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The existence of long‐lived IgE antibody‐secreting cells (ASC) is contentious, with the maintenance of sensitization by the continuous differentiation of short‐lived IgE+ ASC a possibility. Here, we review the epidemiological profile of IgE production, and give an overview of recent discoveries made on the mechanisms regulating IgE production from mouse models. Together, these data suggest that for most individuals, in most IgE‐associated diseases, IgE+ ASC are largely short‐lived cells. A subpopulation of IgE+ ASC in humans is likely to survive for tens of months, although due to autonomous IgE B cell receptor (BCR) signaling and antigen‐driven IgE+ ASC apoptosis, in general IgE+ ASC probably do not persist for the decades that other ASC are inferred to do. We also report on recently identified memory B cell transcriptional subtypes that are the likely source of IgE in ongoing responses, highlighting the probable importance of IL‐4Rα in their regulation. We suggest the field should look at dupilumab and other drugs that prohibit IgE+ ASC production as being effective treatments for IgE‐mediated aspects of disease in most individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is one of the most significant causes of death all over the world. This illness, due to abnormal blood glucose levels, leads to impaired wound healing and, as a result, foot ulcers. These ulcers cannot heal quickly in diabetic patients and may finally result in amputation. In recent years, different research has been conducted to heal diabetic foot ulcers: one of them is using cold atmospheric pressure plasma. Nowadays, cold atmospheric pressure plasma is highly regarded in medicine because of its positive effects and lack of side effects. These conditions have caused plasma to be considered a promising technology in medicine and especially diabetic wound healing because studies show that it can heal chronic wounds that are resistant to standard treatments. The positive effects of plasma are due to different reactive species, UV radiation, and electromagnetic fields. This work reviews ongoing cold atmospheric pressure plasma improvements in diabetic wound healing. It shows that plasma can be a promising tool in treating chronic wounds, including ones resulting from diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salivary gland hypofunction is an adverse side effect associated with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients. This study delineated metabolic changes at acute, intermediate, and chronic radiation damage response stages in mouse salivary glands following a single 5 Gy dose. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed on parotid salivary gland tissue collected at 3, 14, and 30 days following radiation (IR). Pathway enrichment analysis, network analysis based on metabolite structural similarity, and network analysis based on metabolite abundance correlations were used to incorporate both metabolite levels and structural annotation. The greatest number of enriched pathways are observed at 3 days and the lowest at 30 days following radiation. Amino acid metabolism pathways, glutathione metabolism, and central carbon metabolism in cancer are enriched at all radiation time points across different analytical methods. This study suggests that glutathione and central carbon metabolism in cancer may be important pathways in the unresolved effect of radiation treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the intra-rater reliability and the construct validity of the Turkish version of the De-Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Construct validity of the DEMMI was measured by correlating it with physical functioning scales. Known group comparison was made according to the Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC-SS). Internal consistency was determined by measuring Cronbach α coefficient. Test-retest reliability was assessed by performing the DEMMI by the same researcher after 24 h and calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The minimal detectable change (MDC) value was calculated. One hundred and two patients discharged from the ICU were included. The ICC for intra-reliability was 0.972. The internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach = 0.991). The DEMMI total score was correlated with the Barthel Index (r = 0.791), Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (r = 0.722), MRC-SS (0.614), ICU length of stay (r = –0.515), and total mechanical ventilation duration (r = –0.488). The DEMMI was able to differentiate between MRC-SS subgroups (p < 0.001), whereby higher strength was associated with higher DEMMI scores. The MDC was determined to be 6.82 out of 100 points. The Turkish version of the DEMMI is reliable and valid for measuring mobility in ICU survivors. NCT05196997 The Turkish version of the de-Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI) is a reliable and valid outcome measure for the assessment of functional mobility in intensive care unit survivors. The Turkish version of the DEMMI could guide clinicians working in the field of intensive care in the planning of rehabilitation programs after discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humpback whales Megaptera novaengliae undertake annual migrations along eastern Australia, where they can be susceptible to entanglement in set fishing gear. This can potentially result in both sublethal and fatal outcomes for the whales, and financial losses for the fishing industry, including loss of gear and catch. Interannual fluctuations in entanglement records suggest that dynamic oceanographic features may be associated with the whales' migration path, and therefore, risk of entanglement. Using records of demersal fish traps off the coast of New South Wales (NSW), we identify two areas of high fishing pressure and entanglement risk overlap. Within each area, we combine entanglement observations with metrics associated with the East Australian Current (EAC) and climate (i.e., southern oscillation index). We show that the strength and position of the EAC was associated with the likelihood of entanglement in set fishing gear. In northern NSW (30.3° S), entanglement risk was highest between July and October when the EAC is relatively close to the coast. In contrast, there was no evidence suggesting that oceanography further south in the separation zone of the EAC (33.8° S) was associated with