bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions associated with the immune checkpoint inhibitors: A case/non‐case analysis using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Godfrey Hannah , Jedlowski Patrick , Thiede Rebecca
Published: April 2024

Background/Objectives

The immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been increasingly associated with severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). These reactions, including Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) are uncommon but potentially lethal. Despite the severity of these reactions and growing association with the ICIs, their specific risk and mortality rates have been largely unexplored.

Methods

A case/non‐case analysis was performed using data from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to examine the reporting odds ratios (RORs) for ICI‐associated SCARs cases under two conditions: (1) ICIs compared with all drugs in FAERS and (2) ICIs compared with a reference group of pooled anticancer drugs to control for underlying malignancy.

Results

A statistically significant ROR for SJS (ROR: 5.44), TEN (ROR: 5.81) and DRESS (ROR: 1.38) were identified under Condition 1. Under Condition 2, this significance was maintained for SJS (ROR: 7.31), TEN (ROR: 7.40) and DRESS (ROR: 3.90), and mild significance was identified for AGEP (ROR: 1.89). Mortality rates for the ICIs were increased compared with the anticancer medications (28.5% vs. 24.5% for SJS, 55.3% vs. 46% for TEN, 3.0% vs. 2.1% for AGEP and 7.1% vs. 6.1% for DRESS).

Conclusions

Our results suggest an association between SCARs and the ICIs independent of cancer status.
Natural history of clinical outcomes and hepatic decompensation in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Noureddin Nabil , Huang Daniel Q. , Bettencourt Ricki , Siddiqi Harris , Majzoub Abdul M. , Nayfeh Tarek , Tamaki Nobuharu , Izumi Namiki , Nakajima Atsushi , Idilman Ramazan , Gumussoy Mesut , Oz Digdem Kuru , Erden Ayse , Gidener Tolga , Allen Alina M. , Ajmera Veeral , Loomba Rohit
Published: April 2024

Background & Aims

The natural progression of hepatic decompensation in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is not well‐characterised. We aimed to describe it by conducting a retrospective analysis.

Methods

This longitudinal, retrospective analysis of well‐characterised MASLD cohorts followed for hepatic decompensation and death. The sequence of liver‐related events was evaluated, and the median time between hepatic decompensation episodes and death versus. transplantation was measured.

Results

Of the 2016 patients identified, 220 (11%) developed at least one episode of hepatic decompensation during a median follow‐up of 3.2 years. Ascites was the most common first liver‐related event [153 (69.5%)], followed by hepatic encephalopathy (HE) [55 (25%)] and variceal haemorrhage (VH) [30 (13.6%)]. Eighteen out of the 220 (8.1%) patients had more than one liver‐related event as their first hepatic decompensation. Among the patients who had the first episode, 87 (39.5%) had a second episode [44 (50.5%) HE, 31 (35.6%) ascites, and 12 (13.7%) VH]. Eighteen out of 220 (8.1%) had a third episode [10 (55.5%) HE, 6 (33.3%) VH, and 2 (11.1%) ascites]. Seventy‐three out of 220 (33.1%) died, and 31 (14%) received liver transplantation. The median time from the first episode to the second was 0.7 years and 1.3 years from the second episode to the third. The median survival time from the first episode to death or transplantation was 2.0 years.

Conclusion

The most common first liver‐related event in MASLD patients is ascites. The median survival from the first hepatic decompensation to either death or transplantation is 2 years.
Quercetin alleviates hyperoxia‐induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia by inhibiting ferroptosis through the MAPK/PTGS2 pathway: Insights from network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental evaluations
Authors: Deng Xianhui , Chen Dan , Xie Anni , Li Shengpeng , Chen Ailing , Zhou Qin , Yu Renqiang
Published: April 2024

Quercetin, a bioactive natural compound renowned for its potent anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties, has exhibited therapeutic potential in various diseases. Given that bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) development is closely linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, and quercetin, a robust antioxidant known to activate NRF2 and influence the ferroptosis pathway, offers promise for a wide range of age groups. Nonetheless, the specific role of quercetin in BPD remains largely unexplored. This study aims to uncover the target role of quercetin in BPD through a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, computer analyses, and experimental evaluations.
A systematic review of the association between food insecurity and behaviours related to caries development in adults and children in high‐income countries
Authors: Cope A. L. , Chestnutt I. G.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To synthesize and appraise the evidence regarding the relationship between food insecurity and behaviours associated with dental caries development in adults and children in high‐income countries.

Methods

A systematic review including observational studies assessing the association between food insecurity and selected dietary (free sugar consumption) and non‐dietary factors (tooth brushing frequency; use of fluoridated toothpaste; dental visiting; oral hygiene aids; type of toothbrush used; interdental cleaning frequency and mouthwash use) related to dental caries development in adults and children in high‐income countries. Studies specifically looking at food insecurity during the COVID‐19 pandemic were excluded. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and Scopus from inception to 25 May 2023. Two authors screened the search results, extracted data and appraised the studies independently and in duplicate. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (with modifications for cross‐sectional studies). Vote counting and harvest plots provided the basis for evidence synthesis.

