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Background: Liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage and genetic liver diseases. The main burden of this treatment is the shortage of both living and cadaveric liver donors. An alternative treatment is using liver cell transplantation, which can be obtained from unused livers for transplantation. These hepatocytes should be kept ready in viable and functional situation in a frozen state to be instantly used when they would be needed. In our previous experience, we had isolated hepatocytes from unused livers. Objective: To find a preserving solution for increasing viability and function of the isolated hepatocytes that are stored to be transplanted. Methods: 9 cadaveric donor livers, which were not used for transplantation due to various causes such as severe steatosis, were selected to isolate hepatocytes. Various cold storage solutions were tried to find the best temperature for more viability and functionality for preservation of hepatocytes. University of Wisconsin (UW) solution and Williams E media were used as control media. 2 anti-apoptotic and antioxidative solutions, i.e., α-lipoic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), were used as cold preservatives solutions. The numbers of viable hepatocytes were estimated by trypan blue method; the functionality was assessed by the cells ability to produce urea. Results: The highest number of viable and functional hepatocytes was obtained from freshly isolated cells. However, after preservation, the number of these viable hepatocytes and their functionality were not significantly different in cold storage solutions comparing to the control media used. Functionality of the isolated hepatocytes stored in UW with and without UCDA solution was similar to freshly isolated hepatocytes. Conclusion: Preservatives with anti-apoptotic and antioxidant activity could not increase the number of viable hepatocytes. Functionality of cold storing hepatocytes could be preserved similar to freshly isolated hepatocytes by UW solution with and without UCDA.

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells are one of the most interesting cell sources used in regenerative medicine. Objective: In the present study, we isolated and characterized the mesenchymal stem cells from various compartments of human adipose tissue and tunica adventitia layer of the arteries. Methods: Tissue explant culture was done from various compartments of the human adipose tissue and tunica adventitia layer of the arteries, including adipose tissue far from the vessels, perivascular tissues that are completely attached to the vessels, and tunica adventitia layer of the arteries. After the cell culture, characterization of the cells was determined at 3rd–5th passages. Flow cytometry was performed for antigen expression analysis of CD34, CD45, CD44, CD90, CD29, CD73, and CD105. For the evaluation of cell differentiation potential, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation was conducted under appropriate protocols. Results: The cells were positive for CD44, CD90, CD29, and CD73 and negative for CD34, CD45, and CD105. Adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potentials were different among the cells from various compartments. The cells derived from perivascular tissue demonstrated better adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation. Conclusion: It is essential to characterize the cells from different tissues and compartments for different purposes in regenerative medicine.

In attention to wheat importance in people nutrition and wide distribution of salt agricultural lands, bread wheat variety of karaj3 were aeroponicaly way grown to investigate weak and power points in response to salinity. After growing the seedlings as 4 -5 leaf stage, they were exposed to salt stress, 200 mM NaCl. Then, rapid chlorophyll a fluorescence, activities of enzymes involving plant defense mechanisms, indices related to oxidative stress and membrane stability index were measured. The obtained results displayed that total superoxide dismutase activity and its isozymes had no significant changes under stress conditions. In addition, activities of catalase, guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase were elevated under stress conditions. Hydrogen peroxide, a toxic metabolite, accumulated in leaf cells affecting by salt, though significant increasing of its scavenger enzymes. Also, significant alterations occurred for lipid peroxidation and membrane stability index by salt. Na and K values in variety of karaj3 showed that K/Na ratio was more than one, however, significant increasing of Na and high decreasing of K were found. Assessing of indices related to rapid chlorophyll a fluorescence revealed that Fv/Fm parameter has been just decreased under salt. Therefore, results showed that selection of salt tolerant varieties just by Fv/Fm index was not enough reliable and it is better to apply simultaneously other indices particularly yield index. Photosystem II was not susceptible to salinity in Karaj3 variety, too. It seems lack of increased activity of superoxide dismutase and its isozymes was the probable factor for accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and oxidative stress initiation, in spite of increased its scavenging enzymes activity.

In attention to the importance of forage plants and the necessity to use genetic resources and in order to overcome the environmental stresses such as salinity, uniform grass pea seeds (landrace of Maragheh) were selected and grown in hydroponic system. At 4-5 leaves stage, seedlings were subjected to 200 mM salt stress for a period of 10 days. Sampling was done from the leaves and roots of seedlings and it used to assess the antioxidant enzymes involving in defense mechanisms. Evaluation of antioxidant enzymes in grass pea leaves showed that despite a significant increase in catalase, total superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase, injury to the membranes has been increased. Likely, the increased damage to membranes would be caused by lack of significant increase in ascorbate peroxidase and isozyme of Cu/Zn-SOD. Because the low activity of this enzymes led to inefficient implementation of Mehler cycle following by reduce efficiency of xantophyll cycle and a change in Tylakoid status. Therefore, ROS production overcomes the plant defense mechanisms leading to increased lipid peroxidation under salinity. Interestingly in the root and under salt stress, the rate of damage to cell and organelle membranes was significantly reduced compared with the control. It seems unexpected behavior of root may be due to the changes in fatty acid compositions of the membranes structure.

ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: About 12% of complications of cholecystitis are reported to be the fistula between the gall bladder and the gastrointestinal tract. In this article, a case of inflammatory adhesion between the gall bladder and the transverse colon is reported. Due to the importance of this phenomenon, the literature has been reviewed in order to highlight anatomical relation between these two viscera. Case: A case of inflammatory adhesion between the gall bladder and the adjacent part of transverse colon was observed during routine dissection of abdominal cavity of a male middle age cadaver. The adhesional fold contained multiple fistulae between the fundus of gall bladder and the adjacent part of transverse colon. Through the round openings of these fistulae, the green bile material appeared to have been passed from the gall bladder to the colon. Conclusion: In cases of untreated chronic cholecystitis, this kind of inflammatory adhesion between the gall bladder and the adjacent part of transverse colon and subsequent fistulae used to be a usual complication. Because of low level of hygiene and medical services, the frequency of these complications, was not uncommon in the past, but their occurrence has decreased in recent decades. Meanwhile, due to the possibility of occurrence, the emphasis on anatomical relation of these two viscera, and drafting an integrated discussion of anatomy, developmental and clinical aspects of heptorenal pouch is mandatory in the educational areas.