risk of entanglement. In the years following a strongly negative SOI (i.e., El Niño events), entanglement risk was also reduced. While we provide clear linkages with regional oceanographic dynamics and entanglement risk off NSW, if a dynamic ocean management approach to reducing entanglements is to be realized, further research into the fine‐scale movements of humpback whales is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a multifaceted, complex process that factors like aging, metabolic diseases, and infections may influence. The potentiality of polyphenols, natural compounds, has shown anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in promoting wound healing and their potential applications in wound management. The studies reviewed indicate that polyphenols have multiple mechanisms that promote wound healing. This involves enhancing antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative stress, modulating inflammatory responses, improving healing times, reducing infection rates, and enhancing tissue regeneration in clinical trials and in vivo and in vitro studies. Polyphenols have been proven to be effective in managing hard-to-heal wounds, especially in diabetic and elderly populations. Polyphenols have shown significant benefits in promoting angiogenesis and stimulating collagen synthesis. Polyphenol treatment has been demonstrated to have therapeutic effects in wound healing and chronic wound management. Their ability to regulate key healing processes makes them suitable for new wound care products and treatments. Future research should enhance formulations and delivery methods to optimize polyphenols' bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy in wound management approaches., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Amyloid-beta aggregation is considered one of the factors influencing the onset of the Alzheimer's disease. Early prevention of such aggregation should alleviate disease condition by applying small molecule compounds that shift the aggregation equilibrium toward the soluble form of the peptide or slow down the process. We have discovered that fluorinated benzenesulfonamides of particular structure slowed the amyloid-beta peptide aggregation process by more than three-fold. We synthesized a series of ortho-para and meta-para double-substituted fluorinated benzenesulfonamides that inhibited the aggregation process to a variable extent yielding a detailed picture of the structure-activity relationship. Analysis of compound chemical structure effect on aggregation in artificial cerebrospinal fluid showed the necessity to arrange the benzenesulfonamide, hydrophobic substituent, and benzoic acid in a particular way. The amyloid beta peptide aggregate fibril structures varied in cross-sectional height depending on the applied inhibitor indicating the formation of a complex with the compound. Application of selected inhibitors increased the survivability of cells affected by the amyloid beta peptide. Such compounds may be developed as drugs against Alzheimer's disease., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The influence of surface topography on stem cell behavior and differentiation has garnered significant attention in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. The cell-imprinting method has been introduced as a promising approach to mimic the geometry and topography of cells. The cell-imprinted substrates are designed to replicate the topographies and dimensions of target cells, enabling tailored interactions that promote the differentiation of stem cells towards desired specialized cell types. In fact, by replicating the size and shape of cells, biomimetic substrates provide physical cues that profoundly impact stem cell differentiation. These cues play a pivotal role in directing cell morphology, cytoskeletal organization, and gene expression, ultimately influencing lineage commitment. The biomimetic substrates' ability to emulate the native cellular microenvironment supports the creation of platforms capable of steering stem cell fate with high precision. This review discusses the role of mechanical factors that impact stem cell fate. It also provides an overview of the design and fabrication principles of cell-imprinted substrates. Furthermore, the paper delves into the use of cell-imprinted polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates to direct adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) differentiation into a variety of specialized cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Additionally, the review discusses the limitations of cell-imprinted PDMS substrates and highlights the efforts made to overcome these limitations., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: The scratch assay is commonly used in cell biology to evaluate cell migration; however, it is not a standardized method; it produces highly variable gap dimensions. We design a printable device, comprising a single wounding tool and a guide, and compared the gap produced by our device and the traditional method. The deviceis printable in a standard 3D printer. Cells were seeded on a 24-well plate. After reaching full confluency, a gap was created using the traditional method (scratch assay with a pipette tip), a pipette tip and the guide of the device, or the single wounding tool and the guide. The gaps were observed for up to 48 h under a light microscope and analyzed., Results: The results show that the traditional method produces irregular and not straight gaps, and had the worst cell migration rates compared to the other groups. The wounding tool produced scrape signs at the well surface., Conclusion: The guide and pipette tip delivered the best results for the scratch assay., Significance: The use of the guide and the pipette tip for the scratch assay allows allows to perform reproducible cell migration experiments., (© 2024 Société Française des Microscopies and Société de Biologie Cellulaire de France. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Cancer is a deadly disease that affects a cell's metabolism and surrounding tissues. