Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder with declining memory and cognitive impairment, largely mediated by extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ). Although the amyloid cascade and tau protein hypotheses have long served as established frameworks for AD pathology, recent evidence suggests that long-term infections, particularly with Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), may contribute to disease progression. A systematic search strategy was used to identify relevant literature using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Keywords and Boolean operators such as “Chlamydia pneumoniae and Alzheimer’s disease,” “neuroinflammation,” “amyloid-beta,” and “tau protein” were applied, with filters for peer-reviewed articles, human and experimental studies, and publications from the past 25 years. Epidemiological and background data were supplemented by official sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This review examines the potential relationship of C. pneumoniae infection with AD pathogenesis. Studies have identified DNA and antigens of C. pneumoniae in AD-infected brain regions, often co-localized within Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Proposed mechanisms of CNS invasion include olfactory, hematogenous, and immune cell-mediated routes, leading to persistent glial activation, neuroinflammation, altered amyloid precursor protein processing, and tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Experimental models support these associations, with infected animals developing AD-like pathology. Diagnostic challenges persist due to the limitations of PCR and immunohistochemistry, though advanced approaches such as next-generation sequencing and TSPO-PET imaging are emerging. Potential therapeutic approaches include antimicrobial and immunomodulatory strategies, although human trials have shown mixed results. While current evidence suggests a possible link, causality remains unproven. Future research must prioritize large-scale, longitudinal, and mechanistic studies to clarify these relationships. Establishing a definitive role for C. pneumoniae in AD pathogenesis could reshape current understanding of disease etiology and inform the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies.

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Microsatellite-stable metastatic colorectal cancer (MSS mCRC) is currently treated with chemotherapy and targeted agents based on RAS and BRAF mutational status. Although these therapies offer initial benefit, most patients rapidly develop resistance, with fewer than 20% remaining progression-free at two years. This review aims to synthesize emerging evidence on the metabolic mechanisms driving treatment resistance in MSS mCRC, with a particular focus on the immune-metabolic signature (IMMETCOLS) classification. We conducted a comprehensive review of preclinical models, transcriptomic datasets, and clinical trial results addressing metabolic adaptations to chemotherapy and targeted therapies in MSS mCRC. The IMMETCOLS framework defines three metabolic subtypes—IMC1, IMC2, and IMC3—each associated with distinct resistance mechanisms. IMC1 exhibits glycolysis and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-dependent signaling enriched in inflammatory fibroblasts, conferring resistance to chemotherapy. IMC2 relies on oxidative phosphorylation and glutamine metabolism, supporting antioxidant defenses and resistance to both cytotoxic agents and anti-EGFR therapies. IMC3 demonstrates lactate-fueled respiration and pentose phosphate pathway activation, contributing to redox balance, DNA repair, and resistance to targeted therapies such as anti-BRAF or KRAS inhibitors. All subtypes display metabolic plasticity under therapeutic pressure. Emerging clinical data support tailoring targeted therapy combinations based on IMMETCOLS subtype, particularly in BRAF- and HER2-positive populations. Understanding subtype-specific metabolic rewiring in MSS mCRC offers novel opportunities to overcome drug resistance. Targeting the metabolic vulnerabilities defined by the IMMETCOLS signature may improve response durability and inform precision treatment strategies.

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Resistant Kawasaki has been associated with the aggressive development of large coronary aneurysms, despite prompt treatment. In this paper, we present an infant who presented with resistant Kawasaki. Although initially he seemed to defervesce after the initial administration of intravenous immunoglobulin, he developed a new onset of fever, requiring a repeat dose of immunoglobulin. Coronary aneurysms developed rapidly, necessitating a second dose of immunoglobulins and second-line treatments such as anakinra and infliximab. High titers of COVID-19 antibodies have been a confounding factor in the management of that child, as the alternative diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was considered. Finally, the clinical and laboratory values were more in keeping with MIS-C.

