Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are driven by chronic low-grade inflammation and heightened platelet reactivity, which contribute to endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis, and thrombotic complications. Matricaria chamomilla extract (MCE), a traditional medicinal herb, contains amphiphilic bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and vascular-protective properties.

This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic effects of MCE, with a focus on mechanisms relevant to CVD pathophysiology. Bioactive profiling was performed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was quantified using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, with all samples exhibiting potent radical-scavenging capacity. Total carotenoid content (TCC) and total phenolic content (TPC) were also measured to assess phytochemical richness.

The anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic potential of MCE was evaluated ex vivo in human platelets by measuring inhibition of platelet-activating factor (PAF)- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation. Significant inhibition was observed across all extracts, indicating a strong modulatory effect on both inflammatory and pro-thrombotic signaling pathways.

These results suggest that MCE exerts clinically relevant biological activities that may support its use as a complementary therapeutic agent in the prevention or management of inflammation-driven cardiovascular conditions such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Further in vivo and clinical validation is warranted to explore its translational potential in cardiovascular medicine.

Background: Sleep is essential to maternal health during pregnancy, yet nearly half of all pregnant women—49.4% in India and 45.7% globally—experience sleep disturbances. Poor sleep quality (PSQ) during the periconceptional period remains underestimated, despite emerging evidence linking it to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including birth defects such as neural tube defects and congenital heart diseases (CHDs).

Objective: Our study aimed to investigate the association between maternal PSQ and the risk of CHDs in offspring.

Methods: A case–control study was conducted involving 587 mothers of 1-year-old infants who underwent echocardiographic evaluation at a free-of-cost tertiary pediatric cardiac hospital in 2024. The participants included 402 CHD cases—categorized as acyanotic (n=234) and cyanotic (n=168), as well as simple (n=214) and severe (n=188) defects—and 185 controls. Maternal sleep quality during the periconceptional period was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: The prevalence of PSQ was markedly higher in mothers of CHD patients (77.3%) compared to controls (56.7%). Subgroup analysis revealed PSQ rates of 78.6% in acyanotic CHD, 75.5% in cyanotic CHD, 78.9% in simple CHD, and 75.5% in severe CHD. PSQ was associated with significantly increased odds of CHDs: a 2.8-fold increase for acyanotic CHD (p < 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.83-4.29), 2.4-fold for cyanotic CHD (p = 0.0002; 95% CI: 1.49-3.73), 2.9-fold for simple CHD (p < 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.85-4.44), and 2.4-fold for severe CHD (p = 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.51-3.66).

Conclusion: This is the first comprehensive Indian study to link maternal PSQ and CHDs. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, including adequate night-time sleep, mindfulness yoga, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, psychoeducation, counseling, limited caffeine and sugar intake, therapies such as continuous positive airway pressure and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, maintaining a left-side sleep posture, and the careful use of medications for mental health and sleep disorders.

Mycoplasma genitalium is an emerging sexually transmitted pathogen implicated in multiple urogenital conditions and a global sexual health challenge. Its coexistence with Gardnerella vaginalis, a major contributor to bacterial vaginosis, becomes problematic and potentially contributes to significant reproductive health complications. This study investigates the prevalence and co-infection of Mycoplasma genitalium and Gardnerella vaginalis in a cohort of Moroccan women and evaluates their potential impact on sexual health and fertility. Vaginal swabs were collected from women presenting with symptoms of vaginal infections who attended gynecology and sexual health clinics in Tangier, Morocco. A bacteriological analysis was performed using the standard culture methods, Gram staining, and wet mount microscopy to detect Gardnerella vaginalis. For Mycoplasma genitalium, bacterial DNA was first extracted using a magnetic-bead-based technique and subsequently analyzed through PCR targeting multiple insertion sequences specific to Mycoplasma, providing both qualitative and quantitative analyses. The results revealed that out of the 50 women tested, 13 patients were positive for Mycoplasma genitalium according to PCR and also showed the presence of Gardnerella vaginalis. An additional two patients were positive for Mycoplasma genitalium but tested negative for G. vaginalis. In contrast, 26 patients were positive for G. vaginalis but negative for Mycoplasma genitalium. Only nine patients tested negative for both pathogens. These findings reveal a significant rate of co-infection between Mycoplasma genitalium and Gardnerella vaginalis. This highlights the importance of using sensitive and specific diagnostic techniques, particularly PCR, to accurately detect Mycoplasma genitalium, even in women with slight or non-specific symptoms. The co-presence of these two pathogens suggests a possible solid interaction that could contribute to the development or persistence of bacterial vaginosis and that could elevate the risk of reproductive health complications and potential fertility issues, particularly among women experiencing symptoms of vaginal discomfort. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term reproductive impact and optimize the treatment strategies.