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of metabolic alterations in cancer cells would assist in developing cancer treatment targets and approaches. From this perspective, metabolomics is a great analytical tool to clarify the mechanisms of cancer therapy as well as a useful tool to investigate cancer from a distinct viewpoint. It is a powerful emerging technology that detects up to thousands of molecules in tissues and biofluids. Like other "-omics" technologies, metabolomics involves the comprehensive investigation of micromolecule metabolites and can reveal important details about the cancer state that is otherwise not apparent. Recent developments in metabolomics technologies have made it possible to investigate cancer metabolism in greater depth and comprehend how cancer cells utilize metabolic pathways to make the amino acids, nucleotides, and lipids required for tumorigenesis. These new technologies have made it possible to learn more about cancer metabolism. Here, we review the cellular and systemic effects of cancer and cancer treatments on metabolism. The current study provides an overview of metabolomics, emphasizing the current technologies and their use in clinical and translational research settings., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition associated with altered bowel habits and recurrent abdominal pain, often triggered by food intake. Current treatments focus on improving stool pattern, but effective treatments for pain in IBS are still lacking due to our limited understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms. Visceral hypersensitivity (VHS), or abnormal visceral pain perception, underlies abdominal pain development in IBS, and mast cell activation has been shown to play an important role in the development of VHS. Our work recently revealed that abdominal pain in response to food intake is induced by the sensitization of colonic pain-sensing neurons by histamine produced by activated mast cells following a local IgE response to food. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on abdominal pain and VHS pathophysiology in IBS, we outline the work leading to the discovery of the role of histamine in abdominal pain, and we introduce antihistamines as a novel treatment option to manage chronic abdominal pain in patients with IBS., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

We aimed to evaluate the associations between blood cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) concentrations and skin cancer. This cross-sectional study was based on National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) data. A binomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the associations between exposure to the metal elements and the risk of skin cancer, and further stratified analyses were conducted by gender, age, body mass index, ethnicity, education, smoking, alcohol drinking, and hypertension. A total of 16,034 participants were included. After fully adjusting for multivariate, the odd ratio (OR)[95% confidence interval (95% CI)] values for skin cancer in those with blood Mn concentrations in the second, third, and fourth quartiles were 0.52 (0.33–0.82), 0.57 (0.36–0.9), and 0.56 (0.35–0.89), respectively, compared with those in the lowest quartile. The ORs (95% CI) for each 1-SD increment in log-transformed values for blood Mn concentrations were 0.79 (0.66–0.94), 0.8 (0.66–0.97), and 0.79 (0.66–0.96), respectively. A significant association between blood Hg and skin cancer was also observed in participants who drank alcohol, with a corresponding OR (95% CI) of 2.61 (1.37–5.00) (p interaction = 0.006). Our study indicated that a higher blood Mn concentration was negatively associated with skin cancer, and blood Hg was positively associated with skin cancer in participants who drank alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria from the order Nostocales are able to establish symbiotic relationships with diverse plant species. They are promiscuous symbionts, as the same strain of cyanobacterium is able to form symbiotic biological nitrogen-fixing relationships with different plants species. This review will focus on the different types of cyanobacterial–plant associations, both endophytic and epiphytic, and provide insights from a structural viewpoint, as well as our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the symbiotic crosstalk. In all these symbioses, the benefit for the plant is clear; it obtains from the cyanobacterium fixed nitrogen and other bioactive compounds, such as phytohormones, polysaccharides, siderophores, or vitamins, leading to enhanced plant growth and productivity. Additionally, there is increasing use of different cyanobacterial species as bio-inoculants for biological nitrogen fixation to improve soil fertility and crop production, thus providing an eco-friendly, alternative, and sustainable approach to reduce the over-reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) Z-pinch concept is on a path to commercialization at Zap Energy. Recent experiments on the Fusion Z-pinch Experiment (FuZE) and newly commissioned FuZE-Q devices are advancing the state of the art in pinch current, stable plasma duration, and deuterium–deuterium fusion neutron production. The SFS Z-pinch configuration offers the promise of a compact fusion device owing to its simple geometry, unity beta, and absence of external magnetic field coils. In addition to a robust experimental program pushing plasma performance toward breakeven conditions, Zap Energy has parallel programs developing power handling systems suitable for future power plants. Technologies under development include high-repetition-rate pulsed power, high-duty-cycle electrodes, and liquid metal wall systems. The issue of electrode durability in future SFS Z-pinch power plants is elaborated on and compared with plasma material interaction regimes in other industrial processes and fusion energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the prevalence of technology in health care, marketing research on social media in the birthspace is limited. The purpose of this paper is to explore how birthing women leverage social media for transformative well-being in the liminal context of birth. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study of women who had recently experienced birth was undertaken. Thematic analysis of data from in-depth interviews reveals birthing women's digital practices and social media capabilities for well-being in a liminal space. Findings: Within the birthspace, women use social media and digital platforms in an effortful and goal-directed way for role transitions and transformation, curating self and other history, goal striving and normalizing experience. These digital practice styles facilitate consumer integration of the liminal digital birthspace and in situ service encounter enabling diverse value outcomes. Drawing on liminality and social presence theories, the authors interpret these practices as demonstrating three interactive liminal stages of suspending, comprehending and transforming. Multi-modality and rapid connection afforded by digital devices and social media platforms provide social presence (according to perceived immediacy and intimacy) enabling transformative well-being outcomes. Originality/value: This study is unique, as it provides insights into the traditionally private health service experience of birth. Further, the authors extend the understanding of liminal spaces and use of digital technology, specifically for transformative outcomes, by proposing a framework of consumers' digital practice styles for well-being in liminal spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global health and new therapeutic strategies with the potential to reduce AMR are urgently required. Biofilm formation provides advantages for pathogenic bacteria to protect themselves from antibiotics due to the low penetration of antibiotics into the biofilm. Seaweeds have been found to have a variety of bioactive compounds that prevent the attachment and inhibit the biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria. This study assessed the anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing (AQS) activities from the red seaweed, Gracilaria changii, and its associated bacteria. Crude methanol extract of G. changii at 0.01- and 0.001 mg mL−1 resulted in a decrease in Vibrio campbelli BB120 biofilm formation. The crude extract of G. changii inhibited quorum sensing (QS) activity of the reporter strain Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 through inhibition of the purple violacein pigment production using disc diffusion assay. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) overlay assay was performed to screen for the potential AQS metabolites from G. changii. Out of the six separated compounds, three compounds with the Rf values of 0.94, 0.57 and 0.28 showed QS inhibition zones. A bacterium isolated from the seaweed, Halomonas sp. promoted the bud formation of the seaweed and produce the highest amount of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) compared to the other bacterial isolates This study shows that G. changii extract has anti-biofilm and AQS activities which could be a potential biocontrol agent. Furthermore, the symbiotic relationship between the Halomonas sp. and G. changii could also be used as growth promoting factor in seaweed cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of hereditary ataxias are caused by inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), most of which are highly heterogeneous in their clinical presentation. Prompt diagnosis is important because disease-specific therapies may be available. In this review, we offer a comprehensive overview of metabolic ataxias summarized by disease, highlighting novel clinical trials and emerging therapies with a particular emphasis on first-in-human gene therapies. We present disease-specific treatments if they exist and review the current evidence for symptomatic treatments of these highly heterogeneous diseases (where cerebellar ataxia is part of their phenotype) that aim to improve the disease burden and enhance quality of life. In general, a multimodal and holistic approach to the treatment of cerebellar ataxia, irrespective of etiology, is necessary to offer the best medical care. Physical therapy and speech and occupational therapy are obligatory. Genetic counseling is essential for making informed decisions about family planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, the world has experienced numerous extreme droughts with adverse direct, cascading, and systemic impacts. Despite more frequent and severe events, drought risk assessment is still incipient compared to that of other meteorological and climate hazards. This is mainly due to the complexity of drought, the high level of uncertainties in its analysis, and the lack of community agreement on a common framework to tackle the problem. Here, we outline that to effectively assess and manage drought risks, a systemic perspective is needed. We propose a novel drought risk framework that highlights the systemic nature of drought risks, and show its operationalization using the example of the 2022 drought in Europe. This research emphasizes that solutions to tackle growing drought risks should not only consider the underlying drivers of drought risks for different sectors, systems or regions, but also be based on an understanding of sector/system interdependencies, feedbacks, dynamics, compounding and concurring hazards, as well as possible tipping points and globally and/or regionally networked risks. Plain Language Summary: In recent years, the world has faced severe and frequent droughts, resulting in significant direct and indirect impacts. However, our understanding and assessment of drought risks are still limited which has important implications for risk management. Here, we propose a new approach—a systemic perspective on drought risks—to effectively assess and manage drought risks. Our framework highlights the interconnected nature of drought risks, impacts and responses. We demonstrate the framework's application by analyzing the 2022 drought in Europe. This research emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of drought risks and offers a practical tool for policymakers and researchers to guide future drought risk research and policy. Key Points: Drought risks are on the rise and their effects are increasingly felt across communities, economic sectors, ecosystems, borders and entire societiesTo effectively assess and manage drought risks, a systemic perspective is neededWe propose a novel systemic framework to better inform drought risk research and policy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique capabilities of the SPARC tokamak mean that it has the potential to contribute significantly to tokamak science and plasma physics, motivating further collaboration and broader data access beyond the CFS and MIT teams. SPARC is a compact, high-field tokamak that is currently under construction and is predicted to achieve burning plasma conditions once in operation. SPARC experimental data has the potential to advance the understanding of many aspects of tokamak physics, including but not limited to