Search

We present TRICERATOPS, a new Bayesian tool that can be used to vet and validate TESS Objects of Interest (TOIs). We test the tool on 68 TOIs that have been previously confirmed as planets or rejected as astrophysical false positives. By looking in the false-positive probability (FPP)-nearby false-positive probability (NFPP) plane, we define criteria that TOIs must meet to be classified as validated planets (FPP < 0.015 and NFPP < 10-3), likely planets (FPP < 0.5 and NFPP < 10-3), and likely nearby false positives (NFPP > 10-1). We apply this procedure on 384 unclassified TOIs and statistically validate 12, classify 125 as likely planets, and classify 52 as likely nearby false positives. Of the 12 statistically validated planets, 9 are newly validated. TRICERATOPS is currently the only TESS vetting and validation tool that models transits from nearby contaminant stars in addition to the target star. We therefore encourage use of this tool to prioritize follow-up observations that confirm bona fide planets and identify false positives originating from nearby stars.

Study Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the modifiable risk factors associated with OSA and analyze extant publications solely focused on prevention of the disease., Methods: Studies focused on prevention strategies for OSA and modifiable risk factors were eligible for inclusion. A detailed individual search strategy for each of the following bibliographic databases was developed: Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and LILACS. The references cited in these articles were also crosschecked and a partial grey literature search was undertaken using Google Scholar. The methodology of selected studies was evaluated using the 14-item Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies., Results: Search resulted in 720 publications examining risk factors and prevention of OSA, as well as lifestyle modifications. Of these, a thorough assessment of the abstracts and content of each of these manuscripts led to the rejection of all but four papers, the latter being included in this systematic review. In contrast, a search regarding 'Therapeutics' showed that 23,674 articles on OSA were published, clearly illustrating the imbalance between the efforts in prevention and those focused on therapeutics., Conclusions: Notwithstanding the importance and benefits of technological advances in medicine, consideration of the needs of people with OSA and its consequences prompts advocacy for the prevention of the disease. Thus, despite the economic interests that focus only on diagnosis and treatment, strategies preferentially aimed at overall avoidance of OSA emerge as a major priority. Thus, public and healthcare provider education, multidimensional prevention, and early diagnosis of OSA should be encouraged worldwide., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Sleep Research Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airways diseases (EUFOREA) organized its bi-annual forum EUFOREUM in Berlin in November 2023. The aim of EUFOREUM 2023 was to highlight pediatric action plans for prevention and optimizing care for type 2 inflammatory conditions starting in childhood, with a focus on early-stage diagnosis, ensuring neither under- nor overdiagnosis, optimal care, and suggestions for improvement of care. EUFOREA is an international not-for-profit organization forming an alliance of all stakeholders dedicated to reducing the prevalence and burden of chronic respiratory diseases through the implementation of optimal patient care via educational, research, and advocacy activities. The inclusive and multidisciplinary approach of EUFOREA was reflected in the keynote lectures and faculty of the virtual EUFOREUM 2023 (www.euforea.eu/euforeum) coming from the pediatric, allergology, pulmonology, ENT, dermatology, primary health care fields and patients around the central theme of type 2 inflammation. As most type 2 inflammatory conditions may start in childhood or adolescence, and most children have type 2 inflammation when suffering from a respiratory or skin disease, the moment has come to raise the bar of ambitions of care, including prevention, remission and disease modification at an early stage. The current report provides a comprehensive overview of key statements by the faculty of the EUFOREUM 2023 and the ambitions of EUFOREA allowing all stakeholders in the respiratory field to be updated and ready to join forces in Europe and beyond., (© 2024 The Author(s). Pediatric Allergy and Immunology published by European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Competing Interests: Diego M. Conti, serves as academic director at the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) and guest associate editor at Frontiers in Allergy, rhinology section. Eduardo J. Correa, no conflicts of interest related to this initiative.