Results

Searches identified 880 references, which led to the inclusion of 71 studies with a total of 526 860 participants. The majority were cross‐sectional studies, conducted in the USA and reported free sugar consumption. Evidence for the association between food insecurity and free sugar intake from 4 cohort studies and 61 cross‐sectional studies including 336 585 participants was equivocal, particularly in the sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption post‐hoc subgroup, where 20 out of 46 studies reported higher SSB consumption in food insecure individuals. There was consistent, but limited, evidence for reduced dental visiting in adults experiencing food insecurity compared to food secure adults from 3 cross‐sectional studies including 52 173 participants. The relationship between food insecurity and dental visiting in children was less clear (3 cross‐sectional studies, 138 102 participants). A single cross‐sectional study of 3275 children reported an association between food insecurity and reported failure to toothbrush the previous day.

Conclusions

This review did not identify clear associations between food insecurity and behaviours commonly implicated in the development of dental caries that would explain why individuals experiencing food insecurity are more likely to have dental caries than those who have food security. There was some evidence of decreased dental visiting in adults experiencing food insecurity. Common methodological weaknesses across the evidence base related to the selection of participants or control of potentially confounding variables. Consequently, the quality of evidence for all outcomes was downgraded to very low. More research is needed to explore access to oral hygiene products and household environments conducive to habitual oral self‐care in food insecure populations.
The potential of phosphorylated α‐synuclein as a biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Abdul‐Rahman Toufik , Herrera‐Calderón Ranferi Eduardo , Ahluwalia Arjun , Wireko Andrew Awuah , Ferreira Tomas , Tan Joecelyn Kirani , Wolfson Maximillian , Ghosh Shankhaneel , Horbas Viktoriia , Garg Vandana , Perveen Asma , Papadakis Marios , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Alexiou Athanasios
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of glial cytoplasmic inclusions (GCIs) containing aggregated α‐synuclein (α‐Syn). Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of MSA present significant challenges, which can lead to potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Biomarkers play a crucial role in improving the accuracy of MSA diagnosis, and phosphorylated α‐synuclein (p‐syn) has emerged as a promising biomarker for aiding in diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using specific keywords and MeSH terms without imposing a time limit. Inclusion criteria comprised various study designs including experimental studies, case‐control studies, and cohort studies published only in English, while conference abstracts and unpublished sources were excluded.

Results

Increased levels of p‐syn have been observed in various samples from MSA patients, such as red blood cells, cerebrospinal fluid, oral mucosal cells, skin, and colon biopsies, highlighting their diagnostic potential. The α‐Syn RT‐QuIC assay has shown sensitivity in diagnosing MSA and tracking its progression. Meta‐analyses and multicenter investigations have confirmed the diagnostic value of p‐syn in cerebrospinal fluid, demonstrating high specificity and sensitivity in distinguishing MSA from other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, combining p‐syn with other biomarkers has further improved the diagnostic accuracy of MSA.

Conclusion

The p‐syn stands out as a promising biomarker for MSA. It is found in oligodendrocytes and shows a correlation with disease severity and progression. However, further research and validation studies are necessary to establish p‐syn as a reliable biomarker for MSA. If proven, p‐syn could significantly contribute to early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and assessing treatment response.
SIRT3 alleviates painful diabetic neuropathy by mediating the FoxO3a‐PINK1‐Parkin signaling pathway to activate mitophagy
Authors: Yang Jing , Yu Zhuoying , Jiang Ye , Zhang Zixian , Tian Yue , Cai Jie , Wei Min , Lyu Yanhan , Yang Dongsheng , Shen Shixiong , Xing Guo‐Gang , Li Min
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common complication of diabetes. Previous studies have implicated that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a role in the development of PDN, but its pathogenesis and mechanism have not been fully investigated.

Methods

In this study, we used high‐fat diet/low‐dose streptozotocin‐induced rats as a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Behavioral testing, whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, and complex sensory nerve conduction velocity studies were used to assess peripheral neuropathy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, tissue reactive oxygen species, and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the function and morphology of mitochondria in DRG. Real‐time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were performed to investigate the mechanism.

Results

We found that damaged mitochondria were accumulated and mitophagy was inhibited in PDN rats. The expression of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), which is an NAD+‐dependent deacetylase in mitochondria, was inhibited. Overexpression of SIRT3 in DRG neurons by intrathecally administered LV‐SIRT3 lentivirus ameliorated neurological and mitochondrial dysfunctions. This was evidenced by the reversal of allodynia and nociceptor hyperexcitability, as well as the restoration of MMP and ATP levels. Overexpression of SIRT3 restored the inhibited mitophagy by activating the FoxO3a‐PINK1‐Parkin signaling pathway. The effects of SIRT3 overexpression, including the reversal of allodynia and nociceptor hyperexcitability, the improvement of impaired mitochondria and mitophagy, and the restoration of PINK1 and Parkin expression, were counteracted when FoxO3a siRNA was intrathecally injected.