confinement and stability at high field and high density, burning plasma physics, disruption physics, and boundary physics and heat flux management in power plant-relevant conditions. The SPARC team is already a combination of members from Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a privately funded company, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a non-profit university. This article describes the opportunities for the SPARC team to work with other researchers to advance toward a fusion power plant on the fastest possible time scales and to simultaneously broaden scientific understanding of plasma physics, meeting the missions of both CFS and academic partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens are classic examples of symbiosis, but some biologists have questioned whether the algal partner benefits from the relationship. Among the diverse lichen symbioses, the carbon transfer systems show remarkable convergences. When a compatible fungus is encountered, the alga proactively releases large amounts of carbohydrate, suggesting active participation rather than victimhood. Some lichen-related fungus–alga symbioses appear obligatory for the algal partner. Within true lichens, algal symbionts can persist at microsites where they might not otherwise be competitive, because of improved stress tolerance, reduced photoinhibition, protection from herbivores, and the more efficient moisture management and positioning for light interception that fungal structures provide. Algal clones continually disperse from the lichen thallus by diverse means, allowing the genotype to pioneer aposymbiotic colonies from a stable refuge. Because lichen-forming fungi conserve rather than consume their algal symbionts, the mutual self-interests of both partners substantially align in the stressful microhabitats where lichens are successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cross sections and rate coefficients for dielectronic recombination (DR) and electron-impact excitation processes of helium-like isoelectronic sequence are systematically investigated using the relativistic distorted-wave approach. The detailed DR resonance energies, resonance strengths, cross sections, and plasma rate coefficients are presented for the twelve abundant astrophysical elements including C4+, O6+, Ne8+, Mg10+, Si12+, S14+, Ar16+, Ca18+, Ti20+, Cr22+, Fe24+, and Ni26+ ions, encompassing the DR processes due to K-shell 1s → 2l (∆n = 1), 1s → 3l (∆n = 2), and 1s → 4l (∆n = 3) excitations. The theoretical results are compared with the existing experimental measurements, excellent agreements are obtained. With the same approach, the direct and resonant electron-impact excitation cross sections associated with 1s → nl core excitations are also calculated for the helium-like C4+ to Ni26+ ions mentioned above. It is found that the resonant contribution is significant. The present results are suitable for modeling of astrophysical and fusion plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare professionals caring for children with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to be emotionally and psychologically distressed because of the children's challenging behaviors. This study aimed to investigate whether social support mediates the association between coping strategies and perceived emotional and psychological distress among professionals working with children with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, this study explored the moderating effect of autism severity on this mediation. The study's design is cross-sectional, correlational, and predictive. An online, self-administered questionnaire was used to recruit a convenience sample of 180 healthcare professionals working with children with autism spectrum disorder. The results revealed a significant mediation effect of family social support on the relationship between problem-focused coping and psychological distress for those dealing with moderate or severe autism. Likewise, there was also a significant mediation effect of family social support on the relationship between avoidant coping and psychological distress for those dealing with moderate autism. Familial social support can serve as a protective factor for healthcare professionals caring for children with autism against accumulated psychological distress. The direct effect of avoidant coping strategies on emotional distress changes depending on autism severity. The study's findings are informative to mental health nurses to create more effective coping strategies as problem-solving interventions or develop new coping strategies based on familial social support for those working with children with autism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectus carinatum is a chest wall deformity that is often treated through the wearing of an external brace. The treatment of the deformity could benefit from a greater understanding of chest wall characteristics under prolonged loading. These characteristics are difficult to model directly but empirical studies can be used to create statistical models. 185 patients from 2018-2020 received bracing treatment. Data on the severity of the deformity, treatment pressures, and time of wear were recorded at the first fitting and all subsequent follow-up visits. This data was analyzed using a statistical mixed effects model to identify significant measures and trends in treatment. These models were designed to help quantify changes in chest wall characteristics through prolonged bracing. Two statistical models were created. The first model predicts the change in the amount of pressure to correct the deformity after bracing for a given time and pressure. The second model predicts the change in pressure response by the body on the brace after bracing for a given time and pressure. These models show a high significance in the amount of pressure and time to the changes in the chest wall response. Initial deformity severity is also significant in changes to the deformity. The statistical models predict general trends in pectus carinatum brace treatment and can assist in creating treatment plans, motivating patient compliance, and can inform the design of future treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gossypiboma or textiloma is a rare medical situation that can complicate the favorable evolution of a surgical case, with repercussions for the patient's prognosis. The diagnosis can be difficult due to various