Abstract Climate services are largely supported by climate reanalyses and by satellite Fundamental (Climate) Data Records (F(C)DRs). This paper demonstrates how the development and the uptake of F(C)DR benefit from radiance simulations, using reanalyses and radiative transfer models. We identify three classes of applications, with examples for each application class. The first application is to validate assumptions during F(C)DR development. Hereto we show the value of applying advanced quality controls to geostationary European (Meteosat) images. We also show the value of a cloud mask to study the spatio‐temporal coherence of the impact of the Mount Pinatubo volcanic eruption between Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) and the High‐resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS) data. The second application is to assess the coherence between reanalyses and observations. Hereto we show the capability of reanalyses to reconstruct spectra observed by the Spektrometer Interferometer (SI‐1) flown on a Soviet satellite in 1979. We also present a first attempt to estimate the random uncertainties from this instrument. Finally, we investigate how advanced bias correction can help to improve the coherence between reanalysis and Nimbus‐3 Medium‐Resolution Infrared Radiometer (MRIR) in 1969. The third application is to inform F(C)DR users about particular quality aspects. We show how simulations can help to make a better‐informed use of the corresponding F(C)DR, taking as examples the Nimbus‐7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer (SMMR), the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) imager, and the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Special Sensor Microwave Water Vapor Profiler (SSM/T‐2).

Background: Pruritus, skin pain and sleep disturbance place a significant burden on individuals with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and negatively affect their quality of life. Fit-for-purpose patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that assess AD-related pruritus, skin pain and sleep disturbance are important for evaluating the effectiveness of new AD treatments., Objectives: To evaluate the content validity of five AD-related PROMs in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD [the Worst Pruritus Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the AD Skin Pain NRS, the Sleep Disturbance NRS, the skin pain-specific Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and the skin pain-specific Patient Global Impression of Severity (PGIS)], and to assess patient-reported experience with pruritus, skin pain and sleep disturbance., Methods: A qualitative study in adolescents (aged 12-17 years) and adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with moderate-to-severe AD was conducted in two consecutive stages. In each stage, two iterative rounds of individual interviews were conducted by experienced interviewers. All interviews included concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing components. Data were analysed using thematic analysis., Results: Twenty-seven adults and 20 adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD took part in the initial content evaluation (stage 1) of the Worst Pruritus NRS (1.0) and AD Skin Pain NRS (1.0) (n = 26; 16 adults, 10 adolescents) and in the subsequent content evaluation (stage 2) of the revised Worst Pruritus NRS (1.1), revised AD Skin Pain NRS (1.1), Sleep Disturbance NRS, skin pain-specific PGIC and skin pain-specific PGIS (n = 21; 11 adults, 10 adolescents). The results were generally aligned and consistent for adult and adolescent participants. Additionally, we found that sleep disturbance is relevant and important for evaluation in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe AD (stage 2), while also providing further confirmation of this for pruritus and skin pain (stages 1 and 2)., Conclusions: Our findings support the content validity of the revised Worst Pruritus NRS (1.1), revised AD Skin Pain NRS (1.1), Sleep Disturbance NRS, skin pain-specific PGIC and skin pain-specific PGIS in individuals aged ≥ 12 years with moderate-to-severe AD. Furthermore, the findings support sleep disturbance, skin pain and pruritus as being relevant and important for adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe AD., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: A.B. has served as a speaker (received honoraria) for AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Regeneron and Sanofi; served as a scientific adviser (received honoraria) for AbbVie, Abcentra, Aclaris Therapeutics, Affibody, ALIGOS Therapeutics, Almirall, Alumis, Amgen, AnaptysBio, Apogee, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Arena, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, Athenex, Bluefin Biomedicine, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, CTI BioPharma, Dermavant, EcoR1, Eli Lilly, Escient Pharmaceuticals, Evelo, Evommune, Forte, Galderma, HighlightII Pharma, Incyte, InnoventBio, Janssen, Landos Biopharma, LEO Pharma, Lipidio Pharma, Merck, Monte Rosa Therapeutics, Nektar, Novartis, Overtone Therapeutics, Pfizer, Rani, Rapt, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, Spherix Global Insights, Sun Pharma, Takeda, TLL Pharmaceutical, TrialSpark, UCB Pharma, Union, Ventyx, Vibliome Therapeutics and Xencor; and has acted as a clinical study investigator (institution has received clinical study funds) for AbbVie, ACELYRIN, Allakos, Almirall, Alumis, Amgen, Arcutis, Athenex, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Concert, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Evelo, Evommune, Galderma, Incyte, Janssen, LEO Pharma, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, UCB Pharma and Ventyx. J.R. was an employee of Amgen Inc., and may hold shares and/or stock options in the company. Y.Z. was an employee of Kyowa Kirin, Inc., and may hold shares and/or stock options in the company. E.E. is an employee of Kyowa Kirin, Inc., and may hold shares and/or stock options in the company. M.C., K.K., N.H., S.M. and D.W. are full-time employees of RTI Health Solutions, an independent nonprofit research organization, which was retained by Amgen Inc., to conduct the research that is the subject of this manuscript. Their compensation is unconnected to the studies on which they work. E.G.-Y. is an employee of Mount Sinai and has received research grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, LEO Pharma, Pfizer, Cara Therapeutics, UCB, Kyowa Kirin, RAPT, Amgen, GSK, Incyte, Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, Regeneron, AnaptysBio, Concert and Janssen; and is a consultant for AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Biologic, Design, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Connect, Pharma, DBV Technologies, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Evidera, Galderma, Gate Bio, Genentech, Incyte, Inmagene Bio, Janssen Biotech, Kyowa Kirin, LEO Pharma, Merck, Pfizer, Q32 Bio, RAPT, Regeneron, Sanofi, SATO, Siolta, Target, UCB and Ventyx., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists.)

