METHODS: MEDLINE/PubMed and Google scholar databases were used for the selection of literature. The keywords used were mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular vesicles, clinical application of EVs and challenges EVs production.

RESULTS: These EVs have demonstrated robust capabilities in transporting intracellular cargo, playing a critical role in facilitating cell-to-cell communication by carrying functional molecules, including proteins, RNA species, DNAs, and lipids. Utilizing EVs as an alternative to stem cells offers several benefits, such as improved safety, reduced immunogenicity, and the ability to traverse biological barriers. Consequently, EVs have emerged as an increasingly attractive option for clinical use.

METHODS: A qualitative study using interview approach was conducted in Hong Kong SAR and Malaysia. Thirty dental undergraduate students, each with one patient from the Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong (n = 15) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (n = 15), were introduced to a digitally designed decision aid in missing tooth replacement prior to their treatment appointments. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each student and patient, adhering to the interview protocol. Each interview was audio-recorded, transcribed, and subsequently coded to investigate the perceptions and potential advantages of this decision aid.

RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified three key themes from the dental students' perspective: communication, utilization, and satisfaction. From patients' perceptions, four central themes emerged: communication, treatment information, uncertainty, and utilization. Detailed examination of the data highlighted an enhancement in patients' confidence and trust in their dental care providers, as well as a marked increase in both student and patient satisfaction levels upon implementing this novel approach. The average satisfaction rates for students were 83 % for Hong Kong SAR and 82 % for Malaysia.

CONCLUSION: This patient-centered clinical decision aid helped to enhance communication between dental students and patients in both regions, ultimately leading to heightened patient satisfaction levels. Nonetheless, to address the present study's limitations, future studies should consider diversifying participant backgrounds, including patients without prior treatment discussions with students.

METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi in September 2017, using grounded theory and inductive approach. Interviews were conducted using a checklist in Urdu language from patients of chronic illnesses determined based on medicines dispensed from the out-patient pharmacy in hospital. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated in English and validated. The translated quotations were analysed using a qualitative analysis software, and thematic analysis was conducted. Codes were generated and analysed by semantic linkages and network analysis using ATLAS.ti qualitative research software.

RESULTS: Of the 16 patients interviewed, 8(50%) were males and 8(50%) were females. Barriers to medication adherence identified were patient behaviour (intentional and un-intentional non-adherence), comorbidity and pill burden, cost-related non-adherence, and low patient knowledge. The last barrier was associated with the rest.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an urban, public primary care clinic. Convenience sampling was used to recruit participants, and audio-recorded consultations were scored for SDM levels by two independent raters using the OPTION tool. Univariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to determine factors significantly associated with SDM levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The influence of co-culture of myofibroblasts and CRC cell lines is discussed using various in vitro assays including direct co-culture, transwell assays, Matrigel-based differentiation and cell invasion experiments.

RESULTS: The results from these in vitro assays clearly demonstrated various aspects of the crosstalk between myofibroblasts and CRC cell lines, which include cell growth, differentiation, migration and invasion.

METHOD: In 1995, using a language rating scale constructed by the authors, six standardized patients evaluated the English-language proficiencies of 127 second-year medical student undergraduates enrolled at the University of Adelaide, Australia, many of whom were from a non-English speaking background.

RESULTS: An earlier standardized test (Screening Test for Adolescent Language) had identified approximately one third of the students as potentially experiencing difficulties in using English in their training. Students so identified were rated lower than were their peers by the standardized patients.