clinical symptoms, the time elapsed since the surgical intervention, and the imaging often not being precise in detecting textilomas. Due to the medicolegal implications, the reporting of this event is inconsistent. We present a rare case of a 28-year-old woman who presented with vague pain in the left iliac fossa 11 months after an emergency cesarean hysterectomy was performed. The preoperative imaging examination identified the presence of a subhepatic mass with dimensions of 10 × 8 cm2 and another formation in the right iliac fossa with dimensions of 11 × 9 cm2. Exploratory laparotomy found the presence of a large subhepatic gossypiboma, intimately adherent to the hepatic angle of the colon and omentum and a second one adherent to the sigmoid colon, small intestine, and parietal peritoneum. The particularity of this case is given by the simultaneous presence of two textilomas with inconclusive evolution, which can make the differential diagnosis difficult to achieve. For a better assessment of the risk of occurrence of this pathology and the identification of a correct prevention strategy, we performed an extensive search and a review of all the articles published in the PubMed database, identifying 57 articles. In conclusion, emergency surgery increases the risk of this complication, and, as a result, prevention can be achieved by following existing protocols in the operating room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of core toroidal rotation reversal phenomenology in C-Mod deuterium L-mode plasmas have been expanded to include details of the dependences on plasma current and toroidal magnetic field. Rotation reversal occurs at a critical density, and universal scaling indicates that the product of ncritq95R ∼ BT/2, with ncrit in 1020/m3, R in m, and BT in T. Measurements in H and He plasmas exhibit similar behavior, including a connection with the linear Ohmic confinement/saturated Ohmic confinement transition and the cutoff for non-diffusive heat transport. Electron density and ion cyclotron range of frequencies power modulation experiments suggest that the collisionality ν * is a unifying parameter. Strong impurity puffing causes the critical density to increase, indicating that the situation is more complicated than only collisionality, perhaps involving the details of the effects of dilution on ion temperature gradient mode stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of skin injuries is one of the most common concerns in medical facilities. Different types of biomaterials with effective wound-healing characteristics have been studied previously. In this study, we used alginate (Alg) and hyaluronic acid (HA) composite (80:20) beads for the sustained release of epidermal growth factor (EGF) delivery. Heparin crosslinked AlgHA beads showed significant loading and entrapment of EGF. Encapsulated beads demonstrated biocompatibility with rat L929 cells and significant migration at the concentration of AlgHAEGF100 and AlgHAEGF150 within 24 h. Both groups significantly improved the expression of Fetal Liver Kinase 1 (FLK-1) along with the Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (ICAM-1) protein in rat bone Mesenchymal stem cells (rbMSCs). In vivo assessment exhibited significant epithelialization and wound closure gaps within 2 weeks. Immunohistochemistry shows markedly significant levels of ICAM-1, FLK-1, and fibronectin (FN) in the AlgHAEGF100 and AlgHAEGF150 groups. Hence, we conclude that the EGF-loaded alginate-hyaluronic acid (AlgHA) bead system can be used to promote wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucocorticoid (GC) release is triggered by adverse stimuli that activate the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal axis. Glucocorticoids may enhance or suppress immune functions depending on the level of elevation. In this study, we investigated the effects of transient and chronic increase of corticosterone (CORT) on the wound healing of the American bullfrog. Frogs were submitted to a daily transdermal hormonal application that acutely elevated CORT plasma levels, or vehicle as a control. Other frogs were surgically implanted with a silastic tube filled with CORT that resulted in chronic elevation of CORT plasma levels or received empty implants as a control. A dermal biopsy was performed to create a wound and was photographed every 3 days. Individuals treated with transdermal CORT started healing faster than their control 32 days after the biopsy. Frogs that received CORT implants tended to heal slower than control subjects. Plasma bacterial killing ability was not affected by treatment, which reinforces the constitutive nature of this innate immune trait. By the end of the experiment, frogs from the acute CORT treatment had smaller wounds compared with those receiving the CORT-filled implants, highlighting the differential effects of acute (immunoenhancing) and chronic (immunosuppressive) elevation of CORT plasma levels. This article is part of the theme issue 'Amphibian immunity: stress, disease and ecoimmunology'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. GD types 2 and 3 are known as neuronopathic Gaucher disease (nGD) because they have brain involvement that progresses over time. Implementing a systematic approach to the collection of real-world clinical and patient-relevant outcomes data in nGD presents an opportunity to fill critical knowledge gaps and ultimately help healthcare providers in the management of this patient population. This paper summarizes the development of a patient-initiated Gaucher Registry for Development Innovation and Analysis of Neuronopathic Disease (GARDIAN). Methods: The International Gaucher Alliance led the GARDIAN planning, including governance, scope, stakeholder involvement, platform, and reporting. Registry element input was determined in a series of meetings with clinical experts, patients, and caregivers, who identified key clinical variables and the draft content of nGD patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and observer-reported outcomes (ObsRO) focusing on symptoms, patient physical and emotional functioning. These were then tested in cognitive interviews with patients with nGD (> 12 years of age) and caregivers. Results: Core registry data elements (n = 138) were identified by seven global clinical experts from Egypt, Germany, Israel, Japan, United Kingdom (UK), and United State (US) and reviewed via online Delphi method by 14 additional clinicians