The concept of pre-diabetes has led to provision of measures to reduce disease progression through identification of subjects at risk of diabetes. We previously considered the idea of pre-asthma in relation to allergic asthma and considered that, in addition to the need to improve population health via multiple measures, including reduction of exposure to allergens and pollutants and avoidance of obesity, there are several possible specific means to reduce asthma development in those most at risk (pre- asthma). The most obvious is allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which when given for allergic rhinitis (AR) has reasonable evidence to support asthma prevention in children (2) but also needs further study as primary prevention. In this second paper we explore the possibilities for similar actions in late onset eosinophilic asthma., Competing Interests: DC: Serves as academic manager at the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) and as review editor at Frontiers in Allergy, rhinology section. MM: Honoraria for speaker and advisory boards: Sanofi, Glenmark, P&G, Immunotek, Cipla, Thermo-Scientific, Lancet laboratories. EUFOREA expert panel member. VB: Is recipient of consultancy/lecture fees or unrestricted research grants from Sanofi/Regeneron, Novartis, GSK, AZ, ALK Abello and BORK-npc. GS: has received speakers fees from ALK-Abello, Meda and Glenpharm, and received honoraria for participation in an advisory group from ALK-Abello. MB-S: Speaker honorarium from GSK Spain, Viatris Spain, Sanofi Spain, WIDEX Spain, Bionorica, Germany. ED: Received fee for consultation, speaker activity, advisory board by Sanofi, Regeneron, GSK, Novartis and AstraZeneca. ZD: In the past 3 years, received speaker or consultant honoraria and/or served on advisory boards at: Antabio, Arcede, Biosion, Foresee Pharmaceuticals, Galenushealth, GlaxoSmithKline, Hippo-Dx, QPS-Netherlands, Sanofi-Genzyme-Regeneron, and Springer Media all outside the submitted work. From 2012 to 2020 she acted as Director Respiratory & Allergy Research at QPS-Netherlands; in 2019-ongoing, QPS-Netherlands received a European grant from ERA4TB and funding Foresee Pharmaceuticals for early respiratory studies. CH: Ad boards—GSK, Sanofi Regeneron, Lilly. MJ: Has received consulting fees (ALK-Abello, Stallergenes-Greer, Takeda, Zentiva); honoraria for lectures, presentations (ALK-Abello, Stallergenes-Greer, Takeda, Zentiva, Mundipharma, AstraZeneca, SOBI, Chiesi, CSL Behring, Novartis, Benela, Pfizer, Viatris); support for attending meetings and/or travel (ALK-Abello, Stallergenes-Greer, Takeda, Novartis, Sanofi Pasteur) and honoraria for participation on Advisory Boards (ALK-Abello, Stallergenes-Greer, Chiesi, Novartis, SOBI, Pfizer, Sanofi Genzyme/Pasteur). JK: Jasper Kappen reports grants and/or personal fees from ALK, Chiesi, GSK, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Boerhinger, Teva, Viatris, Stallergen, Abbot, all outside the submitted work. JM: Joaquim Mullol is or has been member of national and international scientific advisory boards, consulting, received fees for lectures, and grants for research projects or clinical trials from AstraZeneca, Genentech-Roche, Glenmark, GSK, LETI, Lilly, Menarini, MSD, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, NOUCOR/Uriach Group, Novartis, OPTINOSE, Proctor & Gamble, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB Pharma, and Viatris/MEDA Pharma. DP: David Price has advisory board membership with AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Viatris, Teva Pharmaceuticals; consultancy agreements with AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Viatris, Teva Pharmaceuticals; grants and unrestricted funding for investigator-initiated studies (conducted through Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd) from AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Viatris, Novartis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Genzyme, and UK National Health Service; payment for lectures/speaking engagements from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, Cipla, GlaxoSmithKline, Viatris, Novartis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi Genzyme, Teva Pharmaceuticals; payment for travel/accommodation/meeting expenses from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Teva Pharmaceuticals; stock/stock options from AKL Research and Development Ltd which produces phytopharmaceuticals; owns 74% of the social enterprise Optimum Patient Care Ltd (Australia and UK) and 92.61% of Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd (Singapore); 5% shareholding in Timestamp which develops adherence monitoring technology; is peer reviewer for grant committees of the UK Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation programme, and Health Technology Assessment; and was an expert witness for GlaxoSmithKline. SQ: Speaking, lecture and consulting fees from Allergy Therapeutics, ALK, AstraZeneca, Chiesi, GSK, Mundipharma, Novartis, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Teva. SR: Has acted as a consultant and/or advisory board member for Sanofi, GSK, and Novartis. The department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery of the Amsterdam UMC has received research funding from Sanofi, GSK, and Novartis. ST-S: Reports consultancies for ALK-Abelló, AstraZeneca, ERT, GSK, Novartis, Sanofi, and Roche Products outside the submitted work, as well as grant of GSK outside the submitted work. BS: Lyra Therapeutics: consultant, Stryker: Consultant, Neurent: consultant, MCSP: consultant and American Rhinologic Society: VP of Development and Strategy. JT: Jacob Thyssen previously as an advisor for AbbVie, Almirall, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Coloplast, OM Pharma, Aslan Pharmaceuticals, Union Therapeutics, Eli Lilly & Co, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi-Genzyme; a speaker for AbbVie, Almirall, Eli Lilly & Co, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi Genzyme; and received research grants from Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi Genzyme. He currently holds a shared position between the university and LEO Pharma where he receives a salary and holds stock options. UW: Consulting for VIATRIS, lecture fees from ALK Germany. PH: Is recipient of consultancy/lecture fees or unrestricted research grants from Sanofi/Regeneron, Novartis, GSK, Medtronic and Viatris. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (© 2024 Scadding, Gray, Conti, McDonald, Backer, Scadding, Bernal-Sprekelsen, De Corso, Diamant, Hopkins, Jesenak, Johansen, Kappen, Mullol, Price, Quirce, Reitsma, Toppila-Salmi, Senior, Thyssen, Wahn and Hellings.)

Objective  To perform a systematic review to determine if isolated nasal surgery has any impact on subjective or objective parameters in adult obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Materials and Methods  From December 2022 to March 2023, we conducted a search on the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Two independent investigators performed a study selection according to the established criteria, as well as data collection, including the study design, the subjective and objective parameters addressed, the type of intervention, and the outcomes, considering the methodological quality and risk of bias. Results  In total, 25 studies met the selection criteria, and they showed that there is a significant improvement in sleep quality, sleepiness, nasal resistance, and snoring after isolated nasal surgery. Still, there is no relevant modification of other polysomnographic parameters. It also reduces the required titration pressures of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and increases the duration of its use. Conclusion  Isolated nasal surgery is not a primary treatment for OSA. Still, it improves the subjective parameters and can lead to CPAP therapy success by enhancing its effectiveness and long-term compliance., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interests The authors have no conflict of interests to declare., (Brazilian Sleep Association. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).)

