Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. Emerging evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play regulatory roles in autoimmune diseases, but their involvement in PBC remains unclear. This study…
BackgroundFemoral neck fractures in the elderly present significant challenges due to the complexity of the fractures and the fragility of patients. Traditional hollow screw internal fixation (HSIF) necessitates precise screw placement, which can be difficult due to compromised bone quality.…
Since the Covid-19 pandemic entered its endemic phase, France, Italy, and Hungary, as well as many other European countries, have observed a rise in vaccine hesitancy. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to understand the reasons behind this trend by…
Pneumococcal disease remains a major global cause of morbidity and mortality, yet vaccine uptake varies. Understanding how demographic, socioeconomic, and regional factors shape pneumococcal vaccine perceptions is essential for developing effective public health strategies. We conducted a stratified, cross-sectional survey…
BackgroundAlthough caffeine is widely used in athletes due to its ergogenic effects, the effects of its main metabolite, paraxanthine, on performance and sleep have not been adequately investigated.PurposeThis study aimed to comparatively investigate the effects of caffeine and its main…
BackgroundWe investigated population-wide changes in prescriptions of oral anticoagulants (OAC) (vitamin K antagonists [VKA]) compared to direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) and whether these translated into a decline in incidences of OAC-related intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH).MethodsThis observational study analyzed OAC use in…
BackgroundEnvironmental biotoxins, such as mould, are linked to neurological and visual dysfunction, including impaired visual contrast sensitivity (VCS). Testing VCS alterations is recommended as a biomarker for biotoxicity. This study compared four VCS tests in detecting VCS deficits in individuals…
BackgroundFunctional disability among older adults represents a dynamic process characterized by bidirectional transitions between states rather than a static condition. Social isolation and loneliness have emerged as potentially modifiable determinants of functional outcomes, yet evidence specifically examining their effects on…
IntroductionIn contexts of gender inequality, women’s economic dependency is often theorized as a factor that can heighten vulnerability to intimate partner violence. This in-depth qualitative case study, grounded in feminist theory, explores the lived experiences of one multigenerational family unit…
Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers, India’s community health workers (CHWs), serve as the primary link between households and the health system. They perform essential maternal and child health tasks while absorbing administrative and programmatic responsibilities. However, research on ASHAs…