with experience of nGD from six countries and three pharmaceutical representatives. The elements were consistent with those identified via interviews with 10 patients/caregivers with nGD from Japan, Sweden, UK, and US. Key domains identified were demographics, diagnostic information, health status, clinical symptomatology, laboratory testing, treatment, healthcare resource utilization, aids/home improvements, and patient/caregiver burden and quality of life, specifically physical functioning, self-care, daily and social activities, emotional impacts, support services, and caregiver-specific impacts. Nine caregivers and six patients from the US, UK, China, Mexico, Egypt, and Japan participated in the cognitive interviews that informed revisions to ensure that all items are understandable and interpreted as intended. Conclusions: The comprehensive set of clinical and patient relevant outcomes data, developed collaboratively among all stakeholders, to be reported using GARDIAN will bridge the many gaps in the understanding of nGD and align with regulatory frameworks on real-world data needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One suggested benefit of long-leg, tightly baffled divertor configurations, a common feature included in the designs of many next-generation fusion devices, is access to a delocalized "spread" of impurity radiation along the leg, allowing for a substantial radiation region while maintaining both sufficient distance from the core to prevent pollution of the plasma fuel and avoiding local overheating of the plasma-facing materials. However, it is unclear whether this increased connection length and divertor volume afforded by the long-leg configuration is compatible with impurity transport, and whether it will enable this desired impurity radiation spread at all. Here, the SOLPS 4.3 code is used to assess the distribution of nitrogen and neon impurity radiation in a long-leg, tightly baffled divertor geometry. There is a strong correspondence between the distribution of impurity radiation in the long leg and impurity recycling on the divertor side walls with both the nitrogen simulation set and the neon simulation set, suggesting that impurity spreading along these long legs is due to the interplay between the cross-field transport and associated neutralization of the impurity on the material surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blob-filaments (or simply "blobs") are coherent structures formed by turbulence and sustained by nonlinear processes in the edge and scrape-off layer (SOL) of tokamaks and other magnetically confined plasmas. The dynamics of these blob-filaments, in particular, their radial motion, can influence the scrape-off layer width and plasma interactions with both the divertor target and with the main chamber walls. Motivated by recent results from the XGC1 gyrokinetic simulation code reported on elsewhere [J. Cheng et al., Nucl. Fusion 63, 086015 (2023)], a theory of rapidly spinning blob-filaments has been developed. The theory treats blob-filaments in the closed flux surface region or the region that is disconnected from sheaths in the SOL. It extends previous work by treating blob spin, arising from partially or fully adiabatic electrons, as the leading-order effect and retaining inertial (ion charge polarization) physics in next order. Spin helps to maintain blob coherency and affects the blob's propagation speed. Dipole charge polarization, treated perturbatively, gives rise to blob-filaments with relatively slow radial velocity, comparable to that observed in the simulations. The theory also treats the interaction of rapidly spinning blob-filaments with a zonal flow layer. It is shown analytically that the flow layer can act like a transport barrier for these structures. Finally, parallel electron kinetic effects are incorporated into the theory. Various asymptotic parameter regimes are discussed, and asymptotic expressions for the radial and poloidal motion of the blob-filaments are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a highly specialized and intricate process for replacing the devitalized tissues with newer healthy tissues. Though, several conventional wound dressings are being employed for management of acute-to-chronic wounds, but substantial challenges impose by chronic wounds demand development of more efficient wound healing modalities. Hyaluronic acid has been extensively employed in designing of various wound healing nanomedicines due to its exceptional potential to stimulate granulation tissue formation and extracellular matrix remodeling. The engineered HA based nanomedicines have shown grandeur success in promoting the wound healing in different types of skin injuries (acute, chronic, diabetic, and burn wounds). Wound healing is an intricate process which occurs in four phases in order to repair any damage to the skin and tissue; stage I is hemostasis, stage II is clotting and stabbing, stage III is rebuilding, and stage IV is remodeling). Several conventional wound dressings are available but associated adverse effects such as undesirable scar formation, procedure cost, duration of hospital stay, and increase risk of disease transmission and immune rejection, reduces their clinical applicability. Hyaluronic acid play promising role in tissue engineering and wound healing via regulating all four phases of wound healing. The engineering of HA-based nanomedicines (i.e., liposomes, hydrogels, micelles, nanoparticles, nanocomposites) have significantly improved wound healing and tissue regeneration efficacy of HA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To examine the association of homocysteine (Hcy) with diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a representative United States population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data from participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2006. Metrics including Hcy level, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and retinopathy grading were collected. Multiple logistic regression models were employed to assess the association of Hcy with DN and DR. Results: 630 participants were included in this study. The Hcy level was significantly higher in those with DN and DR than those without DN and DR. Hcy was associated with an increased risk of DN (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.18–1.46; P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model of DN (model II), compared to