retrieved from August 10-31, 2022. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported, and a value < 0.05 was set to declare the significance of the association. In this study, 46.2% (95% CI: 41.7%-50.3%) of patients with sepsis died during their ICU stay. Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract infections contributed to 32.3%, 25.8%, and 9.6% of mortality, respectively. Individuals aged 60 and above (AOR: 4.07; 95% CI: 2.23-7.44), those with a Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 10 at admission (AOR: 11.27; 95% CI: 4.64-27.37), respiratory site of infection (AOR: 5.38; 95% CI: 2.94-9.86), creatinine level > 1.1 mg/dL (AOR: 4.20; 95% CI: 2.33-7.60), vasopressor use (AOR: 3.13; 95% CI:1.66-5.95), initiation of antibiotics 1-3 h after admission (AOR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.64-4.76), and a hospital stay of more than 20 days (AOR: 3.44; 95% CI: 1.40-8.46) were significantly associated with mortality. Overall, the mortality rate among patients with sepsis admitted to ICUs in southern Amhara public hospitals was high. Mainly, death was attributed to respiratory infections. Elderly patients and those with deteriorated clinical conditions at admission were at higher risk. Therefore, special attention is needed for elderly patients admitted with respiratory infections, antibiotics should be initiated as early as possible, and interventions must be designed to shorten the length of stay in ICUs.

Resveratrol (RSV), as a natural polyphenol exhibiting antioxidative properties, is studied in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, RSV has low oral bioavailability. In this study and in order to overcome the issue, RSV was encapsulated into the solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). In this study, RSV-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (RSV-SLNs) were prepared by the solvent emulsification-evaporation technique, and their physicochemical properties were optimized using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. The morphology of the particles was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The neuroprotective effects of the nanoparticles were investigated in animal models using the Morris water maze (MWM). Then after, the rats were sacrificed, their brains were collected, and the extent of lipid peroxidase (LPO) as well as the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined in the hippocampus section samples. Finally, the collected brain tissues were histologically studied. The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE%), and drug loading (DL%) of the optimized nanoparticles were 104.5 ± 12.3 nm, 0.322 ± 0.11, -3.1 ± 0.15 mV, 72.9 ± 5.31% and 14.6 ± 0.53%, respectively. The microscopic images revealed spherically shaped and nonaggregated nanoparticles. The studies demonstrated higher efficiency of RSV-SLN in the reduction of escape latency time and improvement in the time spent in the target quadrant compared to free RSV. Moreover, it was demonstrated that RSV-SLN posed a higher potency in the reduction of LPO as well as elevation of the GSH levels in the brain samples. The histological studies revealed a decline in neural degeneration and an improvement in the CA1 pyramidal cell morphology. The obtained data revealed that RSV-SLNs caused more reduction in Alzheimer-related symptoms rather than free RSV.

The interplay between breast cancer treatment and osteoporosis has important consequences for anticancer therapy and patient bone health. Many breast cancer therapies involve hormonal treatments that lower estrogen levels, which can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis due to reduced bone mineral density. Aromatase inhibitors, chemotherapy, and surgeries such as oophorectomy can further aggravate bone loss, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing bone health during cancer treatment. This review is aimed at investigating the complex relationship between breast cancer therapies and bone health by examining the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which anticancer treatments lead to bone loss. It also seeks to assess the effects of various treatment options, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and bisphosphonates, on reducing bone loss and maintaining bone health during cancer therapy. The review explores the mechanisms underlying bone loss in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment, focusing on factors such as estrogen depletion, inflammatory cytokines, and changes in bone remodelling processes. Additionally, it evaluates the efficacy of different therapeutic interventions, including pharmacological treatments like bisphosphonates and third-generation SERMs, in mitigating bone-related side effects. The findings indicate a critical need to balance the effectiveness of breast cancer treatments with the preservation of bone health. Pharmacological treatments like bisphosphonates and denosumab have been identified as essential for managing bone health in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, third-generation SERMs show potential in reducing bone loss associated with cancer therapy.