Conclusion

These results showed that SIRT3 overexpression ameliorates PDN via activation of FoxO3a‐PINK1‐Parkin‐mediated mitophagy, suggesting that SIRT3 may become an encouraging therapeutic strategy for PDN.
Privacy preserving support vector machine based on federated learning for distributed IoT‐enabled data analysis
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chi , Hsu Song‐Yi , Xie Xin , Kumari Saru , Kumar Sachin , Rodrigues Joel , Alzahrani Bander A.
Published: April 2024

In a smart city, IoT devices are required to support monitoring of normal operations such as traffic, infrastructure, and the crowd of people. IoT‐enabled systems offered by many IoT devices are expected to achieve sustainable developments from the information collected by the smart city. Indeed, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are well‐known methods for achieving this goal as long as the system framework and problem statement are well prepared. However, to better use AI/ML, the training data should be as global as possible, which can prevent the model from working only on local data. Such data can be obtained from different sources, but this induces the privacy issue where at least one party collects all data in the plain. The main focus of this article is on support vector machines (SVM). We aim to present a solution to the privacy issue and provide confidentiality to protect the data. We build a privacy‐preserving scheme for SVM (SecretSVM) based on the framework of federated learning and distributed consensus. In this scheme, data providers self‐organize and obtain training parameters of SVM without revealing their own models. Finally, experiments with real data analysis show the feasibility of potential applications in smart cities. This article is the extended version of that of Hsu et al. (Proceedings of the 15th ACM Asia Conference on Computer and Communications Security. ACM; 2020:904‐906).
Novel algorithm machine translation for language translation tool
Authors: Jayasakthi Velmurugan K. , Sumathy G. , Pradeep K. V.
Published: April 2024

Fuzzy matching techniques are the presently used methods in translating the words. Neural machine translation and statistical machine translation are the methods used in MT. In machine translator tool, the strategy employed for translation needs to handle large amount of datasets and therefore the performance in retrieving correct matching output can be affected. In order to improve the matching score of MT, the advanced techniques can be presented by modifying the existing fuzzy based translator and neural machine translator. The conventional process of modifying architectures and encoding schemes are tedious process. Similarly, the preprocessing of datasets also involves more time consumption and memory utilization. In this article, a new spider web based searching enhanced translation is presented to be employed with the neural machine translator. The proposed scheme enables deep searching of available dataset to detect the accurate matching result. In addition, the quality of translation is improved by presenting an optimal selection scheme for using the sentence matches in source augmentation. The matches retrieved using various matching scores are applied to an optimization algorithm. The source augmentation using optimal retrieved matches increases the translation quality. Further, the selection of optimal match combination helps to reduce time requirement, since it is not necessary to test all retrieved matches in finding target sentence. The performance of translation is validated by measuring the quality of translation using BLEU and METEOR scores. These two scores can be achieved for the TA‐EN language pairs in different configurations of about 92% and 86%, correspondingly. The results are evaluated and compared with other available NMT methods to validate the work.
Double novel integrated outside biliary stent and nasobiliary drainage catheter system placement for hilar biliary stricture
Authors: Sekine Akihiro , Nakahara Kazunari , Tateishi Keisuke
Published: April 2024

Watch a video of this article.
Anglo–Dutch financial connections and contrasts in the late eighteenth century: The Amsterdam phase of the 1772–3 credit crisis
Authors: Berre Stein , Kosmetatos Paul
Published: April 2024

We examine the Amsterdam phase of the 1772–3 financial crisis using the British experience in the same episode as comparative context. We conclude that, notwithstanding some direct exposures by Amsterdam institutions to the principals of the London crisis, the main linkage between the two outbreaks was the requirement for cash margin on loans backed by British East India Company shares. No significant contagion via the bills of exchange network spread from London to Amsterdam in the period separating the two outbreaks, but some feeding back of distress to London is noticeable after the Dutch outbreak. The crisis was rooted in credit expansion, a deterioration in asset risk profiles, and speculation in West Indian mortgage securities and British equity markets. Speculators were enabled by information inefficiencies in the specialized and layered Amsterdam markets, and by the absence of a gatekeeper who could have regulated the provision of credit to them. To contain the outbreak, the Dutch drew on the cohesion of an informal club of insiders who led business and civic affairs. Though the credit markets resumed normal operations relatively quickly, the incurred losses were transformative for their long term prospects by devastating some of their most important firms.
Improvement in insulin sensitivity after switching from an integrase inhibitor‐based regimen to doravirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine in people with significant weight gain
Authors: Calza Leonardo , Giglia Maddalena , Colangeli Vincenzo , Bon Isabella , Vitale Salvatore , Viale Pierluigi
Published: April 2024

Objectives

We performed an observational, retrospective, cohort study to assess changes in insulin sensitivity after a switch from dolutegravir/lamivudine (DOL/3TC) or bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/F/TAF) to doravirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/3TC (DOR/TDF/3TC) in virologically suppressed people living with HIV with recent significant weight gain.