The production of medicinal plants under stressful environments offers an alternative to meet the requirements of sustainable agriculture. The action of mycorrhizal fungus; Funneliformis mosseae and zinc in stimulating growth and stress tolerance in medicinal plants is an intriguing area of research. The current study evaluated the combined use of nano-zinc and mycorrhizal fungus on the physiochemical responses of Dracocephalum moldavica under salinity stress. The study employed a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments were different levels of salinity (0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl), two levels of mycorrhiza application (0 and 5 g kg - 1 of soil), and two levels of foliar spraying of nano zinc oxide (0 and 1000 ppm). Salinity decreased the photosynthetic pigments content, SPAD value, and chlorophyll fluorescence data (Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm). Plant dry weight, Na + content, and essential oil content were significantly higher at 50 mM salinity + co-application of mycorrhiza and nano zinc oxide. Electrolyte leakage increased under salt stress, while mycorrhizal inoculation compensated for the trait. The main essential oil constituents were geranyl acetate, nerol, geranial, geraniol, viridiflorol, hexadecane, humulene, and germacrene D. Energy metabolism demonstrates the effectiveness of treatment combinations in promoting the biosynthesis and accumulation of essential oil components. The overall results with more comprehensive field-based studies would be advisable for the extension section to utilize marginal salty lands for the reliable production of a valuable medicinal plant., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics approval and consent to participate: All methods were followed based on the relevant institutional, national, and international legislations., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Social prescribing is a model of care, usually in the community-setting, which aims to address people's unmet social needs. Volunteers support primary health care and community-based care in non-medical roles. However, few studies focus on volunteers in social prescribing, therefore, aimed to synthesize the effect of health or peer volunteer-led interventions on psychosocial and behavioural outcomes for middle-aged and older adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) to inform future work for volunteering in social prescribing. We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and searched six databases and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed studies from 2013+ (last search May 16, 2024). We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from all languages, and synthesized data using the Cochrane's Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines; and assessed risk of bias using the "Risk of Bias 2 Tool". We identified nine RCTs (reported in 10 publications). Interventions aimed to promote self-management of T2DM, and study duration ranged from one to 46 months. Training for volunteers varied between one to 32 hours, and most volunteers were offered a stipend. For psychosocial outcomes, only one outcome on social support favoured the intervention group, with the remaining outcomes reporting no differences between study groups. For behaviour, six outcomes (from three studies) favoured the intervention group, and for three outcomes there were no differences between study groups. In conclusion, volunteers bring a unique perspective to health interventions, but volunteer training, matching and retention, as well as intervention mode and duration, and geographical context need to be thoughtfully considered as important implementation factors. This work generates ideas for future studies focused on volunteers and T2DM management and social prescribing. Trial registration: PROSPERO registration: CRD42023453506., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Iverson et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Introduction: In adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), rocatinlimab demonstrated significant and progressive improvement in clinical measures of disease severity compared with placebo. This post hoc analysis of a phase 2b study was undertaken to understand the disease burden and to assess the impact of rocatinlimab on patient-reported outcomes (PROs)., Methods: This analysis used baseline data from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study of adults with moderate-to-severe AD, who completed a Worst Pruritus numerical rating scale (NRS), Sleep Disturbance NRS, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). A mixed model for repeated measures was used to estimate changes in PRO scores from baseline; scores were also compared with clinically meaningful change benchmarks., Results: The analysis included 267 subjects, mean (SD) age 37.9 (14.7) years, 40.8% female; 55.1% grade 3 and 44.9% grade 4 Investigator Global Assessment for AD. Mean (SD) scores were: Worst Pruritus NRS 7.5 (1.9), Sleep Disturbance NRS 5.5 (2.9), DLQI total score 12.6 (7.1). Worst Pruritus and Sleep NRS scores had low positive correlations with SCORing AD (SCORAD) score (r = 0.44, r = 0.45 respectively) and negligible correlations with Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score and area affected (r < 0.30). DLQI score varied by sex, study country, race, age, longer disease duration, disease severity (EASI and SCORAD), presence of asthma, and Worst Pruritus NRS, Sleep disturbance NRS, and DLQI scores. Rocatinlimab showed benefit on all three PROs, with significant improvements from baseline at the end of the double-blind period (week 18) and active treatment extension (week 36). Benefits were maintained over 20 weeks' post-treatment follow-up. The benefit of rocatinlimab treatment on PROs is rapid and maintained for at least 20 weeks following treatment completion., Conclusion: This analysis demonstrates the importance of characterizing the burden of moderate-to-severe AD from the patient's perspective, alongside clinical disease measures, to develop a fuller picture of treatment benefit., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03703102., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflicts of Interest: Melinda Gooderham has been an investigator, speaker, and/or advisor for: AbbVie, Acelyrin, Alumis, Amgen, Akros, Arcutis, Aristea, AnaptysBio, Apogee Therapeutics, Bausch Health, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cara Therapeutics, Dermira, Dermavant, Eli Lilly, Galderma, GSK, Incyte, Inmagene, JAMP Pharma, Janssen, LEO Pharma, L’Oreal, MedImmune, Meiji, MoonLake, Nektar, Nimbus, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi Genzyme, Sun Pharma, Tarsus, Takeda, UCB, Union, Ventyx, and Vyne. Emma Guttman-Yassky is an employee of Mount Sinai; this institution has received research grants from: LEO Pharma, Pfizer, Amgen, GSK, Incyte, Sanofi, Bristol Myers Squibb, ASLAN, Regeneron, AnaptysBio, Concert, Janssen, Q32 Bio, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Arcutis, and Inmagene. Emma Guttman-Yassky has been a consultant for: AbbVie, Arcutis, Almirall, Amgen, AnaptysBio, Apogee Therapeutics, Apollo Therapeutics Limited, Artax Biopharma Inc., Astria, Bristol Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Calliditas Therapeutics, Cara Therapeutics, Celldex, Centrexion Therapeutics Corporation, Connect Biopharma, Coty, DBV Technologies, Eli Lilly, Enveda Biosciences, Escient Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Fairmount Funds Management LLC, FL2022-001, Inc., Galderma, Gate Bioscience, Google Ventures (GV), GSK Immunology, Incyte, Inmagene, Janssen Biotech, Jasper Therapeutics, Kymera Therapeutics, Kyowa Kirin, Leo Pharma, Matchpoint Therapeutics, Merck, Nektar Therapeutics, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, NUMAB Therapeutics AG, Nuvig, OrbiMed Advisors LLC, Otsuka, Pfizer, Pharmaxis Ltd, Pioneering Medicine VII, Inc., Proteologix US Inc., RAPT, RayThera, Inc., Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, RibonTherapeutics, Inc., Sagiment Biosciences, Sanofi, SATO, Schrödinger, Inc., Sitryx, Sun Pharma Advanced Research Company (SPARC), Takeda, Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc., TRex, UCB, and Ventyx Biosciences. Ken Igawa has received a lecture fee from: Sanofi, AbbVie, Lilly, Leo Pharma, Maruho, and Otsuka. Kenji Kabashima has received consulting fees, honoraria, grant support, and/or lecturing fees from: Amgen, Kyowa Kirin, Japan Tobacco, LEO Pharma, Maruho, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Ono Pharmaceutical, Procter & Gamble, Sanofi, Taiho, and Torii Pharmaceutical. Ehsanollah Esfandiari, Angela J Rylands and Angela Williams are employees of Kyowa Kirin International. Ehsanollah Esfandiari has stock options in Kyowa Kirin. Annabel Nixon and Jennifer E. Dent work for Chilli Consultancy, which received payment from Kyowa Kirin International for this work. Eric Simpson received personal fees from AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Areteia Therapeutics, Bristol Myers Squibb, CorEvitas, Corvus, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Evelo Biosciences, FIDE, Forte Bio RX, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Gilead Sciences, Impetus Healthcare, Incyte, Innovaderm Research, Janssen, Johnson & Johnson, Kyowa Kirin Pharmaceutical Development, LEO Pharma, Merck, NUMAB Therapeutics AG, Pfizer, Physicians World LLC, PRImE, Recludix Pharma, Regeneron, Roivant, Sanofi Genzyme, Sitryx Therapeutics, Trevi Therapeutics, and Valeant. Eric Simpson received research grants from or served as a principal investigator for: AbbVie, Acrotech, Amgen, Arcutis, ASLAN, Castle, CorEvitas, Dermavant, Dermira, Incyte, Lilly, Kymab, Kyowa Kirin, National Jewish Health, LEO Pharma, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Target, and VeriSkin. Ethical Approval: The trial was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, the International Conference on Harmonization consolidated Good Clinical Practice guideline, and any applicable national and local laws and regulations. The protocol and all subsequent amendments were reviewed and approved by institutional review boards or independent ethics committees at each site. All subjects provided written informed consent., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To explore the rehabilitation preferences and experiences of clinicians and patients for education after lower limb loss to facilitate the development of an online self-management program., Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Thirty-one clinicians (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and prosthetists), and 26 patients with lower limb loss (transtibial and transfemoral amputation; mean age (SD) of 63.3 (9.1), years) were recruited. We used semi-structured focus groups and one-on-one interviews, and audio recorded the interviews. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis., Results: Three themes were identified: (1) Needing education in rehabilitation described the education in current practice as one-on-one discussion and booklets and highlighted the limitations of education such as its length, static nature, and inaccessible for patients living in remote areas. (2) Getting back to activities prior to amputation emphasized how goal setting and social support could assist patients and facilitate self-management. (3) Augmenting learning highlighted the need for an accessible complementary source for education and potential solutions to overcome the barriers of online delivery., Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of education in the rehabilitation of patients to help them get back to their activities. An online accessible tool may improve education by providing information and peer support.