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Phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) is a recognized complication of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) for atrial fibrillation (AF), particularly during the ablation of the right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV). We report the case of an 80-year-old female with a history of hypertension, who was admitted for CBA of paroxysmal AF. Despite optimal medical treatment with amiodarone, the patient experienced recurrent episodes of AF, prompting the decision to proceed with CBA. During the procedure, while isolating the RSPV, diaphragmatic movement was significantly weakened after 92 seconds of cryoablation at a temperature of –52°C. Immediate cessation of the procedure and intravenous methylprednisolone were administered, resulting in partial recovery of diaphragmatic movement. However, when the procedure resumed, diaphragmatic movement once again diminished, and despite further steroid treatment, the movement did not recover by discharge. The patient remained asymptomatic with stable oxygen saturation, and no respiratory distress was noted. At a six-month follow-up, the patient reported no symptoms of chest tightness or shortness of breath, and her general condition remained stable, although diaphragmatic movement had not fully recovered, indicating partial functional compensation. This case underscores the importance of continuous phrenic nerve monitoring during CBA, early detection of complications, and appropriate management to prevent irreversible injury, highlighting the need for careful procedural planning and postoperative follow-up in elderly patients with comorbidities.

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This case report documents the successful endodontic retreatment of a mandibular first molar exhibiting four mesial root canals in a 20-year-old male patient—an exceptionally rare anatomical configuration. Following the extraction of the perforated distal root, careful clinical exploration revealed two supplementary canals demonstrating apical convergence with the primary canals. The treatment protocol incorporated ultrasonically activated irrigation, precision rotary instrumentation, and warm vertical compaction obturation with bioceramic sealer. This case underscores the critical importance of thorough anatomical exploration in complex root canal systems.

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Medicine is undergoing a deep technological transformation, with surgery on the cusp of this change, as technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), real-time imaging, and robotics converge to transform operative care. These innovations are now progressively being integrated into practice, driving precision surgery closer to reality. We aimed to assess how the convergence of AI, AR, real-time imaging, and robotics is advancing precision surgery and to outline the next wave of operative care. For doing this, we conducted a narrative perspective of publications that address AI-driven decision-making, AR-guided navigation, semi-autonomous robotics, and real-time imaging tailoring in surgical contexts. We observed that AI algorithms are expanding the potential of medicine by analyzing diverse data sets to optimize treatment strategies. AR-based navigation systems overlay digital anatomical information onto the surgical field, improving surgeon awareness and accuracy. Concurrently, AI-powered robotics are beginning to perform some surgical tasks semi-autonomously, potentially shortening procedure times and improving patient outcomes. Over time, the synergy between these disciplines may yield a new era of surgery: One where patient stratification guides operative decisions and where surgeons rely on data-driven systems for intraoperative feedback. This approach reinforces the principles of precision medicine and points toward a future in which surgery evolves hand in hand to improve clinical outcomes and patient safety. The synergy of data-driven surgery and personalized therapeutics brings a new era in precision medicine in which operative decisions may be dynamically tailored to the individual, promising greater safety and better clinical results.

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This article evaluates contemporary and evolving surgical techniques in diverticulitis management. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed on guidelines for articles on surgical interventions for diverticulitis. The relevant data were extracted and synthesized to identify trends, advancements, and gaps in the current understanding of surgical interventions for diverticulitis. Many patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can achieve favourable outcomes through conservative management strategies. Surgical interventions are increasingly tailored based on individual risk profiles and disease severity. Recent methods for managing diverticulitis highlight the significance of personalized treatment, which can lead to faster recovery times and better overall quality of life. More patients are now considered appropriate candidates for primary anastomosis, with or without a stoma in place of Hartmann’s procedure, where reversal is often tricky. Additionally, minimally invasive surgical techniques are being employed more frequently.

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Probiotics, originating at birth, play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of a healthy and disease-free environment within the gut of both humans and animals. These beneficial microorganisms from fermented, processed, and non-dairy foods provide numerous health benefits, such as stress reduction, disease prevention, immune stimulation, gut microbiota control, nutritional supplementation, diarrheal disease relief, vitamin production, weight management, and anticancer activities. With more health problems on the rise and the negative side effects of conventional medication and antibiotics prevailing, natural supplements such as probiotics are a relief. Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces, have been identified as safe and effective candidates for gut health applications. This review addresses the current understanding of the mechanism of action of probiotics, their functions in human health, and their therapeutic potential for various diseases. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing probiotic administration along with conventional medicinal drugs for their wide benefits and fewer side effects. Our findings aim to direct future studies on the modes of action of probiotics against emerging health challenges.