Self-standing Na 3 MnTi(PO 4 ) 3 /carbon nanofiber (CNF) electrodes are successfully synthesized by electrospinning. A pre-synthesized Na 3 MnTi(PO 4 ) 3 is dispersed in a polymeric solution, and the electrospun product is heat-treated at 750 °C in nitrogen flow to obtain active material/CNF electrodes. The active material loading is 10 wt%. SEM, TEM, and EDS analyses demonstrate that the Na 3 MnTi(PO 4 ) 3 particles are homogeneously spread into and within CNFs. The loaded Na 3 MnTi(PO 4 ) 3 displays the NASICON structure; compared to the pre-synthesized material, the higher sintering temperature (750 °C) used to obtain conductive CNFs leads to cell shrinkage along the a axis. The electrochemical performances are appealing compared to a tape-casted electrode appositely prepared. The self-standing electrode displays an initial discharge capacity of 124.38 mAh/g at 0.05C, completely recovered after cycling at an increasing C-rate and a coulombic efficiency ≥98%. The capacity value at 20C is 77.60 mAh/g, and the self-standing electrode exhibits good cycling performance and a capacity retention of 59.6% after 1000 cycles at 1C. Specific capacities of 33.6, 22.6, and 17.3 mAh/g are obtained by further cycling at 5C, 10C, and 20C, and the initial capacity is completely recovered after 1350 cycles. The promising capacity values and cycling performance are due to the easy electrolyte diffusion and contact with the active material, offered by the porous nature of non-woven nanofibers.

Following the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) treatment algorithm for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), patients suffering from severe uncontrolled CRSwNP are recommended to receive oral corticosteroids, (revision) sinus surgery, systemic biologicals and/or aspirin treatment after desensitization (ATAD). Given the major differences in indications, outcomes, practical considerations, risks and costs of these key pillars of treatment, there is a growing need to define criteria for each treatment option and list the clinically relevant and major considerations for them. This EUFOREA document therefore provides an expert panel overview of the expected outcomes, specific considerations and (contra)indications of the five major treatment arms of severe uncontrolled CRSwNP: oral corticosteroids, primary and revision sinus surgery, biological treatment and ATAD. This overview of treatment considerations is needed to allow physicians and patients to consider the different options in the context of providing optimal and personalized care for severe uncontrolled CRSwNP. In conclusion, the five major treatment options for severe uncontrolled CRSwNP have intrinsic advantages, specific indications and considerations that are of importance to the patient, the physician and the society. This EUFOREA statement supports the unmet need to define criteria for the indication of every treatment pillar of CRSwNP., (© 2023 The Authors. Allergy published by European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The NASICON-structured Na 3 MnZr(PO 4 ) 3 compound is a promising high-voltage cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this study, an easy and scalable electrospinning approach was used to synthesize self-standing cathodes based on Na 3 MnZr(PO 4 ) 3 loaded into carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Different strategies were applied to load the active material. All the employed characterization techniques (X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy) confirmed the successful loading. Compared to an appositely prepared tape-cast electrode, Na 3 MnZr(PO 4 ) 3 /CNF self-standing cathodes demonstrated an enhanced specific capacity, especially at high C-rates, thanks to the porous conducive carbon nanofiber matrix. Among the strategies applied to load Na 3 MnZr(PO 4 ) 3 into the CNFs, the electrospinning (vertical setting) of the polymeric solution containing pre-synthesized Na 3 MnZr(PO 4 ) 3 powders resulted effective in obtaining the quantitative loading of the active material and a homogeneous distribution through the sheet thickness. Notably, Na 3 MnZr(PO 4 ) 3 aggregates connected to the CNFs, covered their surface, and were also embedded, as demonstrated by TEM and EDS. Compared to the self-standing cathodes prepared with the horizontal setting or dip-drop coating methods, the vertical binder-free electrode exhibited the highest capacity values of 78.2, 55.7, 38.8, 22.2, 16.2, 12.8, 10.3, 9.0, and 8.5 mAh/g at C-rates of 0.05C, 0.1C, 0.2C, 0.5C, 1C, 2C, 5C, 10C, and 20C, respectively, with complete capacity retention at the end of the measurements. It also exhibited a good cycling life, compared to its tape-cast counterpart: it displayed higher capacity retention at 0.2C and 1C, and, after cycling 1000 cycles at 1C, it could be further cycled at 5C, 10C, and 20C.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the nose and paranasal sinus cavities that significantly affects well-being and social function, particularly in young adults and middle-aged populations. CRSwNP is a common health condition in the Western world, with an estimated prevalence of 3%. Despite worldwide evidence-based treatment guidelines such as the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS) 2020 and the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) pocket guide, a significant number of patients remain undiagnosed and/or uncontrolled with repeated oral corticosteroids (OCS) treatments and/or (multiple) endoscopic sinus surgeries (ESS)., Competing Interests: DMC: Serves as academic manager at the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Diseases (EUFOREA) and as review editor at Frontiers in Allergy, rhinology section. GKS: Honoraria for articles, speaker and advisory boards: ALK, Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, Haleon, Noucor, Sanofi-Regeneron, and Viatris. Chair of BSACI rhinitis guidelines, Scientific Chief Editor, Rhinology Section of Frontiers in Allergy, Board member and AR lead for EUFOREA, and Chair/member Data Monitoring Committees on SLIT for ALK. MM: Honoraria for speaker and advisory boards: Sanofi, Glenmark, P&G, Immunotek, Cipla, Thermo-Scientific, Lancet laboratories. EUFOREA expert panel member. PWH: Is recipient of consultancy/lecture fees or unrestricted research grants from Sanofi/Regeneron, Novartis, GSK, Medtronic and Viatris. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Teeling, Djouder, Laurens, Preyra, Shire, Van Staeyen, Conti, Scadding and Hellings.)