participants in quartiles 1 of Hcy, the adjusted ORs for participants in quartiles 2–4 were 1.49 (95% CI 0.52–4.26; P = 0.426), 3.81 (95% CI 1.35–10.73; P = 0.015), and 14.08 (95% CI 3.84–51.66; P = 0.001), respectively. Hcy was also associated with an increased risk of DR (OR = 2.260, 95% CI 1.212–4.216; P = 0.014), but this association was non-significant in the fully adjusted model of DR (model II). Conclusions: In diabetic patients, Hcy was associated with increased risk of DN in a non-linear manner. In addition, Hcy was associated with the risk of DR, but the association was attenuated after adjusting for confounders. In the future, Hcy can potentially be used as an early screening indicator for diabetic microvascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has demonstrated that new mothers are among the most active users of Facebook. There has been only limited empirical investigation of parents' Facebook practices in the years following babyhood. This article examines patterns of Facebook use among parents of children aged between two and eight based on interviews and observations. In contrast to earlier phases of parenting, many users had adopted selective modes of engagement or were seeking to step back from the platform. Parents' accounts highlight the affective dimensions of their enactments of Facebook for information and support. Situated in the literature on connective and disconnective strategies on Facebook, I argue that the affective forces users experience in relation to Facebook extend beyond what we would traditionally think of as the boundaries of the Facebook user assemblage, with experiences of anxiety and judgment continuing after the choice to disconnect. Parents who remained active users had developed strategies to know with the technology, and to manage its affective forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dysregulated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway has been implicated in various immune-mediated inflammatory and hyperproliferative dermatoses such as acne, atopic dermatitis, alopecia, psoriasis, wounds, and vitiligo, and is associated with poor treatment outcomes. Improved comprehension of the consequences of the dysregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in patients with inflammatory dermatoses has resulted in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Nonetheless, more studies are necessary to validate the regulatory role of this pathway and to create more effective preventive and treatment methods for a wide range of inflammatory skin diseases. Several studies have revealed that certain natural products and synthetic compounds can obstruct the expression/activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR, underscoring their potential in managing common and persistent skin inflammatory disorders. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the role of the activated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and associated components in immune-mediated inflammatory dermatoses and discusses the potential of bioactive natural products, synthetic scaffolds, and biologic agents in their prevention and treatment. However, further research is necessary to validate the regulatory role of this pathway and develop more effective therapies for inflammatory skin disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An intrinsic evolution in the decoupling–coupling–decoupling (DCD) of the electron density and temperature responding to the magnetic field change is observed in a cylindrical laboratory plasma device. Experimental results show that the density and the temperature decouple in the low magnetic field, couple with higher magnetic field, and decouple again with a continuous magnetic field increase. An element physical picture of the DCD regime is unraveled based on the analyses of gradient lengths, the turbulence propagation directions, the turbulence spatial scales, and the relationship between the normalized collision rates and the poloidal mode numbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to disruption to education during the COVID-19 pandemic, mobile phone-based messaging has emerged in some instances as an accessible, low-connectivity way of promoting interactivity. However, no recent reviews have been undertaken in relation to how social media and messaging apps can be used to effectively support education in low- and middle-income countries. In this scoping review, 43 documents were identified for inclusion, and three main thematic areas emerged: supporting student learning (including interacting with peers and other students, peer tutoring and collaborative learning; and interacting with teachers, through content delivery, teaching and assessment); teacher professional development (including structured support and prompts, and informal communities of practice); and supporting refugee education. The discussion and findings are both of practical use, to inform responses to the current pandemic and designing initiatives in the future, and will also be useful for advancing research in this expanding field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder, causing Gb-3 (globotriaosylceramide) buildup in cellular lysosomes throughout the body, in particular in blood vessel walls, neuronal cells, and smooth muscle. The gradual accumulation of this glycosphingolipid in numerous eye tissues causes conjunctival vascular abnormalities, corneal epithelial opacities (cornea verticillata), lens opacities, and retinal vascular abnormalities. Although a severe vision impairment is rare, these abnormalities are diagnostic indicators and prognostics for severity. Cornea verticillata is the most common ophthalmic feature in both hemizygous men and heterozygous females. Vessel tortuosity has been linked to a faster disease progression and may be useful in predicting systemic involvement. New technologies such as optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) are useful for monitoring retinal microvasculature alterations in FD patients. Along with OCTA, corneal topographic analysis, confocal microscopy, and electro-functional examinations, contributed to the recognition of ocular abnormalities and have been correlated with systemic involvement. We offer an update regarding FD ocular manifestations, focusing on findings derived from the most recent imaging modalities, to optimize the management of this pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]