Methods

All non‐diabetic patients with HIV treated with DOL/3TC or BIC/F/TAF for ≥12 months, with HIV RNA <20 copies/mL, and with a weight increase ≥3 kg in the last year, who underwent a switch to DOR/TDF/3TC were enrolled into the study. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index were evaluated every 6 months during a 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Overall, 81 patients were enrolled: 41 were treated with DOL/3TC and 40 with BIC/F/TAF. At baseline, median HOMA‐IR index was 3.18 and insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR index >2.5) was present in 49 subjects (60%). At 12 months after the switch to DOR/TDF/3TC, change in mean serum glucose concentration was not significant, but the reduction in median concentration of insulin was significant (−3.54 mcrUI/L [interquartile range −4.22 to −2.87]; p = 0.012), associated with a significant reduction in mean HOMA‐IR index (−0.54 [interquartile range −0.91 to −0.18]; p = 0.021). A significant reduction in total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was also reported, whereas decreases in mean body weight and mean body mass index were not significant.

Conclusions

In our retrospective study in virologically suppressed people living with HIV treated with DOL/3TC or BIC/F/TAF and with recent weight gain, the switch to DOR/TDF/3TC led to a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity and plasma lipids, with a trend to decreased body weight.
A large exophytic plaque on the shoulder of a skin of color patient
Authors: Williams Kirk , Yaldo Marissa , Olds Hailey , Moossavi Meena
Published: April 2024

A 75‐year‐old Black man presented for evaluation of a skin lesion on his right shoulder. The lesion had been present for 3 months and was bleeding. A physical exam demonstrated a 2.7 cm exophytic, crusted, blue‐to‐purple plaque. A shave biopsy was performed, and histopathological examination revealed anastomosing strands of basaloid cells in the dermis, leading to a diagnosis of fibroepithelioma of pinkus (FeP). FeP is a rare variant of basal cell carcinoma. It typically presents as a solitary, pink, pedunculated papule on the lower back, but the presentation can vary. This case contributes to the scarce literature on the occurrence of FeP in skin of color populations. Here, we raise the possibility that FeP may present differently in skin of color patients compared to white patients. Greater clinician awareness can foster improved identification, management, and understanding of FeP in diverse populations.
The paradox of platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome
Authors: Leaver Benjamin A. , Cliff Edward R. S. , Jefford Michael , Fogarty Samuel , Zentner Dominica
Published: April 2024

Platypnoea–orthodeoxia is a rare clinical syndrome characterised by dyspnoea and oxygen desaturation in the upright position which improves when supine. It requires two components: a sufficiently sized anatomical vascular defect (typically intra‐cardiac or intra‐pulmonary) combined with a functional component that promotes positional right‐to‐left shunting. We describe the rare occurrence of a patient with platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) because of a paradoxical shunt through a patent foramen ovale caused by a large right atrial line‐associated thrombus in a male with metastatic oesophageal cancer undergoing chemotherapy. This case is a timely reminder to consider POS amongst differentials for hypoxia as it is often treatable if recognised.
COVID‐19 outcomes in haemopoietic stem cell transplant recipients in Western Australia: the value of vaccination and antiviral therapy
Authors: Malherbe Jacques A. J. , Boan Peter , Purtill Duncan , Wright Matthew , Cannell Paul , Gangatharan Shane A. , Sidiqi Hasib , Cooney Julian
Published: April 2024

Coronavirus‐19 (COVID‐19) mortality rates among haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients are high, ranging between 20% and 40%. We prospectively evaluated the mortality outcomes of COVID‐19 in Western Australian HSCT patients. A total of 32/492 (6.5%) HSCT recipients contracted COVID‐19 during the study, of whom 30/32 (94%) developed mild or asymptomatic disease. Two allogeneic HSCT patients were hospitalised for severe COVID‐19; one patient died. Stringent healthcare, social isolation practices, aggressive vaccination programmes and rapid access to COVID‐19 antivirals may have promoted mild COVID‐19 illness in Western Australian HSCT patients, resulting in one of the lowest COVID‐19 mortality rates in HSCT recipients worldwide.
PGC‐1α regulates the interplay between oxidative stress, senescence and autophagy in the ageing retina important in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Gurubaran Iswariyaraja Sridevi , Watala Cezary , Kostanek Joanna , Szczepanska Joanna , Pawlowska Elzbieta , Kaarniranta Kai , Blasiak Janusz
Published: April 2024