The study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of Meloxicam-halloysite nanotube (HNT) composites as a viable approach to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of meloxicam, a poorly water-soluble drug (BCS class II). Meloxicam is loaded on commercial and modified halloysite (acidic and alkaline etching, or APTES and chitosan functionalization) via a solution method. Several techniques (XRPD, FT-IR, 13 C solid-state NMR, SEM, EDS, TEM, DSC, TGA) are applied to characterize both HNTs and meloxicam-HNT systems. In all the investigated drug-clay hybrids, a high meloxicam loading of about 40 wt% is detected. The halloysite modification processes and the drug loading do not alter the structure and morphology of both meloxicam and halloysite nanotubes, which are in intimate contact in the composites. Weak drug-clay and drug-functionalizing agent interactions occur, involving the meloxicam amidic functional group. All the meloxicam-halloysite composites exhibit enhanced dissolution rates, as compared to meloxicam. The meloxicam-halloysite composite, functionalized with chitosan, showed the best performance both in water and in buffer at pH 7.5. The drug is completely released in 4-5 h in water and in less than 1 h in phosphate buffer. Notably, an equilibrium solubility of 13.7 ± 4.2 mg/L in distilled water at 21 °C is detected, and wettability dramatically increases, compared to the raw meloxicam. These promising results can be explained by the chitosan grafting on the outer surface of halloysite nanotubes, which provides increased specific surface area (100 m 2 /g) disposable for drug adsorption/desorption.

Asthma, which affects some 300 million people worldwide and caused 455,000 deaths in 2019, is a significant burden to suffers and to society. It is the most common chronic disease in children and represents one of the major causes for years lived with disability. Significant efforts are made by organizations such as WHO in improving the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of asthma. However asthma prevention has been less studied. Currently there is a concept of pre- diabetes which allows a reduction in full blown diabetes if diet and exercise are undertaken. Similar predictive states are found in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this paper we explore the possibilities for asthma prevention, both at population level and also investigate the possibility of defining a state of pre-asthma, in which intensive treatment could reduce progression to asthma. Since asthma is a heterogeneous condition, this paper is concerned with allergic asthma. A subsequent one will deal with late onset eosinophilic asthma., Competing Interests: GKS: Honoraria for articles, speaker and advisory boards: ALK, Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, Haleon, Noucor, Sanofi- Regeneron, and Viatris. Chair of BSACI rhinitis guidelines, Scientific Chief Editor, Rhinology Section of Frontiers in Allergy, Board member and AR lead for EUFOREA, and Chair/ member Data Monitoring Committees on SLIT for ALK. MM: Honoraria for speaker and advisory boards: Sanofi, Glenmark, P&G, Immunotek, Cipla, Thermo-Scientific, Lancet laboratories. EUFOREA expert panel member. VB: Is recipient of consultancy/llecture fees or unrestricted research grants from Sanofi/Regeneron, Novartis, GSK, AZ, ALK Abello and BORK-npc. GS: GWS has received speakers fees from ALK-Abello, Meda and Glenpharm, and received honoraria for participation in an advisory group from ALK-Abello. MB-S: Speaker honorarium from GSK Spain, Olympus Europe, Viatris Spain, Sanofi Spain. Editor-in-Chief Eur.Arch.ORL-HNS. ED: Received fee for consultation, speaker activity, advisory board by Sanofi, Regeneron, GSK, Novartis and Astrazeneca. ZD: In the past 3 years, ZD received speaker or consultant honoraria and/or served on advisory boards at: Antabio, Foresee Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline, Hippo-Dx, QPS-Netherlands, Sanofi-Genzyme-Regeneron, and Springer Media all outside the submitted work. From 2012 to 2020 she acted as Director Respiratory & Allergy Research at QPS-Netherlands; in 2019-ongoing, QPS-Netherlands received a European grant from ERA4TB and funding Foresee Pharmaceuticals for early respiratory studies. CH: Ad boards - GSK, Sanofi Regeneron, Lilly. MJ: Has received consulting fees (ALK-Abello, Stallergenes-Greer, Takeda, Zentiva); honoraria for lectures, presentations (ALK-Abello, Stallergenes-Greer, Takeda, Zentiva, Mundipharma, AstraZeneca, SOBI, Chiesi, CSL Behring, Novartis, Benela, Pfizer, Viatris); support for attending meetings and/or travel (ALK-Abello, Stallergenes-Greer, Takeda, Novartis, Sanofi Pasteur) and honoraria for participation on Advisory Boards (ALK-Abello, Stallergenes-Greer, Chiesi, Novartis, SOBI, Pfizer, Sanofi Genzyme/Pasteur). JK: Jasper Kappen reports grants and/or personal fees from ALK, Chiesi, GSK, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Sanofi, Boerhinger, Teva, Viatris, Stallergen, Abbot, all outside the submitted work. JM: Joaquim Mullol is or has been member of national and international scientific advisory boards, consulting, received fees for lectures, and grants for research projects or clinical trials from AstraZeneca, Genentech-Roche, GSK, LETI, Lilly, Menarini, MSD, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, NOUCOR/Uriach Group, Novartis, OPTINOSE, Proctor & Gamble, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sanofi-Genzyme, UCB Pharma, and Viatris/MEDA Pharma. DP: David Price has advisory board membership with AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Viatris, Teva Pharmaceuticals; consultancy agreements with AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Viatris, Teva Pharmaceuticals; grants and unrestricted funding for investigator-initiated studies (conducted through Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd) from AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Viatris, Novartis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi Genzyme, and UK National Health Service; payment for lectures/speaking engagements from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, Cipla, GlaxoSmithKline, Viatris, Novartis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Sanofi Genzyme, Teva Pharmaceuticals; payment for travel/accommodation/meeting expenses from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis, Teva Pharmaceuticals; stock/stock options from AKL Research and Development Ltd which produces phytopharmaceuticals; owns 74% of the social enterprise Optimum Patient Care Ltd (Australia and UK) and 92.61% of Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute Pte Ltd (Singapore); 5% shareholding in Timestamp which develops adherence monitoring technology; is peer reviewer for grant committees of the UK Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation programme, and Health Technology Assessment; and was an expert witness for GlaxoSmithKline. SQ: Speaking, lecture and consulting fees from Allergy Therapeutics, ALK, AstraZeneca, Chiesi, GSK, Mundipharma, Novartis, Sanofi-Genzyme, and Teva. SR: Has acted as a consultant and/or advisory board member for Sanofi, GSK, and Novartis. The department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head/Neck Surgery of the Amsterdam UMC has received research funding from Sanofi, GSK, and Novartis. SS: Reports consultancies for ALK-Abelló, AstraZeneca, ERT, GSK, Novartis, Sanofi, and Roche Products outside the submitted work, as well as grant of GSK outside the submitted work. BS: Lyra Therapeutics: consultant, Stryker: Consultant, Neurent: consultant, MCSP: consultant and American Rhinologic Society: VP of Development and Strategy. JT: Jacob Thyssen previously as an advisor for AbbVie, Almirall, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Coloplast, OM Pharma, Aslan Pharmaceuticals, Union Therapeutics, Eli Lilly & Co, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi-Genzyme; a speaker for AbbVie, Almirall, Eli Lilly & Co, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi Genzyme; and received research grants from Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi Genzyme. He currently holds a shared position between the university and LEO Pharma where he receives a salary and holds stock options. UW: Consulting for VIATRIS, lecture fees from ALK Germany. PH: Is recipient of consultancy/llecture fees or unrestricted research grants from Sanofi/Regeneron, Novartis, GSK, Medtronic and Viatris. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (© 2024 Scadding, McDonald, Backer, Scadding, Bernal-Sprekelsen, Conti, De Corso, Diamant, Gray, Hopkins, Jesenak, Johansen, Kappen, Mullol, Price, Quirce, Reitsma, Salmi, Senior, Thyssen, Wahn and Hellings.)

