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Objectives - This study aims to compare the clinical and analytical presentation of Central precocious puberty (CPP), considering age. Methods - An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on children diagnosed with CPP at a level III hospital, between January 2002 and April 2022. Clinical, auxological, sociodemographic, laboratory, and imaging parameters were analyzed. Results - Out of the 52 children studied, the majority were girls (N=44). The median age of puberty onset in girls was 6.79 years and the mean age at first consultation of 8.13 years, with a significantly lower age at hospital referral (7.65 years; P=0.045) compared to boys. Idiopathic etiology was predominant in both. In girls, breast development appeared at older mean ages (P=0.009), while pubic hair growth and accelerated growth were associated with younger ages at puberty onset (P=0.021; P=0.018, respectively). Basal and peak levels of gonadotropin hormones were higher in girls, although not statistically significant. In girls, age at puberty onset correlated negatively with standard deviation of body mass index (P=0.023), while age at first consultation correlated positively with bone age (P<0.001), and was associated with younger ages at Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone stimulation test (P=0.020). Conclusion - This study provides innovative and relevant findings that enhance understanding of CPP presentation according to age, thereby improving clinical management of this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence tools promise transformative impacts in drug development. Regulatory agencies face challenges in integrating AI while ensuring reliability and safety in clinical trial approvals, drug marketing authorizations, and post-market surveillance. Incorporating these technologies into the existing regulatory framework and agency practices poses notable challenges, particularly in evaluating the data and models employed for these purposes. Rapid adaptation of regulations and internal processes is essential for agencies to keep pace with innovation, though achieving this requires collective stakeholder collaboration. This article thus delves into the need for adaptations of regulations throughout the drug development lifecycle, as well as the utilization of AI within internal processes of medicine agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community pharmacists have become flu vaccine immunisers in several countries to increase vaccine uptake. Aim: This study aimed to perform a scoping review to evaluate the pharmacist's role and contribution to flu immunisation coverage, satisfaction and promotion as vaccine providers. Design: The framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) were considered for this analysis. Two electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library) were used to search for relevant peer‐reviewed quantitative, qualitative and mixed‐method studies published between 1990 and 2022. Results: A total of 37 studies were included. These studies suggested that, over time, there was an increase in the rate of vaccine administration within community pharmacies across the various countries examined. Moreover, patients have consistently expressed their satisfaction with the convenience and accessibility of pharmacy‐based vaccine services, with some expressing a preference for pharmacies over traditional visits to their general practitioner′s office. Conclusion: Several initiatives aimed at promoting flu vaccination have been rolled out in pharmacy settings, and a number of these initiatives have demonstrated positive outcomes. The flu vaccination service provided by pharmacists has proven to be an asset in public health by improving accessibility to immunisation services. Pharmacists should continue to take part in yearly flu vaccination programs as flu vaccine providers as they contribute to an increased uptake of immunisations by the population. Extending these services to other vaccines should be further considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2008 many municipalities in the European Union have taken part in the Covenant of Mayors (CoM) initiative and have developed Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAP) to contribute to climate change mitigation. To respond to new policy goals for 2030, the CoM has expanded its focus and since 2018 requires municipalities to cover climate adaptation actions. The main aim of this paper is to analyse the first experiences of six municipalities from Spain, Portugal and Latvia in upgrading their existing Sustainable Energy Actions Plans to Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAP). SECAPs were developed through a participatory process involving all relevant local stakeholders, to gain maximum understanding and acceptance. Each municipality implemented climate adaption actions to demonstrate the need for adaptation and the ways it can be accomplished.

Despite the recognized potential of nanoparticles, only a few formulations have progressed to clinical trials, and an even smaller number have been approved by the regulatory authorities and marketed. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional nanoparticles due to their safety, biocompatibility, immunogenicity, structural stability, scalability, and versatility. Furthermore, VLPs can be surface-functionalized with small molecules to improve circulation half-life and target specificity. Through the functionalization and coating of VLPs, it is possible to optimize the response properties to a given stimulus, such as heat, pH, an alternating magnetic field, or even enzymes. Surface functionalization can also modulate other properties, such as biocompatibility, stability, and specificity, deeming VLPs as potential vaccine candidates or delivery systems. This review aims to address the different types of surface functionalization of VLPs, highlighting the more recent cutting-edge technologies that have been explored for the design of tailored VLPs, their importance, and their consequent applicability in the medical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]