In a randomized phase 2b trial (NCT03703102) for adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD), treatment with the T cell rebalancing anti-OX40 receptor antibody rocatinlimab (AMG 451/KHK4083) led to significant improvements in clinical measurements versus placebo including whole-body Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score. AD manifestations can impact variable anatomic regions, and involvement of the head and neck, a sensitive, hard-to-treat area, can negatively impact quality of life. In this post hoc analysis, we investigated response to rocatinlimab treatment across anatomic regions, including the head and neck. Least squares mean change from baseline to Week 56 in EASI score was analyzed by anatomic region (head and neck, trunk, upper extremities, or lower extremities) for patients with baseline moderate-to-severe AD in the respective anatomic region, using mixed models for repeated measures. Rocatinlimab groups were compared with placebo at Week 16. The proportion of patients achieving at least 75% reduction from baseline in EASI (EASI-75) was calculated. Probability of relapsing in EASI-75 during the off-treatment follow-up period (Weeks 36-56) was estimated using a Kaplan - Meier approach. At Week 16, decrease from baseline in mean EASI score was greater with all rocatinlimab regimens versus placebo across all anatomic regions for patients with baseline moderate-to-severe AD in the respective region (all P < 0.001). EASI scores continued to improve on treatment after Week 16 and were maintained during the off-treatment period across all regions. Among patients with baseline moderate-to-severe AD in the head and neck (n = 219; rocatinlimab, n = 174; placebo, n = 45), mean difference (rocatinlimab vs placebo) at Week 16 in LS mean percent change in head and neck EASI score ranged from - 30.4% to - 42.6% across treatment regimens. In patients who received rocatinlimab from the start of the trial, 47% - 71% achieved EASI-75 in the head and neck at Week 36. Among EASI-75 responders at Week 36, the probability of relapsing in EASI-75 in any region was low (< 25% in the head and neck) 20 weeks after treatment discontinuation until Week 56.Rocatinlimab treatment led to durable improvements in AD across multiple anatomic regions, including the sensitive head and neck region., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical sciences promises many benefits. Applying the benefits of this science in developing countries is still in the development stage. This important point depends considerably on the knowledge and acceptance levels of physicians., Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study that was conducted on 169 medical doctors using a purposive sampling method. To collect data, questionnaires were used to obtain demographic characteristics, a questionnaire to investigate the knowledge of AI and its applications, and an acceptability questionnaire to investigate AI. For data analysis, SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 22 and appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used, and a significance level of < 0.05 was considered., Results: Most of the participants (102) were male (60.4%), married (144) (85.20%), had specialized doctorate education (97) (57.4%), and had average work experience of 10.78 ± 6.67 years. The mean and standard deviation of knowledge about AI were 9.54 ± 3.04, and acceptability was 81.64 ± 13.83. Multiple linear regressions showed that work history ( P = 0.017) and history of participation in AI training courses ( P = 0.007) are effective in knowledge and acceptability of AI., Conclusion: The knowledge and acceptability of the use of AI among the studied physicians were at an average level. However, due to the importance of using AI in medical sciences and the inevitable use of this technology in the near future, especially in medical sciences in crisis, war, and military conditions, it is necessary for the policymakers of the health system to improve the knowledge and methods of working with this technology in the medical staff in addition to providing the infrastructure., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Education and Health Promotion.)

Introduction: Previous social prescribing work highlights a range in the types and number of outcomes used in published studies. We aimed to describe social prescribing outcome core areas and instruments to build capacity for future research and program evaluation., Methods: This was a modified umbrella review following standard guidelines. We registered the study and searched multiple databases (all languages and years); inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed publications containing outcomes for self-described social prescribing for adults aged 18 years and older. The last search date was 9 July 2023. From the included systematic reviews, we identified primary studies using the same inclusion criteria. For primary studies, we sorted extracted outcomes and instruments into six core areas using a published taxonomy. We located information on instruments' description and measurement properties and conducted two rating rounds for (1) the quality of systematic reviews and (2) reporting of instruments in primary studies. We conducted a narrative synthesis of reviews, primary studies and outcomes (PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023434061)., Results: We identified 10 systematic reviews and 33 primary studies for inclusion in our review. Outcomes covered most core taxonomy areas, with an emphasis on psychosocial factors (e.g. well-being) and less emphasis on cognition, physical activity, and caregivers and volunteers. We noted few studies provided detailed information on demographic data of participants or measurement properties of instruments., Conclusion: This synthesis provides an overview and identifies knowledge gaps for outcomes and instruments used in social prescribing interventions. This work forms the basis of our next step of identifying social prescribing-related outcomes that matter most across interested parties, such as individuals providers and decision makers., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, heterogeneous, inflammatory disease characterized by skin lesions, pruritus, and pain. Patients with moderate-to-severe AD experience chronic symptoms, intensified by unpredictable flares, and often have comorbidities and secondary complications, which can result in significant clinical burden that impacts the patient's overall quality of life. The complex interplay of immune dysregulation and skin barrier disruption drives AD pathogenesis, of which T-cell-dependent inflammation plays a critical role in patients with AD. Despite new targeted therapies, many patients with moderate-to-severe AD fail to achieve or sustain their individual treatment goals and/or may not be suitable for or tolerate these therapies. There remains a need for a novel, efficacious, well-tolerated therapeutic option that can deliver durable benefits across a heterogeneous AD patient population. Expression of OX40 [tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 4 (TNFRSF4)], a prominent T-cell co-stimulatory molecule, and its ligand [OX40L; tumor necrosis factor superfamily, member 4 (TNFSF4)] is increased in AD. As the OX40 pathway is critical for expansion, differentiation, and survival of effector and memory T cells, its targeting might be a promising therapeutic approach to provide sustained inhibition of pathogenic T cells and associated inflammation and broad disease control. Antibodies against OX40 [rocatinlimab (AMG 451/KHK4083) and telazorlimab (GBR 830)] or OX40L [amlitelimab (KY1005)] have shown promising results in early-phase clinical studies of moderate-to-severe AD, highlighting the importance of OX40 signaling as a new therapeutic target in AD., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This is a summary of the original article "An Anti-OX40 Antibody to Treat Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: a Multicentre, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase 2b Study". Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease caused by a complex interplay of genetic factors, alterations to the skin microenvironment, and immune dysregulation, including T cells that have become uncontrolled. Rocatinlimab is an investigational agent that blocks OX40, a receptor on activated T cells that has an important role in inflammatory conditions such as AD. This summary of research provides an overview of a previously published article on the results of a phase 2b study of patients with moderate-to-severe AD who were treated with different doses of rocatinlimab or placebo and followed for up to 56 weeks. Rocatinlimab significantly improved the symptoms of AD and was well tolerated. The most common adverse events were fever, nasopharyngitis, and chills. This study supports rocatinlimab as a potentially safe and effective treatment for moderate-to-severe AD., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To develop an online self-management program for individuals with recent lower limb loss, called Self-Management for Amputee Rehabilitation using Technology (SMART)., Materials and Methods: We used the Intervention Mapping Framework as a blueprint and involved stakeholders throughout the process. A six-step study was conducted including (1) needs assessment using interviews, (2) translating needs to content, (3) applying the content into a prototype using theory-based methods, (4) a usability assessment using think-aloud cognitive testing, (5) planning for future adoption and implementation, and (6) assessing feasibility using mixed-methods to generate a plan to assess the effectiveness on health-outcomes in a randomized controlled trial., Results: Following interviews with healthcare professionals ( n  = 31) and people with lower limb loss ( n  = 26), we determined the content of a prototype version. We then tested usability ( n  = 9) and feasibility ( n  = 12) by recruiting individuals with lower limb loss from different pools. We modified SMART to be assessed in a randomized controlled trial. SMART is a six-week online program with weekly contact of a peer mentor with lower limb loss who supported patients with goal-setting and action-planning., Conclusions: Intervention mapping facilitated the systematic development of SMART. SMART may improve health outcomes, but this would need to be confirmed in future studies.Implications for rehabilitationLearning new coping strategies and habits are essential after lower limb loss.Given the limitations and inaccessibility of educational and rehabilitation programs, online self-management education can assist patients in their recovery.Self-Management for Amputee Rehabilitation using Technology (SMART) has the potential to augment the self-management behaviors in individuals with lower limb loss through an improvement in access to educational content, skill-based videos, and support of a peer.