We previously showed that mice with knockout in the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PPARGC1A) gene encoding the PGC‐1α protein, and nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2 (NFE2L2) gene, exhibited some features of the age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) phenotype. To further explore the mechanism behind the involvement of PGC‐1α in AMD pathogenesis we used young (3‐month) and old (12‐month) mice with knockout in the PPARGC1A gene and age‐matched wild‐type (WT) animals. An immunohistochemical analysis showed age‐dependent different expression of markers of oxidative stress defence, senescence and autophagy in the retinal pigment epithelium of KO animals as compared with their WT counterparts. Multivariate inference testing showed that senescence and autophagy proteins had the greatest impact on the discrimination between KO and WT 3‐month animals, but proteins of antioxidant defence also contributed to that discrimination. A bioinformatic analysis showed that PGC‐1α might coordinate the interplay between genes encoding proteins involved in antioxidant defence, senescence and autophagy in the ageing retina. These data support importance of PGC‐1α in AMD pathogenesis and confirm the utility of mice with PGC‐1α knockout as an animal model to study AMD pathogenesis.
What characteristics are most important in stratifying patients into groups with different risk of diabetic foot ulceration?
Authors: Naemi Roozbeh , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Lutale Janet K , Abbas Zulfiqarali G
Published: April 2024

Aims/Introduction

This study aimed to assess if patients can be divided into different strata, and to explore if these correspond to the risk of diabetic foot complications.

Materials and Methods

A set of 28 demographic, vascular, neurological and biomechanical measures from 2,284 (1,310 men, 974 women) patients were included in this study. A two‐step cluster analysis technique  was utilised to divide the patients into groups, each with similar characteristics.

Results

Only two distinct groups: group 1 (n = 1,199; 669 men, 530 women) and group 2 (n = 1,072; 636 men, 436 women) were identified. From continuous variables, the most important predictors of grouping were: ankle vibration perception threshold (16.9 ± 4.1 V vs 31.9 ± 7.4 V); hallux vibration perception threshold (16.1 ± 4.7 V vs 33.1 ± 7.9 V); knee vibration perception threshold (18.2 ± 5.1 V vs 30.1 ± 6.5 V); average temperature sensation threshold to cold (29.2 ± 1.1°C vs 26.7 ± 0.7°C) and hot (35.4 ± 1.8°C vs 39.5 ± 1.0°C) stimuli, and average temperature tolerance threshold to hot stimuli at the foot (43.4 ± 0.9°C vs 46.6 ± 1.3°C). From categorical variables, only impaired sensation to touch was found to have importance at the highest levels: 87.4% of those with normal sensation were in group 1; whereas group 2 comprised 95.1%, 99.3% and 90.5% of those with decreased, highly‐decreased and absent sensation to touch, respectively. In addition, neuropathy (monofilament) was a moderately important predictor (importance level 0.52) of grouping with 26.2% of participants with neuropathy in group 1 versus 73.5% of participants with neuropathy in group 2. Ulceration during follow up was almost fivefold higher in group 2 versus group 1.

Conclusions

Impaired sensations to temperature, vibration and touch were shown to be the strongest factors in stratifying patients into two groups with one group having almost 5‐fold risk of future foot ulceration compared to the other.
Open clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of a novel eyelash growth enhancer with peptides and glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Fernandez‐Gonzalez Pablo , Truchuelo‐Díez Maria Teresa , Gómez‐Sánchez Maria José
Published: April 2024

Background

Eyelashes play a crucial role in self‐image and ocular protection. Enhancements to their structure are of both cosmetic and clinical interest.

Aims

To assess the efficacy of a peptide and glycosaminoglycan‐based eyelash enhancer serum in improving eyelash structure.

Patients/Methods

This open‐label clinical trial involved 30 females aged 25–65. Eyelashes were assessed at baseline (D0), 4 weeks (D28), and 12 weeks (D84) using specialized software and high‐resolution imagery. Measurements included lash number, width, length, volume, arc, and angle.

Results

At 12 weeks, significant increases were observed in lash length (+8.3%), number (+5%), width (+10.1%), volume (+14.1%), arc (+13.4%), and angle (+28.3%) compared to baseline. Global Eyelash Assessment (GEA) scores significantly improved, and patient treatment satisfaction increased from 73.34% at D28 to 84.33% at D84. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

The eyelash growth enhancer serum demonstrated significant efficacy in improving eyelash structure by Week 12, with early signs of improvement evident by Week 4. The high patient satisfaction levels underscore the perceived effectiveness of the product.
Synthesis of temporomandibular disorders management intervention outcomes for development of core outcome sets: A systematic review
Authors: Ferreira N. R. , Marto C. M. , de Sousa B. M. , Loureiro M. , Oliveira A. T. , DosSantos M. F. , Rodrigues M. J.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The selection of appropriate outcomes in clinical trials and systematic reviews is a crucial factor in determining the results that are useful, reliable, and relevant for both patients and healthcare professionals. Clinicians and researchers have been encouraged to develop and apply core outcome sets (COS) to minimise the discrepancy between studies.

