A new twist on superantigen-activated autoimmune disease.

Superantigen-induced (Sag-induced) autoimmunity has been proposed as a mechanism for many human disorders, without a clear understanding of the potential triggers. In this issue of the JCI, McCarthy and colleagues used the SKG mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis to characterize the role of Sag activity in inflammatory arthritis by profiling arthritogenic naive CD4+ T cells. Within the diseased joints, they found a marked enrichment of T cell receptor-variable β (TCR-Vβ) subsets that were reactive to the endogenously encoded mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) Sag.

Prevalence and factors contributing to missed opportunities for vaccination in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Objectives: Vaccination is a critical public health intervention that significantly reduces morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. Despite the proven benefits of vaccines, missed opportunities for vaccination (MOVs) remain a significant challenge in many low-income countries, including Somalia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the factors contributing to MOVs in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Tuberculosis healthcare service disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, India and South Africa: A model-based analysis of country-level data.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading infectious disease cause of death worldwide. In recent years, stringent measures to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have led to considerable disruptions of healthcare services for TB in many countries. The extent to which these measures have affected TB testing, treatment initiation and outcomes has not been comprehensively assessed.

Isoliquiritigenin Prevents the Development of Nephropathy by an HFD in Rats Through the Induction of Antioxidant Production and Inhibition of the MD-2/TLR4/NF-κB Pathway.

This study tested the ISL against renal damage induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and explored its underlying mechanisms. Adult male rats were assigned to four groups: (1) control on a standard diet (STD), (2) ISL on STD (30 mg/kg), (3) HFD, and (4) HFD + ISL (30 mg/kg). After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, ISL treatment led to significant reductions in body weight gain, visceral fat, and glucose and insulin levels in HFD-fed rats.

Efficacy of Fractional 2940-nm Erbium:YAG Laser Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus its Combination with Low-Level Laser Therapy for Scar Revision.

Objective: We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of combining fractional 2940-nm Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus its combination with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for enhancing the outcome of postsurgical and post-traumatic scars.

Methods: Fourty-five individuals with post-surgical or post-traumatic scars were randomly divided into three groups: Group A received four fractional Er:YAG laser sessions spaced four weeks apart along with eight sessions of intradermal PRP injections spaced two weeks apart; Group B received four fractional Er:YAG laser sessions spaced four weeks apart along with two sessions of light emitting diode (LED) weekly; and Group C received four fractional Er:YAG laser sessions spaced four weeks apart. Treatment efficacy was evaluated using clinical photographs, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), patient satisfaction and histopathology.