Objectives: During aging, cerebral structures undergo changes due to oxidative stress. The consumption of some plants seems to improve neurological health. For example, rosemary extract (RE) which is widely used as a flavoring food has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Therefore, we aimed to study the effect of RE on the changes related to the aging process in the prefrontal cortex (PFC)., Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats including young and old were purchased. Each group was divided into two subgroups: vehicle and rosemary (old vehicle (OV), old rosemary (OR), young vehicle (YV), and young rosemary (YR) groups). Then, we examined the number of intact neurons, myelin base protein (MBP), white matter (WM), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the PFC., Results: The results showed that in the old vehicle rats compared to the young group without treatment, except for the MDA level (which increased), other variables significantly decreased ( P ≤0.05). Additionally, RE consumption demonstrated a significant elevation of WMA, MBP intensity, number of intact neurons, and GPx activity level, while MDA levels significantly reduced in the treated old rats compared to the old vehicle group ( P ≤0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the OR and YV groups ( P ≥0.05)., Conclusion: Overall, it seems that RE can protect and improve aging damages in the PFC due to its anti-oxidant properties. So, the use of RE can be a suitable strategy to prevent aging complications in the brain., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Biliary atresia (BA) is the primary cause of neonatal jaundice with various pathological mechanisms. Many BA patients may experience progressive liver dysfunction and eventually need a liver transplant. Therefore, identifying potential non-invasive biomarkers for BA is crucial. miR-122, the most abundant microRNA in the liver, plays significant roles in different liver diseases. This study aimed to assess miR-122 levels in BA patients. Eighteen patients with biliary atresia were selected at random from the Shiraz Pediatric Liver Cirrhosis Cohort Study (SPLCCS), along with 18 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected, and biochemical parameters (such as liver function tests) were measured. Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) was conducted on serum samples from both the case and control groups to analyze miR-122 levels. The study results indicated that serum miR-122 expression in BA patients was elevated compared to the control group, although it did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, no correlation was found between miR-122 expression and serum levels of liver enzymes or other laboratory findings in BA cases. miR-122 could be a potential target for diagnosing BA; however, further research with a larger population is necessary to determine if miR-122 could serve as a useful biomarker for diagnosing BA., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that bind to the target mRNA and regulate gene expression. Recently circulating microRNAs were investigated as markers of diseases and therapeutic targets. Although various studies analyze the miRNA expression in liver disease, these studies on PFIC are few. Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare liver disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. Most children with PFIC progress to cirrhosis and liver failure and consequently need to have a liver transplant. The aim of this study is the investigation of the miR-19b and miR-let7b expression levels in Iranian PFIC children., Methods: 25 PFIC patients, 25 healthy children and 25 Biliary Atresia patients were considered as case and two control groups respectively. Blood samples were obtained and Liver function tests (LFTs) were measured. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, quantitative PCR was performed using specific primers for miR-19b and miR-let7b. The U6 gene is used as an internal control., Results: qPCR on PFIC patients' samples demonstrated that the miR-19b and the miR-let7b expression were significantly decreased in patients compared to the control groups, with a p-value<0.0001 and p-value=0.0006 receptively., Conclusion: In conclusion, circulating micro-RNA like miR-19b and miR-let7b have a potential opportunity to be a non-invasive diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for PFIC in the future., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent neurological disability among young adults. Anti-inflammatory drugs have shown to be effective in MS. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of Zingiber officinale (ginger) have been shown and proven in many phytotherapy studies. This study aimed to evaluate effects of ginger essential oil on preventing myelin degradation in a rat model of MS., Materials and Methods: In this study, we divided 49 rats into 7 groups; 4 control and 3 experimental groups that received 3 different dose of ginger essential oil (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg/day) for treatment of cuprizone-induced demyelinated rats. Basket test and transmission electron microscopy were performed in this study. Olig2 and Mbp genes and proteins were respectively evaluated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)., Results: Histologically, cuprizone created demyelination in the corpus callosum fibers. Remyelination of fibers was seen in the group treated with the medium dose of ginger essence, by toluidine blue staining. transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed increased thickness of the myelin of fibers in all 3 treated groups (p<0.05). Feeding by the medium dose of ginger essence significantly increased the levels of Mbp and Olig 2 genes (p<0.05). ELISA test showed that 100 mg/kg/day of ginger caused a significant difference between experimental and the cuprizone-induced groups (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Our findings suggested that administration of ginger essential oil prevented demyelination and improved remyelination of rats` corpus callusom and can be used as an effective substance in the prevention of MS., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that there is no conflict of interest.