INTRODUCTION: Current neuromodulation technologies face significant limitations in terms of invasiveness, spatial precision, and long-term compatibility. Recently developed magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) offer a promising alternative by enabling wireless and localized stimulation through external magnetic fields. Previous studies have demonstrated that a single 1 µg intracerebral dose of MENPs can induce motor activity and trigger intracellular calcium release, indicating neuronal activation. However, no evaluation post anesthesia or stimulation was assessed. METHODS: In the present study, we evaluated the behavioral and neurobiological effects of varying intracerebral doses of MENPs in a rat model. Behavioral assessments were conducted to detect potential alterations in motor and cognitive performance. Histological analyses were also performed to evaluate cellular integrity and detect any signs of neurotoxicity. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that MENPs (0.5–3 µg) do not produce detrimental behavioral outcomes or induce cell death across the tested dose range. These results support the safety profile of MENPs and underscore their potential for future applications in non-invasive neuromodulation therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Given the role of dysregulated neural activity in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, MENPs may offer a novel, targeted approach for modulating the brain circuits implicated in conditions such as depression, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects 462 million people globally and is linked to complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and coronary artery disease (CAD). T2DM increases CAD risk, contributing to 75% of related mortality. Genetic predispositions and distinct mechanisms differentiate DM-CAD from other forms, such as CAD, caused by hypertension or degenerative changes, requiring gene expression profiling and transcriptome and reactome analyses to identify and establish molecular markers and improve its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. Methods: The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets GSE250283 and GSE90074 were used to identify the differentially expressed genes involved in DM-CAD. Biological targets were identified that coincided with the identified differentially expressed genes. The biological pathways were analyzed using the KEGG, and hub genes were identified for a further functional and signaling pathway analysis.

Results: The differentially expressed gene biomarkers were identified between the control and DM and DM-CAD. NLRP3, TLR4, STAT3, IL6, TNF-α, and NF-κB were found to be upregulated, while PPARG, SIRT1, and ADIPOR1 were downregulated, indicating significant pathways with involvement, including the oxidative stress response, JAK-STAT signaling, and insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Conclusion: Oxidative stress emerges as a critical driver of T2DM-CAD pathogenesis, influencing inflammatory pathways and metabolic dysfunction. Genes such as SOD2, CAT, and GPX1 highlight disruptions in antioxidant defense mechanisms, aligning with mitochondrial dysfunction. Elevated STAT3 expression in the JAK-STAT pathway and NLRP3 activation further exacerbate oxidative damage and inflammation. Meanwhile, the downregulation of SIRT1 and ADIPOQ underscores impaired glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity. These findings position oxidative stress as a key therapeutic target, alongside inflammasome and immune signaling pathways like the JAK-STAT pathway as novel therapeutic targets for mitigating T2DM-CAD's severity.

Background:
Hypertension in older adults is often accompanied by multiple comorbidities and cognitive impairment. Identifying subtypes based on comorbidity and cognition may inform tailored management strategies.

Objective:
This study aimed to identify latent subgroups among Chinese hypertensive adults based on comorbid conditions and cognitive function and to explore differences in sociodemographic, functional, psychological, and social characteristics across subgroups.