Aim

This systematic review is the first phase of the COS development project for clinical trials in temporomandibular disorders (COS‐TMD). It aims to identify and synthesise the outcomes used in the randomised controlled trials (RCT) that evaluated the effectiveness of interventions used in TMD management.

Materials and Methods

An electronic search was performed in several databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE. The eligibility criteria comprised RCT that applied any intervention to treat temporomandibular joint disorders or masticatory muscle disorders. The identified outcomes were categorised according to domains of the Initiative on Methods, Measurement and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT).

Results

The electronic search resulted in 1606 studies. After removing duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, 106 RCT were included. A total of 43 studies evaluated masticatory muscle disorders, 27 evaluated temporomandibular joint disorders, and 36 analysed mixed TMD.

Conclusions

The evaluation showed significant variability in the types of outcomes and their measurement instruments. In addition, some domains such as physical and emotional functioning, participant ratings of global improvement and adverse events have been neglected when determining the effectiveness of treatments for TMD.
LC3B labeling of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane of Plasmodium berghei liver stage parasites depends on the V‐ATPase and ATG16L1
Authors: Bindschedler Annina , Schmuckli‐Maurer Jacqueline , Buchser Sophie , Fischer Tara D. , Wacker Rahel , Davalan Tim , Brunner Jessica , Heussler Volker T.
Published: April 2024

The protozoan parasite Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria, undergoes an obligatory stage of intra‐hepatic development before initiating a blood‐stage infection. Productive invasion of hepatocytes involves the formation of a parasitophorous vacuole (PV) generated by the invagination of the host cell plasma membrane. Surrounded by the PV membrane (PVM), the parasite undergoes extensive replication. During intracellular development in the hepatocyte, the parasites provoke the Plasmodium‐associated autophagy‐related (PAAR) response. This is characterized by a long‐lasting association of the autophagy marker protein, and ATG8 family member, LC3B with the PVM. LC3B localization at the PVM does not follow the canonical autophagy pathway since upstream events specific to canonical autophagy are dispensable. Here, we describe that LC3B localization at the PVM of Plasmodium parasites requires the V‐ATPase and its interaction with ATG16L1. The WD40 domain of ATG16L1 is crucial for its recruitment to the PVM. Thus, we provide new mechanistic insight into the previously described PAAR response targeting Plasmodium liver stage parasites.
Adipose exosomal noncoding RNAs: Roles and mechanisms in metabolic diseases
Authors: Wu Yan‐Lin , Lin Zheng‐Jun , Li Chang‐Chun , Lin Xiao , Shan Su‐Kang , Guo Bei , Zheng Ming‐Hui , Wang Yi , Li Fuxingzi , Yuan Ling‐Qing
Published: April 2024

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles, measuring 40–160 nm in diameter, that are released by many cell types and tissues, including adipose tissue. Exosomes are critical mediators of intercellular communication and their contents are complex and diverse. In recent years, accumulating evidence has proved that multiple adipose tissue‐derived exosomal noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of diverse metabolic diseases, such as obesity. In this narrative review, we focus on the adipose tissue‐derived exosomal ncRNAs, especially exosomal miRNAs, and their dysregulation in multiple types of metabolic diseases. A deeper understanding of the role of adipose tissue‐derived exosomal ncRNAs may help provide new diagnostic and treatment methods for metabolic diseases.
Ultrasound guided costoclavicular block in pediatric population: A prospective observational study
Authors: Ashwin M. , Kumar Kanil Ranjith , Sinha Renu , Jha Sukriti , Subramaniam Rajeshwari , Bhoi Debesh , Patel Nishant
Published: April 2024

Background

The costoclavicular space serves as an alternative approach to the infraclavicular brachial plexus block, and numerous studies in adults have demonstrated promising outcomes for distal upper limb surgery. Blocking the brachial plexus at this level is potentially advantageous because the cords are relatively superficial, located in close proximity to each other and easily identified using ultrasound.

Aims

This study aimed to assess the success rate and feasibility of costoclavicular block in children undergoing unilateral below elbow upper limb surgery.

Methods

Thirty children aged 2–12 years scheduled for unilateral below elbow surgery under general anesthesia were included. Costoclavicular block was performed under ultrasound and nerve stimulator guidance with 0.5% ropivacaine, 0.5 mL/kg. Success was evaluated based on the absence of significant hemodynamic response to skin incision made 20 min after the block. The sono‐anatomy of costoclavicular space, ease of needling, complications, and the post‐operative pain scores were assessed.