Introduction: Aspirin desensitization (AD) and aspirin therapy after desensitization (ATAD) are therapeutic interventions for patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). Our aim is to investigate whether its addition to endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) improves the overall prognosis of the disease., Methods: A systematic review of the current literature including adult patients with a positive diagnosis of AERD undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) in the context or in absence of upper airway comorbidity, prior to AD + ATAD., Conclusion: This review concludes that the surgical approach is beneficial in AERD, but its effects are short-lived. Surgery should be considered initially with subsequent AD + ATAD in AERD patients, due to the sustained improvement achieved compared to those receiving ESS alone., Competing Interests: GS: Honoraria for articles, speaker and advisory boards: ALK, AstraZeneca, Capnia, Church & Dwight, Circassia, Noucor, GSK, Meda/Mylan/Viatris, Merck, Sanofi- Regeneron, Stallergenes. Scientific Chief Editor, Rhinology Section, Frontiers in Allergy. Board Member, Lead for Allergic Rhinitis, EUFOREA. Chair of Data Monitoring Board for Paediatric AR trials of HDM SLIT. The remaining author(s) declare(s) that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Conti, Correa and Scadding.)

In March 2023, the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airways diseases (EUFOREA) organized its bi-annual Summit in Brussels with expert panel members of EUFOREA, representatives of the EUFOREA patient advisory board, and the EUFOREA board and management teams. Its aim was to define the research, educational and advocacy initiatives to be developed by EUFOREA over the next 2 years until the 10th anniversary in 2025. EUFOREA is an international non-for-profit organization forming an alliance of all stakeholders dedicated to reducing the prevalence and burden of chronic allergic and respiratory diseases via research, education, and advocacy. Based on its medical scientific core competency, EUFOREA offers an evidence-supported platform to introduce innovation and education in healthcare leading to optimal patient care, bridging the gap between latest scientific evidence and daily practice. Aligned with the mission of improving health care, the expert panels of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) & European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS), allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and paediatrics have proposed and elaborated a variety of activities that correspond to major unmet needs in the allergy and respiratory field. The current report provides a concise overview of the achievements, ambitions, and action plan of EUFOREA for the future, allowing all stakeholders in the allergy and respiratory field to be up-dated and inspired to join forces in Europe and beyond., Competing Interests: HPW: Is recipient of consultancy/lecture fees or unrestricted research grants from Sanofi/Regeneron, Novartis, GSK, Medtronic and Viatris. LS: Honoraria by Allergopharma, DBV Technologies, Sanofi-Aventis, Leti, Nutricia. AD-Boards: Leo-Pharma, GSK, Sanofi-Aventis. SGK: Honoraria for articles, speaker and advisory boards: ALK, Bayer, GlaxoSmithKline, Haleon, Noucor, Sanofi- Regeneron, and Viatris. Chair of BSACI rhinitis guidelines, Scientific Chief Editor, Rhinology Section of Frontiers in Allergy, Board member and AR lead for EUFOREA, and Chair/ member Data Monitoring Committees on SLIT for ALK. BV: Is recipient of consultancy/lecture fees or unrestricted research grants from Sanofi/Regeneron, Novartis, GSK, AZ, ALK Abello and BORK-npc. CAM: Grants, speaker honoraria, consultancy or advisory fees and/or research support all via Technical University of Munich from Allergopharma, ALK Abello, AstraZeneca, Bencard/Allergen Therapeutics, Immunetek, GSK, Novartis, LETI, Roche, Zeller, Sanofi Genzyme, Regeneron, European Institute of Technology, Federal German Ministery of Research and Education. Travel support by EUFOREA, EAACI and DGAKI. DCE: Lecture fees and participations in experts board meeting of GSK, Novartis, Sanofi, Regeneron, Astrazeneca. DR: No conflict of interest to declare related to this work, but declares a general COI arising out of consulting pharmaceutical companies (GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Kymab and Synairgen) and honoraria for speaking (GlaxoSmithKline). FW: The department of Otorhinolaryngology of the Amsterdam University Medical centre, location AMC received grants for research in Rhinology from ALK, AllergyTherapeutics, Novartis, EU, GSK, MYLAN, Sanofi-Aventis, and Zon-MW. WF: Received consultation and/or speaker fees from Dianosic, GSK, Novartis and Sanofi-Aventis/Regeneron. GP: Has participated in advisory boards and received speaker fees from ALK-Abelló, Argenx, AstraZeneca, Genentech, GSK, Novartis, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi Genzyme, and Stallergenes- Greer. HJK: Research consultant for Sanofi, Regeneron, GlaxoSmithKline, and AstraZeneca. HLG: Has received grant funding, participated in advisory boards and given lectures at meetings supported by Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, Circassia, Hoffmann la Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, Theravance, Evelo Biosciences, Sanofi, and Teva; he has received