Methods:
Data were drawn from the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), including 4,661 individuals aged ≥45 years with hypertension. Thirteen chronic diseases and three cognitive domains (memory, orientation, and executive function) were analyzed using latent class analysis (LCA). Group differences were examined through univariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses.

Results:
Four latent classes emerged. Class 1 (17.2%) included the oldest individuals, mostly female, with the highest comorbidity burden, poorest functional status, highest depression levels, and lowest social participation. Class 2 (46.7%) was the healthiest group with the youngest age, minimal comorbidities, high life satisfaction, and favorable mental health. Class 3 (18.5%) showed psychological vulnerability, moderate functional status, high depressive symptoms, and limited social participation. Class 4 (17.5%) had good physical function and high social engagement but low life satisfaction, short sleep duration, and a higher proportion of male and urban residents. Significant differences in demographic, health, and behavioral characteristics were confirmed across groups.

Conclusion:
Hypertensive adults exhibit distinct patterns of comorbidity and cognitive function. Recognizing these subtypes supports stratified care and highlights the need to integrate mental health into hypertension interventions, particularly for psychologically vulnerable individuals.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a persistent worldwide health burden and contagious disease, particularly in Low–Middle-Income countries. TB hurts the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychological wellbeing of patients. Although a few studies have explored the HRQOL among pulmonary TB patients in other parts of Ethiopia, no prior research has been conducted on this topic in the Tigray region.

Objective/Aim: The objective of this study is to assess the HRQOL and associated factors among patients with pulmonary TB in the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia.

Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was utilized among 360 pulmonary TB patients in the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia. Systematic random sampling was used for the participant selection. Data was collected using a Medical Outcome Study Short-Form (MOS SF-36) questionnaire. SPSS software V.29 was used for the data analysis. A multivariate linear logistic regression model was employed, and P-values < 0.05 were considered for statistical significance.

Results: The overall score for the HRQOL among the participants was 47.6 (SD±18.7). The score for the Physical Component Summary (PCS) was 50.1 (SD±22.2), while the Mental Component Summary (MCS) score was 45.2 (SD±16.5). The multivariable linear regression analysis indicated that being male (B =5.89, p=0.001), educational status (B =5.51, p=0.004), intensive phase (B=5.59, p=0.010), and treatment support (B =-5.19, p=0.023) were predictors of PCS score. Similarly, variables like educational status (B=5.15, p=0.001), intensive phase (B=4.77, p=0.001), and treatment support (B= -2.93, p=0.045) were predictors of the MCS scores among the TB patients.

Conclusion: The study findings indicated that both the PCS and MCS components of HRQOL were affected, with the mental health component was notably affected. Variables like the educational level, treatment phase, and treatment support were factors associated with the PCS and MCS scores. Additionally, male gender was the only factor associated with the PCS scores. Special attention should be given to pulmonary TB patients to improve their health status and wellbeing.

Background: Coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) substantially increase cardiovascular risk. While exercise is beneficial, long-term randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this high-risk population are limited.

Methods: In this single-center RCT, 158 patients with T2DM and stable CAD post-PCI were randomized (1:1) to a 12-month individualized aerobic-resistance exercise program or a usual-care control. Prescriptions were based on ACSM guidelines and CPET-derived VO₂ peak. The intervention group trained three times per week (~150 min/week) using moderate-to-high intensity protocols, monitored using Polar heart rate devices. Primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c and VO₂ peak; secondary outcomes included ventilatory threshold (VT) and time to exhaustion (TTE). Both ITT and PP analyses were conducted. Subgroup analysis was based on prior myocardial infarction (AMI) and the presence of diabetic microvascular complications.