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Modeling cancer cell invasion requires physiologically relevant systems, yet traditional 2D/3D assays and animal models fail to capture the biochemical and mechanical complexity of the human extracellular matrix (ECM). The human amniotic membrane (AM) is a clinically approved, abundant, and immunologically privileged tissue with a rich ECM composition and favorable mechanical properties. Despite its extensive use in regenerative medicine, its potential as a cancer invasion scaffold remains underexplored. We propose repurposing decellularized AM (dAM) as a human-derived ECM platform to study tumor invasion. dAM retains structural proteins, growth factor reservoirs, and stiffness gradients that influence epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion pathways. Compared with conventional matrices, it offers improved biochemical fidelity and compatibility with patient-derived organoids. Key challenges, including donor variability, decellularization optimization, and reproducibility, are also addressed. dAM provides a non-invasive, scalable, and physiologically relevant tool for cancer invasion assays, drug screening, and patient-specific models. Its integration into oncology research may enhance translational relevance and accelerate personalized medicine.

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The health benefits of milk have been acknowledged throughout human history, with scientific research over the past 50 years elucidating its nutritional composition and functional benefits. This article presents a contemporary analysis of modern casein chemistry, emphasizing the specialized engineering of dairy proteins for optimizing resource utilization. It explores the unique structure of casein micelles as supramolecular complexes, where ionic interactions promote electron sharing between phosphoserines and calcium phosphate nanoclusters. This review aims to synthesize recent literature on casein nanocomplexes and explore their potential in industrial applications such as drug delivery and sustainable food engineering. Casein-based bio-nanocomposites have emerged as a significant research interest in food science, offering considerable potential for a wide array of scientific applications, such as drug formulation and nutraceutical delivery. It is crucial for scientists to engage in ongoing research and development efforts to encourage sustainable progress, enhance commercial viability, improve manufacturing processes, and expand the engineering applications of casein micelles toward fostering an eco-friendly industry.

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Exercise may be one of the most potent tools for protecting the brain—but only through active participation can its benefits be realized. This perspective provides a brief overview of current research avenues and key insights into the role of physical activity and exercise in preventing and mitigating chronic and neurodegenerative diseases and promoting optimal health across the population. The perspective opens with a summary of key findings on how exercise supports brain health and cognitive well-being. It then draws on rodent model studies which shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind these benefits. The paper addresses challenges in translating this research into effective, real-world exercise programs and introduces a new framework aimed at fostering global, inclusive initiatives. This transformative approach is designed to reach individuals across all ages, backgrounds, and health statuses. A central theme throughout is the critical role of psychological factors in exercise adherence—highlighting the need to tackle these barriers if scientific advances are to translate into meaningful benefits for diverse populations.

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Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) have demonstrated considerable potential to address mental health needs across diverse populations by offering scalable, adaptable, and cost-effective solutions. Nevertheless, their implementation in the Global South—particularly among Indigenous peoples and traditional communities—remains scattered and insufficiently systematised. These communities frequently face structural inequalities, limited access to formal mental health services, and distinct sociocultural frameworks that necessitate the development of culturally appropriate digital interventions. To date, existing reviews have focused predominantly on high-income countries, highlighting the urgent need to synthesise context-specific evidence from low- and middle-income settings. Therefore, this protocol outlines the design of a scoping review aimed at examining the available evidence on DMHIs targeting Indigenous peoples and traditional communities in the Global South. The scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews, and the results will be reported in line with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. It will include articles resulting from primary research, systematic reviews, and opinion papers related to DMHIs in Indigenous and traditional populations in the Global South. No restrictions will be applied regarding the languages and year of publication. The search will be conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, BVS Lilacs, African Index Medicus, and Index Medicus for the South-East Asia Region. Study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by three reviewers. The synthesis will include a numerical summary to provide an overview of the characteristics of the included studies, as well as a qualitative analysis aimed at identifying, analysing, and reporting recurring patterns and emerging categories within the data. The results will inform the development of future culturally competent digital mental health strategies tailored to the needs of Indigenous and traditional communities in the Global South.

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