Results

The mean age and weight of the children were 6.5 ± 3.8 years and 19.7 ± 9.1 kg, respectively. The success rate of costoclavicular block in our cohort is 100%. Sonographic visualization was graded as excellent (Likert Scale 2) in 90% of cases. The plexus was located at a depth of 1.4 ± 0.3 cm from the skin, the lateral extent of cords from the artery was 0.8 ± 0.4 cm and they were observed inferior and lateral to the artery. The mean needling time was 3.6 ± 1.1 min. None of the children experienced complications such as vascular or pleural puncture, hematoma, Horner's syndrome or diaphragmatic palsy. Postoperative pain scores were low, and no rescue analgesia was required.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the costoclavicular block exhibited a notably high success rate in pediatric population. This study substantiates that the three cords of the brachial plexus are consistently visible and superficial during ultrasound examination using this approach, confirming their separation from vascular structures and the reliable achievement of blockade without observed complications.
Treating neuropathic pain and comorbid affective disorders: Preclinical and clinical evidence
Authors: Coelho David Richer Araujo , Gersten Maia , Jimenez Alma Sanchez , Fregni Felipe , Cassano Paolo , Vieira Willians Fernando
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Neuropathic pain (NP) significantly impacts quality of life and often coexists with affective disorders such as anxiety and depression. Addressing both NP and its psychiatric manifestations requires a comprehensive understanding of therapeutic options. This study aimed to review the main pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments for NP and comorbid affective disorders to describe their mechanisms of action and how they are commonly used in clinical practice.

Methods

A review was conducted across five electronic databases, focusing on pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments for NP and its associated affective disorders. The following combination of MeSH and title/abstract keywords were used: “neuropathic pain,” “affective disorders,” “depression,” “anxiety,” “treatment,” and “therapy.” Both animal and human studies were included to discuss the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of these interventions.

Results

Pharmacological interventions, including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids, modulate neural synaptic transmission to alleviate NP. Topical agents, such as capsaicin, lidocaine patches, and botulinum toxin A, offer localized relief by desensitizing pain pathways. Some of these drugs, especially antidepressants, also treat comorbid affective disorders. Non‐pharmacological techniques, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, and photobiomodulation therapy, modulate cortical activity and have shown promise for NP and mood disorders.

Conclusions

The interconnection between NP and comorbid affective disorders necessitates holistic therapeutic strategies. Some pharmacological treatments can be used for both conditions, and non‐pharmacological interventions have emerged as promising complementary approaches. Future research should explore novel molecular pathways to enhance treatment options for these interrelated conditions.
Emerging adult siblings' relational entitlement and conflict: The moderating effects of financial dependence on parents
Authors: Zhou Weimiao , Woszidlo Alesia
Published: April 2024

Past literature has documented a linkage between entitlement and interpersonal tension, primarily in romantic relationships. However, there is a lack of research investigating the impact of entitlement on sibling relationships. Guided by the agency model of narcissism and adult development literature, this study conceptualized relational entitlement as one form of state narcissism and examined the actor and partner effects of relational entitlement on perceived sibling conflict as well as the moderating effects of financial dependence on parents. Participants were 136 emerging adult sibling dyads (older sibling Mage = 22.20, SD = 2.35; younger sibling Mage = 19.54, SD = 1.55). Results indicated that younger siblings' (not older siblings') relational entitlement was positively associated with both their own and their siblings' perceptions of conflict. Moreover, younger siblings' financial dependence buffered the actor association between younger siblings' relational entitlement and perceived conflict. These findings suggest that emerging adult siblings' developmental status of financial dependence provides a nuanced context for understanding the actor and partner effects of relational entitlement on sibling conflict. The discussion focuses on the role of self‐inflated social comparison in emerging adult sibling conflict and how the developmental characteristics of older and younger siblings shape the above associations.
Malignant melanoma and lymph node metastases appearing as hyperattenuating masses on computed tomography in a dog
Authors: van der Laan Luzanne , Le Roux Christelle
Published: April 2024

A 16‐year‐old male castrated Dachshund cross dog was referred for a dental and a mass on the right side of the face. CT revealed several heterogenous precontrast hyperattenuating masses within the subcutaneous tissue over the masseter muscle, demonstrating marked contrast uptake. The ipsilateral mandibular lymph nodes were mildly enlarged and markedly hyperattenuating on precontrast images. A histopathological final diagnosis of malignant melanoma with regional lymph node metastasis was made, and the hyperattenuating appearance was postulated to be due to its melanin content. This is the first published report of melanoma appearing as hyperattenuating masses on CT in small animals.
Digitizing nature
Gaia’s Web
Karen Bakker
MIT Press, 2024. 288 pp.
Authors: Garard Jennifer , Matthews H. Damon
Published: April 2024

Digital tools are transforming conservation work but must be carefully deployed, argues an environmental scholar
Edible electronics to treat the brain
Authors: Ramadi Khalil
Published: April 2024

Ingestible electronic pills can be used for targeted noninvasive neuromodulation
Intelligent textiles are looking bright
Authors: Li Yunzhu , Luo Yiyue
Published: April 2024