Results: A total of 124 patients completed follow-up (intervention: n=52; control: n=72). The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in HbA1c (−0.28 ± 0.47% vs. −0.05 ± 0.50%, p=0.024) and VO₂ peak (+1.27 ± 2.15 vs. +0.11 ± 1.92 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p=0.037). VT (+2.39 ± 3.52 vs. +0.09 ± 3.14, p=0.046), and TTE (+55 ± 98 vs. +10 ± 85 sec, p=0.034) also improved significantly. Subgroup analysis revealed stronger effects in patients without prior AMI or microvascular complications (HbA1c: p=0.012; VO₂peak: p=0.018), while benefits were attenuated in those with such conditions. A negative correlation was found between changes in HbA1c and VO₂ peak (r = −0.30, p = 0.024). Greater improvements were observed in participants with lower baseline VO₂ peak (p for trend = 0.038).

Conclusion: A 12-month individualized combined exercise intervention significantly improved glycemic control and physical capacity in T2DM patients with stable CAD, especially in those with lower vascular burden and baseline fitness.

The oral cavity is a complex environment colonized by a diversity of microorganisms, some of which are responsible for the development of oral pathologies, namely, Streptococcus mutans and Actinomyces naeslundii [1, 2]. The search for natural alternatives in the prevention and treatment of oral pathologies has significantly increased in recent years, particularly due to the growing bacterial resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents [3]. In this context, the present study aims to analyze endogenous plants, such as chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) and thermal water, known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties [4]. The antimicrobial activity was determined by the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and flow cytometry methods. It was observed that Streptococcus mutans presented an MIC of 31.25 mg/mL, while Actinomyces naeslundii showed an MIC of 3.90 mg/mL. Subsequently, the action of chamomile in synergy with thermal water on bacterial viability was evaluated using flow cytometry. With simultaneous incubation of SYTO9 and propidium iodide (PI), it was observed that approximately 82% of Actinomyces naeslundii presented a positive superlabel (SYTO9⁺/PI⁺), which indicates an alteration in the integrity of the plasma membrane, confirming the toxicity of the chamomile extract in relation to this species. Regarding Streptococcus mutans, approximately 56% of the bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, presented positive labeling for both markers (SYTO9⁺/PI⁺), with this result suggesting a less pronounced toxic effect for this strain. In conclusion, the results highlight the relevant antimicrobial potential of chamomile concerning the two bacterial species analyzed, especially against Actinomyces naeslundii. With these results, we were able to reinforce the viability of this approach using natural extracts as an alternative strategy for the prevention and treatment of oral pathologies.

INTRODUCTION:
In Western countries, the number of older adults with a migration background is increasing, along with the prevalence of age-related conditions like dementia. Standard cognitive tests often show cultural bias, limiting their effectiveness in diverse populations. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive tools such as the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS), which is part of the European Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB). The RUDAS assesses global cognitive function while minimizing the influence of cultural, linguistic, and educational factors.

METHODS:
A prospective observational study began in February 2024 at the Cognitive Disorders and Dementia Center (CDCD) in Modena. Included patients were aged >65, born abroad to non-Italian parents, and referred for a multidimensional geriatric or cognitive assessment. When possible, assessments were conducted with cultural mediators and included the RUDAS scale. The RUDAS was administered alongside the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) in order to compare the results of the two cognitive screening tools within the same sample.

RESULTS:
The sample includes 44 patients, 77.3% female, with a mean age of 78.3 ± 6.7 years. Most have permanent residence permits but are not Italian citizens. The main nationalities are Albanian (22.7%), Moroccan (20.5%), and Ukrainian (11.4%). Dementia is the most common diagnosis. The mean MMSE score is 18.13 ± 7.43, and the mean RUDAS score is 17.39 ± 7.81, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.6514). Patients are mostly supported by children or spouses and show intermediate autonomy levels (ADL: 3.95 ± 1.68; IADL: 2.75 ± 2.75). Frequent behavioral symptoms include sleep disturbances, irritability, and depression. Comorbidity levels are moderate (median CIRS-c: 2).

CONCLUSIONS:
These preliminary findings suggest that MMSE and RUDAS provide comparable results when assessing cognitive impairment in older migrant patients. Further research with larger samples is needed to confirm these results .