grants from MedImmune, Novartis UK, Roche/ Genentech Inc, and Glaxo Smith Kline, Amgen, Genentech/Hoffman la Roche, Astra Zeneca, MedImmune, Glaxo Smith Kline, Aerocrine and Vitalograph; he has received sponsorship for attending international scientific meetings from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GSK and Napp Pharmaceuticals; he has also taken part in asthma clinical trials sponsored by AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Hoffmann la Roche, and GlaxoSmithKline for which his institution received remuneration; he is the Academic Lead for the Medical Research Council Stratified Medicine UK Consortium in Severe Asthma which involves industrial partnerships with a number of pharmaceutical companies including Amgen, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithKline, Hoffmann la Roche, and Janssen. JM: Declares a general COI arising out of consulting pharmaceutical companies (BerlinChemie Menarini, AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Stallergenes-Greer, ALK, Novartis) and honoraria for speaking (BerlinChemie Menarini, Chiesi, Stallergenes-Greer, Sanofi, Takeda, Novartis). ME: Has received lecture and/or advisory board fees from Airsonett, ALK, AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Novartis and Sanofi outside the submitted work. MJ: Grants from Mylan Pharma, Noucor/Uriach Group, and GSK. Personal and advisory board fees from Sanofi-Genzyme & Regeneron, Novartis, Mylan Pharma, Noucor/Uriach Group, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Menarini, UCB, AstraZeneca, GSK, and MSD. RS: Declares a general COI arising out of consulting pharmaceutical companies and/or advisory boards (GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Novartis). SG: Have received speaker fees from ALK-Abello, Meda, Glenmark and funding to attend a conference from GSK and Mylan/Meda. WU: Has received honoraria for advising and lecturing from Viatris, Stallergenes, and ALK. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Hellings, Lau, Scadding, Bjermer, Backer, Chaker, Conti, De Corso, Diamant, Djukanovic, Fokkens, Gevaert, Gray, Han, Heaney, Hoffmann, Jesenak, Johansen, Kumaran, McDonald, Melén, Mullol, Reitsma, Ryan, Scadding, Schmid-Grendelmeier, Teeling, Odemyr and Wahn.)

Temperate Earth-sized exoplanets around late-M dwarfs offer a rare opportunity to explore under which conditions planets can develop hospitable climate conditions. The small stellar radius amplifies the atmospheric transit signature, making even compact secondary atmospheres dominated by N 2 or CO 2 amenable to characterization with existing instrumentation 1 . Yet, despite large planet search efforts 2 , detection of low-temperature Earth-sized planets around late-M dwarfs has remained rare and the TRAPPIST-1 system, a resonance chain of rocky planets with seemingly identical compositions, has not yet shown any evidence of volatiles in the system 3 . Here we report the discovery of a temperate Earth-sized planet orbiting the cool M6 dwarf LP 791-18. The newly discovered planet, LP 791-18d, has a radius of 1.03 ± 0.04 R ⊕ and an equilibrium temperature of 300-400 K, with the permanent night side plausibly allowing for water condensation. LP 791-18d is part of a coplanar system 4 and provides a so-far unique opportunity to investigate a temperate exo-Earth in a system with a sub-Neptune that retained its gas or volatile envelope. On the basis of observations of transit timing variations, we find a mass of 7.1 ± 0.7 M ⊕ for the sub-Neptune LP 791-18c and a mass of [Formula: see text] for the exo-Earth LP 791-18d. The gravitational interaction with the sub-Neptune prevents the complete circularization of LP 791-18d's orbit, resulting in continued tidal heating of LP 791-18d's interior and probably strong volcanic activity at the surface 5,6 ., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Carvedilol is a poorly water-soluble drug employed to treat chronic heart failure. In this study, we synthesize new carvedilol-etched halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composites to enhance solubility and dissolution rate. The simple and feasible impregnation method is used for carvedilol loading (30-37% weight). Both the etched HNTs (acidic HCl and H 2 SO 4 and alkaline NaOH treatments) and the carvedilol-loaded samples are characterized by various techniques (XRPD, FT-IR, solid-state NMR, SEM, TEM, DSC, and specific surface area). The etching and loading processes do not induce structural changes. The drug and carrier particles are in intimate contact and their morphology is preserved, as demonstrated by TEM images. The 27 Al and 13 C solid-state NMR and FT-IR findings show that carvedilol interactions involve the external siloxane surface, especially the aliphatic carbons, the functional groups, and, by inductive effect, the adjacent aromatic carbons. All the carvedilol-halloysite composites display enhanced dissolution rate, wettability, and solubility, as compared to carvedilol. The best performances are obtained for the carvedilol-halloysite system based on HNTs etched with HCl 8M, which exhibits the highest value of specific surface area (91 m 2 g -1 ). The composites make the drug dissolution independent of the environmental conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and its absorption less variable, more predictable, and independent from the pH of the medium.