Flexible fiber electronics couple with the human body for wireless tactile sensing
Don’t bury Mexico’s biodiversity capacity
Authors: Medellin Rodrigo A. , Soberón Jorge
Published: April 2024

In a world where biodiversity is on the line on many fronts—from armed conflict to pandemics to climate change—defending institutions that have effectively managed it is paramount. In the global effort to protect biodiversity, Mexico has been at the forefront. In particular, for more than 30 years, Mexico’s National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) has promoted research, compiled information on the biodiversity of Mexico and elsewhere, and connected academia, government, and society to guide decision-making. Unfortunately, the demise of CONABIO, which began in 2018 under the current administration, may be fully realized soon. Last month, the Mexican government announced its intent to reduce CONABIO from a multi-ministry federal government agency to a branch within the environment ministry. This will strip CONABIO of its independent voice, credibility, and influence on national and international policy. As this decision is open for public comment, it is important for the scientific community to speak out strongly against this change.
Lucy’s world
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: April 2024

Fifty years after her discovery, the 3.2-million-year-old fossil still reigns as mother of us all. But she now has rivals
‘Hydrovoltaics’ tap energy from ubiquitous moisture
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: April 2024

New devices convert raindrops, dripping water, and even humidity into minuscule currents
Sphingomonas
clade and functional distribution with simulated climate change
Authors: Sorouri Bahareh , Scales Nicholas C. , Gaut Brandon S. , Allison Steven D.
Published: April 2024

Microbes are essential for the functioning of all ecosystems, and as global warming and anthropogenic pollution threaten ecosystems, it is critical to understand how microbes respond to these changes. We investigated the climate response of
Sphingomonas
, a widespread gram-negative bacterial genus, during an 18-month microbial community reciprocal transplant experiment across a Southern California climate gradient. We hypothesized that after 18 months, the transplanted
Sphingomonas
clade and functional composition would correspond with site conditions and reflect the
Sphingomonas
composition of native communities. We extracted
Sphingomonas
sequences from metagenomic data across the gradient and assessed their clade and functional composition. Representatives of at least 12 major
Sphingomonas
clades were found at varying relative abundances along the climate gradient, and transplanted
Sphingomonas
clade composition shifted after 18 months. Site had a significant effect (PERMANOVA;
P
< 0.001) on the distribution of both
Sphingomonas
functional (R
2
= 0.465) and clade composition (R
2
= 0.400), suggesting that
Sphingomonas
composition depends on climate parameters. Additionally, for both
Sphingomonas
clade and functional composition, ordinations revealed that the transplanted communities shifted closer to the native
Sphingomonas
composition of the grassland site compared with the site they were transplanted into. Overall, our results indicate that climate and substrate collectively determine
Sphingomonas
clade and functional composition.

IMPORTANCE

Sphingomonas
is the most abundant gram-negative bacterial genus in litter-degrading microbial communities of desert, grassland, shrubland, and forest ecosystems in Southern California. We aimed to determine whether
Sphingomonas
responds to climate change in the same way as gram-positive bacteria and whole bacterial communities in these ecosystems. Within
Sphingomonas
, both clade composition and functional genes shifted in response to climate and litter chemistry, supporting the idea that bacteria respond similarly to climate at different scales of genetic variation. This understanding of how microbes respond to perturbation across scales may aid in future predictions of microbial responses to climate change.
Major ion pore-water chemistry evolution in Lake Michigan benthic sediments: Evidence for direct input from Michigan Basin saline groundwater
Authors: Kolak Jonathan J. , Long David T.
Published: April 2024

The Michigan Basin is composed of geological formations that contain brines and evaporites, and solutes from these geological sources have affected benthic sediment pore-water chemistry in Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron). We hypothesize that there exists similar potential for upward solute transport directly from the Michigan Basin into other Great Lakes areas. To test our hypothesis, we present here previously unpublished pore-water chemistry analyses from sediment cores collected during multiple Lake Michigan sampling events (spanning 1991−1999) and a new evaluation of previously published data. In several box cores, pore-water chloride concentrations increase with depth, and Cl:Br ratios are consistent with a geological formation brine source. In all gravity cores we collected from southern Lake Michigan, pore-water sodium concentrations increase with sediment depth. At one sample station, pore-water sodium concentrations exceed 2000 mg L−1 within 2 m of the sediment-water interface. Given the pore-water chemistry changes reported here, combined with information from previous studies of Lake Michigan bedrock geology, a Devonian formation brine is a plausible solute source. The presence of saline pore water within glaciolacustrine sediments underlying Lake Michigan indicates that this solute flux has been active during the past 10 k.y. However, the origins of this solute flux, including timing (onset) and contributions from advective and/or diffusive transport, are unknown. The specific geological source and solute transport process are important to resolve in order to evaluate potential effects of these Michigan Basin solute sources on the Great Lakes’ sediment biogeochemistry and water quality.