Purpose: This is a study protocol to co-create with knowledge users a core outcome set focused on middle-aged and older adults (40 years+) for use in social prescribing research., Methods: We will follow the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) guide and use modified Delphi methods, including collating outcomes reported in social prescribing publications, online surveys, and discussion with our team to finalize the core outcome set. We intentionally center this work on people who deliver and receive social prescribing and include methods to evaluate collaboration. Our three-part process includes: (1) identifying published systematic reviews on social prescribing for adults to extract reported outcomes; and (2) up to three rounds of online surveys to rate the importance of outcomes for social prescribing. For this part, we will invite people (n = 240) who represent the population experienced in social prescribing, including researchers, members of social prescribing organizations, and people who receive social prescribing and their caregivers. Finally, we will (3) convene a virtual team meeting to discuss and rank the findings and finalize the core outcome set and our knowledge mobilization plan., Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study designed to use a modified Delphi method to co-create core outcomes for social prescribing. Development of a core outcome set contributes to improved knowledge synthesis via consistency in measures and terminology. We aim to develop guidance for future research, and specifically on the use of core outcomes for social prescribing at the person/patient, provider, program, and societal-level., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Esfandiari et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Individuals with lower limb loss (LLL) need education to adapt to their amputation. Self-management programs provide education and supportive skills to manage health-related physical and psychological challenges. eHealth technologies, such as online platforms, are increasing access to educational resources. We designed an online self-management program for individuals with LLL called Self-Management for Amputee Rehabilitation using Technology (SMART); however, before evaluating its efficacy, we wanted to understand its appropriateness in the target population., Objective: To assess the usability of SMART among individuals with LLL., Study Design: The study used a concurrent and retrospective think-aloud process., Methods: Individuals with LLL, aged 18 years or older (n = 9), reviewed the modules during an online video conferencing session with an assessor. SMART included four stakeholder-informed modules with 18 total sections. Participants were asked to think aloud while completing 11 SMART tasks, such as entering SMART, goal setting, finding skin care, and reading the content of 10 sections, including limb care, diet, fatigue, and energy. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using directed content analysis., Results: The median age was 58 (range: 30-69) years. Overall, SMART was perceived as straightforward, easy to navigate, and an accessible resource for education and skills. Difficulties were identified with navigation (e.g. skipping the "Foot care for diabetes" section), presentation (e.g. unclear audio), and language (e.g. pistoning and contracture)., Conclusions: SMART was redesigned to address the usability issues. The next step is to explore the perceived usefulness of SMART for content and intention to use., (Copyright © 2022 International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics.)

Background: Lower limb loss (LLL) is a distressing experience with psychological, physical, and social challenges. Education is needed to enhance the coping skills and confidence of patients to improve LLL outcomes. However, access to rehabilitation services and education is limited outside of urban centers. To address this service gap, we co-created an eHealth platform, called Self-Management for Amputee Rehabilitation using Technology (SMART)., Objectives: First, we will test the effect of SMART and usual care compared with usual care only on walking capacity and confidence among individuals with LLL. Second, we will describe key implementation factors for program delivery and adoption at the person- and provider-level., Methods: This is a Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Design, mixed-methods, multi-site (British Columbia and Ontario, Canada), parallel, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants will include adults with unilateral LLL, during early prosthetic fitting (<2 years after casting for initial prosthesis). Participants in both groups will receive usual care. The experimental group will receive SMART with weekly support sessions from a trained peer mentor for goal setting and action planning for six weeks. Participants will be encouraged to continue using SMART for an additional four weeks. The control group will receive usual care, and weekly social contacts for six weeks. The primary outcome measure is walking capacity operationalized as the performance based Timed Up and Go test. The secondary outcome is walking confidence using the Ambulatory Self-Confidence Questionnaire. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and four weeks follow-up. We will describe key implementation factors (such as, participant experience, intervention adoption, fidelity) throughout the study using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and direct observation., Results: No participants have been enrolled., Conclusions: SMART has the potential to provide knowledge and skill development to augment rehabilitation outcomes for adults with LLL., Trial Registration: NCT04953364 in Clinical Trial Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov/)., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Esfandiari et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: OX40 is crucial for T-cell differentiation and memory induction. The anti-OX40 antibody, rocatinlimab inhibits the OX40 pathway. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of rocatinlimab in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis., Methods: This multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b study was done at 65 secondary and tertiary sites in the USA, Canada, Japan, and Germany. Eligible patients were adults (aged 18 years or older) with confirmed atopic dermatitis (American Academy of Dermatology Consensus Criteria or local diagnostic criteria) with moderate-to-severe disease activity, as defined by an Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score of 16 or more, validated Investigator's Global Assessment for Atopic Dermatitis score of 3 (moderate) or 4 (severe), and affected body surface area 10% or higher at both screening and baseline, with documented history (within 1 year) of inadequate response to topical medications or if topical treatments were medically inadvisable. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1:1) to receive subcutaneous rocatinlimab every 4 weeks (150 mg or 600 mg) or every 2 weeks (300 mg or 600 mg) or subcutaneous placebo up to week 18, with an 18-week active-treatment extension and 20-week follow-up. Percentage change from baseline in EASI score was assessed as the primary endpoint at week 16 and during the active extension and follow-up in all randomly assigned patients exposed to study drug with a post-baseline EASI score at week 16 or earlier according to the group they were randomly assigned to. Safety was assessed in all randomly assigned patients exposed to study drug; patients were analysed according to the group they were randomly assigned to. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03703102., Findings: Between Oct 22, 2018, and Oct 21, 2019, 274 patients (114 [42%] women, 160 [58%] men; mean age 38·0 years [SD 14·5]) were randomly assigned to one of the rocatinlimab groups (217 [79%] patients) or to the placebo group (57 [21%] patients). Compared with placebo (-15·0 [95% CI -28·6 to -1·4]), significant least-squares mean percent reductions in EASI score at week 16 were observed in all rocatinlimab groups (rocatinlimab 150 mg every 4 weeks -48·3 [-62·2 to -34·0], p=0·0003; rocatinlimab 600 mg every 4 weeks -49·7 [-64·3 to -35·2], p=0·0002; rocatinlimab 300 mg every 2 weeks -61·1 [-75·2 to -47·0], p<0·0001; and rocatinlimab 600 mg every 2 weeks -57·4 [-71·3 to -43·4], p<0·0001). The most common adverse events during the double-blind period in patients receiving rocatinlimab (adverse events ≥5% of patients in the total rocatinlimab group and more common than the placebo group) were pyrexia (36 [17%] patients), nasopharyngitis (30 [14%] patients), chills (24 [11%] patients), headache (19 [9%] patients), aphthous ulcer (15 [7%] patients), and nausea (13 [6%] patients). There were no deaths., Interpretation: Patients treated with rocatinlimab had progressive improvements in atopic dermatitis, which was maintained in most patients after treatment discontinuation. Treatment was well tolerated., Funding: Kyowa Kirin., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests EG-Y reports research funds (grants paid to the institution) from Amgen, AnaptysBio, Asana Biosciences, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cara Therapeutics, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Innovaderm, Kyowa Kirin, Leo Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals; served as a consultant for AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Arena, Asana Biosciences, Aslan Pharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Bristol-Meyers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Celgene, Connect Pharma, Eli Lilly, EMD Serono, Evidera, Galderma, Ichnos Sciences, Incyte, Janssen Biotech, Kyowa Kirin, Leo Pharma, Pandion Therapeutics, Pfizer, RAPT Therapeutics, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, SATO Pharmaceutical, Siolta Therapeutics, Target Pharma Solutions, UCB, and Ventyx Biosciences; reports personal fees from AbbVie, Amgen, Arena Pharmaceuticals, Aslan Pharma, Boston Consulting Group, Collective Acumen, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Evidera, Excerpta Medica, Forte Bio RX, Galderma, GlaxoSmithKline, Incyte, Janssen, Kyowa Kirin Pharmaceutical Development, Leo Pharma, Medscape, Merck, Pfizer, Physicians World, Regeneron, Roivant, Sanofi-Genzyme, Trevi Therapeutics, Valeant, and WebMD; and reports grants from or serves as Principal Investigator for AbbVie, Amgen, Arcutis, Aslan, Castle Biosciences, CorEvitas, Dermavant, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Incyte, Kymab, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Leo Pharma, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, and TARGET-DERM. These potential conflicts of interest have been reviewed and managed by Oregon Health & Science University. KR served as an adviser or paid speaker for or participated in clinical trials sponsored by AbbVie, Almirall, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Forward Pharma, Gilead, Galderma, Janssen-Cilag, Kyowa Kirin, Leo Pharma, Lilly, Medac, Novartis, Ocean Pharma, Pfizer, Sanofi, and UCB and is a co-founder of Moonlake Immunotherapeutics. KK reports consulting fees or advisory board honoraria from Japan Tobacco, Kao, Leo Pharma, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Maruho, Pola Pharma, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Sanofi, and Pfizer; and research grants from Leo Pharma, Japan Tobacco, P&G Japan, Eli Lilly Japan, Tanabe Mitsubishi, Ono Pharmaceutical, Kyowa Kirin, Pola Pharma, AbbVie, Sanofi, Kose, and Kyorin Pharmaceutical. KI reports lecture fees from AbbVie, Lilly, Sanofi, and Maruho. EE is an employee of Kyowa Kirin International. MF is a consultant for P&G Innovation GK. All other authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can attenuate the adverse effects of water deficit on plant growth. Since drought stress tolerance of bacteria has earlier been associated to biofilm formation, we aimed to investigate the role of bacterial biofilm formation in their PGPR activity upon drought stress. To this end, a biofilm-forming bacterial collection was isolated from the rhizospheres of native arid grassland plants, and characterized by their drought tolerance and evaluated on their plant growth promoting properties. Most bacterial strains formed biofilm in vitro. Most isolates were drought tolerant, produced auxins, showed 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity and solubilized mineral phosphate and potassium, but at considerably different levels. Greenhouse experiments with the most promising isolates, B1, B2 and B3, under three levels of water deficit and two wheat varieties led to an increased relative water content and increased harvest index at both moderate and severe water deficit. However, the bacteria did not affect these plant parameters upon regular watering. In addition, decreased hydrogen peroxide levels and increased glutathione S-transferase activity occurred under water deficit. Based on these results, we conclude that by improving root traits and antioxidant defensive system of wheat, arid grassland rhizospheric biofilm forming bacilli may promote plant growth under water scarcity., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: To assess the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (P-ISYQOL) questionnaire., Methods: Forward/backward translations and cultural adaption processes of the ISYQOL questionnaire into Persian were conducted by an expert committee. We recruited 178 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and Scheuermann's kyphosis (SK) and 103 age-matched adolescents with no spinal deformity. Reliability was assessed by evaluating internal consistency and test-retest reliability using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Convergent construct validity was assessed by measuring the association between the ISYQOL and revised 22-item Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22r) questionnaires scores. Known-groups construct validity was assessed regarding curve magnitude, deformity, age, sex, and treatment type., Results: Cronbach's alpha and ICC for P-ISYQOL total score was 0.8 and 0.9, respectively. An acceptable association was observed between P-ISYQOL and SRS-22r total scores (r = - 0.5, p < 0.01). The P-ISYQOL could discriminate between adolescents with spinal deformities and adolescents with no spinal deformity as well as those with different types of deformity and treatment (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: The P-ISYQOL is a reliable and valid survey to assess the outcomes of adolescents with spinal deformities., Level of Evidence: Level I-diagnostic studies., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Scoliosis Research Society.)