ZnS-graphene composites (ZnSGO) were synthesized by a hydrothermal process and loaded onto carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by electrospinning (ZnS-GO/CNF), to obtain self-standing anodes for SIBs. The characterization techniques (XRPD, SEM, TEM, EDS, TGA, and Raman spectroscopy) confirm that the ZnS nanocrystals (10 nm) with sphalerite structure covered by the graphene sheets were successfully synthesized. In the ZnS-GO/CNF anodes, the active material is homogeneously dispersed in the CNFs' matrix and the ordered carbon source mainly resides in the graphene component. Two self-standing ZnS-GO/CNF anodes (active material amount: 11.3 and 24.9 wt%) were electrochemically tested and compared to a tape-casted ZnS-GO example prepared by conventional methods (active material amount: 70 wt%). The results demonstrate improved specific capacity at high C-rate for the free-standing anodes compared to the tape-casted example (69.93 and 92.59 mAh g -1 at 5 C for 11.3 and 24.9 wt% free-standing anodes, respectively, vs. 50 mAh g -1 for tape-casted). The 24.9 wt% ZnS-GO/CNF anode gives the best cycling performances: we obtained capacities of 255-400 mAh g -1 for 200 cycles and coulombic efficiencies ≥ 99% at 0.5 C, and of 80-90 mAh g -1 for additional 50 cycles at 5 C. The results suggest that self-standing electrodes with improved electrochemical performances at high C-rates can be prepared by a feasible and simple strategy: ex situ synthesis of the active material and addition to the carbon precursor for electrospinning.

The present work aimed at decorating halloysite nanotubes (HNT) with magnetic Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles through different synthetic routes (co-precipitation, hydrothermal, and sol-gel) to test the efficiency of three magnetic composites (HNT/Fe 3 O 4 ) to remove the antibiotic ofloxacin (OFL) from waters. The chemical-physical features of the obtained materials were characterized through the application of diverse techniques (XRPD, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, EDS, and TEM microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and magnetization measurements), while ecotoxicity was assessed through a standard test on the freshwater organism Daphnia magna . Independently of the synthesis procedure, the magnetic composites were successfully obtained. The Fe 3 O 4 is nanometric (about 10 nm) and the weight percentage is sample-dependent. It decorates the HNT's surface and also forms aggregates linking the nanotubes in Fe 3 O 4 -rich samples. Thermodynamic and kinetic experiments showed different adsorption capacities of OFL, ranging from 23 to 45 mg g -1 . The kinetic process occurred within a few minutes, independently of the composite. The capability of the three HNT/Fe 3 O 4 in removing the OFL was confirmed under realistic conditions, when OFL was added to tap, river, and effluent waters at µg L -1 concentration. No acute toxicity of the composites was observed on freshwater organisms. Despite the good results obtained for all the composites, the sample by co-precipitation is the most performant as it: (i) is easily magnetically separated from the media after the use; (ii) does not undergo any degradation after three adsorption cycles; (iii) is synthetized through a low-cost procedure. These features make this material an excellent candidate for removal of OFL from water.

Background : Both obesity and depression are medical conditions associated with severe disability and biological abnormalities. Our aim was to study associations between Body Mass Index (BMI), depression and biological changes in women affected by overweight or obesity. Methods : Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) questionnaire in 200 women affected by overweight/obesity (mean age of the sample 52.7 ± 12.9 years, BMI 33.8 ± 5.5 kg/m 2 ). A blood sample was obtained for evaluation of biochemical (oxytocin and vitamin D), inflammatory and epigenetic (methylation of clock genes) parameters. Multivariable linear regression models were used to study the association between BMI or severity of depressive symptoms (BDI-II scores) with different biomarkers. Results : BMI was found to be associated with severity of depressive symptoms ( p = 0.050). Severity of obesity resulted to be associated with lower plasma levels of oxytocin ( p = 0.053), vitamin D deficiency ( p = 0.006) and higher plasma levels of IFN-γ ( p = 0.004), IL-6 ( p = 0.013), IL-7 ( p = 0.013), TNF-alpha ( p = 0.036) and chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3) ( p = 0.013, R 2 = 0.03). Severity of depression was significantly associated with more methylation of clock genes CRY1 ( p = 0.034, R 2 = 0.16) and CRY2 ( p = 0.019, R 2 = 0.47). More severe depression together with higher levels of IL-8 strongly predicted lower methylation of CLOCK gene ( p = 0.009); Conclusions : Different biological abnormalities have been found to be independently associated with BMI and severity of depressive symptoms in women affected by overweight/obesity. The complex interplay between overweight, depression and biological changes will have to be better clarified by future studies.

Background: Depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are among the most common causes of disability in high-income countries, depression being associated with a 30% increased risk of future CV events. Depression is twice as common in people with diabetes and is associated with a 60% rise in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, an independent CVD risk factor. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, has been related to a large number of CV risk factors, including insulin resistance. Aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of depression could affect PCSK9 levels in a population of obese subjects susceptible to depressive symptoms and how these changes may mediate a pre-diabetic risk., Results: In 389 obese individuals, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was significantly associated with PCSK9 levels. For every one-unit increment in BDI-II score, PCSK9 rose by 1.85 ng/mL. Depression was associated also with the HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment index of insulin resistance), 11% of this effect operating indirectly via PCSK9., Conclusions: This study indicates a possible mechanism linking depression and insulin resistance, a well-known CV risk factor, providing evidence for a significant role of PCSK9.

Objective: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial disorder associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. However, its pathophysiology and risk factors are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the associations among gender, psychosocial variables, job-related stress and the presence of MS in a cohort of obese Caucasian workers., Methods: A total of 210 outpatients (142 women, 68 men) from an occupational medicine service was enrolled in the study. Age, BMI, waist circumference, fasting glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were collected to define MS. In addition, we evaluated eating behaviors, depressive symptoms, and work-related stress. Data analyses were performed with an artificial neural network algorithm called Auto Semantic Connectivity Map (AutoCM), using all available variables., Results: MS was diagnosed in 54.4 and 33.1% of the men and women, respectively. AutoCM evidenced gender-specific clusters associated with the presence or absence of MS. Men with a moderate occupational physical activity, obesity, older age and higher levels of decision-making freedom at work were more likely to have a diagnosis of MS than women. Women with lower levels of decision-making freedom, and higher levels of psychological demands and social support at work had a lower incidence of MS but showed higher levels of binge eating and depressive symptomatology., Conclusion: We found a complex gender-related association between MS, psychosocial risk factors and occupational determinants. The use of these information in surveillance workplace programs might prevent the onset of MS and decrease the chance of negative long-term outcomes., Level of Evidence: Level V, observational study.

Low levels of vitamin D are related to muscle weakness, poor balance, and higher risk of falls, and can therefore have a major impact on performance and safety at work. Little knowledge exists on the association between work environment and vitamin D status. This study evaluates vitamin D status in shift workers. In this cross-sectional study, led during early springtime, 96 male shift workers at an engineering factory in Northern Italy, and 100 male daily workers operating nearby, participated. 25-OH vitamin D concentration, anthropometric indexes, fasting glycemia and triglycerides were detected. 51 shift workers underwent anamnesis collection on lifestyle and habits and determination of heel bone mineral density. Vitamin D levels were lower in shift workers than daily ones (13.4 ± 5.3 ng/mL versus 21.9 ± 10.7 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis adjusted for age, body mass index and smoking habits confirms a statistically significant association between shift work and vitamin D levels (p < 0.0001). An association trend between cigarette smoking and low vitamin D values was found. No significant association was detected between the heel bone mineral density values and vitamin D levels or smoking habits. In conclusion, this cross-sectional study highlights the high prevalence of vitamin D deficit among shift workers compared with daily ones.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential association between dietary nutrients and alterations in DNA methylation in a set of five candidate genes, including CD14, Et-1, iNOS, HERV-w and TNFα, in a population of overweight/obese subjects. We evaluated possible associations between gene methylation and clinical blood parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), triglyceride and homocysteine levels. We employed validated methods to assess anthropometric, clinical and dietary data, as well as pyrosequencing to evaluate DNA methylation of the five candidate genes in 165 overweight/obese subjects. There was no association between body mass index and DNA methylation of the five candidate genes in this group of subjects. Positive associations were observed between TNFα methylation and blood levels of LDL-C (β = 0.447, p = 0.002), TC/HDL-C (β = 0.467, p = 0.001) and LDL-C/HDL-C (β = 0.445, p = 0.002), as well as between HERV-w methylation and dietary intakes of β-carotene (β = 0.088, p = 0.051) and carotenoids (β = 0.083, p = 0.029). TNFα methylation showed negative associations with dietary intakes of cholesterol (β = -0.278, p = 0.048), folic acid (β = -0.339, p = 0.012), β-carotene (β = -0.332, p = 0.045), carotenoids (β = -0.331, p = 0.015) and retinol (β = -0.360, p = 0.008). These results suggest a complex relationship among nutrient intake, oxidative stress and DNA methylation.

Displays commonly used for testing heading judgments in the presence of rotations are ambiguous to observers. They can be interpreted equally well as motion in a straight line while rotating the eyes or as motion on a curved path. This has led to conflicting results from studies that use these displays. In this study, we tested several factors that might influence which of these two interpretations observers see. These factors included the size of the field of view, the duration of the stimulus, textured scenes versus random-dot displays, and whether or not observers were given a description of their path. The only factor that had a significant effect on path perception was whether or not observers were given instructions describing their path of motion. Under all conditions without instructions, we found that observers responded in a way that was consistent with the perception of motion on a curved path.

Previous studies have shown that a physiologically based model using motion-opponent operators to compute heading performs accurately for simulated observer translations. Here we show how this model can explain an illusory shift in the perceived focus of expansion of a radial flow field that occurs when a field of laterally moving dots is superimposed on a field of radially moving dots. Furthermore, we can use the model to predict the perceptual shift of the focus of expansion for novel visual stimuli. These results support the hypothesis that this illusion results from motion subtraction during the processing of optic flow fields.