Allopurinol: Clinical Considerations in the Development and Treatment of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and Other Associated Drug Reactions.

Allopurinol lowers urate production through the inhibition of xanthine oxidase. It is oxidatively hydroxylated to oxypurinol and is the most prescribed medication for gout treatment. Although it has a beneficial effect in the treatment of this common disease, like many medications, it is also known for having numerous adverse effects.

The Association of a Single Nucleotide Variant in to Early Onset Keratoconus and Pectus Excavatum-Convergence of Extracellular Matrix Pathologies.

Keratoconus is a bilateral ocular condition characterized by irregularities and the thinning of the cornea. Decreased central corneal thickness is a hallmark of the condition, and numerous genes have played a role in altering corneal thickness and the subsequent development of keratoconus. Variants in the structural and regulatory genes of the extracellular matrix have been highly associated with keratoconus, as well as with pectus excavatum, a chest wall deformity commonly seen in connective tissue disorders.

An Eye into the Aorta: The Role of Extracellular Matrix Regulatory Genes and , from Their Previous Association with Brittle Cornea Syndrome to Their Novel Association with Aortic and Arterial Aneurysmal Diseases.

The extracellular matrix is a complex network of proteins and other molecules that are essential for the support, integrity, and structure of cells and tissues within the human body. The genes and each produce extracellular-matrix-related proteins that, when mutated, have been shown to result in the development of brittle cornea syndrome. This dysfunction results from aberrant protein function resulting in extracellular matrix disruption.

Hyponatremia With Anticonvulsant Medications: A Narrative Review.

Hyponatremia is an adverse effect of many antiseizure medications (ASMs). It occurs with interference with the normal balance of electrolytes within the body. Various risk factors associated with the development of hyponatremia in patients taking these medications include age, gender, dosage, and combinations with other drugs.

Regional differences in fishing behavior determine whether a marine reserve network enhances fishery yield.

A network of marine reserves can enhance yield in depleted fisheries by protecting populations, particularly large, old spawners that supply larvae for interspersed fishing grounds. The ability of marine reserves to enhance sustainable fisheries is much less evident. We report empirical evidence of a marine reserve network improving yield regionally for a sustainable spiny lobster fishery, apparently through the spillover of adult lobsters and behavioral adaptation by the fishing fleet.

A Contemporary Review of the Genomic Associations of Coronary Artery Myocardial Bridging.

Background: Myocardial bridging (MB) is a congenital coronary artery anomaly that has limited molecular disease state characterization. Though a large portion of individuals may be asymptomatic, the myocardial ischemia caused by this anomaly can lead to angina, acute coronary syndrome, coronary artery disease, and sudden cardiac death in patients.

Objective: This study aims to summarize and consolidate the current literature regarding the genomic associations of myocardial bridge development and, in doing so, prompt further investigation into the molecular basis of myocardial bridge development.

Safety and Effectiveness of Tofacitinib in Treating Polyarticular Course Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

Polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pcJIA) is a form of arthritis that affects at least five joints at a time and presents before the age of 16. Its most common symptoms are pain, swelling, redness, and a limited range of motion, making it incredibly difficult for patients diagnosed to function in daily life. Historically, the leading treatment options have consisted of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate.

The Association of Novel Single-Nucleotide Variants in the Collagen Matrix-Encoding Gene with Aortic Aneurysmal Disease.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms are clinical conditions that are associated with severe clinical endpoints including dissection and rupture, potentially leading to sudden death. Contrary to their abdominal counterparts, thoracic aortic aneurysms are well-recognized to have a genetic basis underlying their development. Among all patients with aneurysmal disease who underwent clinical genetic screening in our program (N = 145), two patients were found to have variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in the gene.

GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss: Pharmacology and Clinical Implications.

This review investigates the various pharmacologic treatments for overweight and obesity in adults, especially glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. In light of the globally expanding obesity pandemic and the limited selection of treatments, physicians must be equipped with knowledge regarding proven medications and their nuanced differences to best support patients on their path to a healthier lifestyle. In this review, we explore the current medical therapies for obesity, including all major categories, individual mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, adverse effects, risks, and absolute contraindications.

Gender Dysphoria and Its Non-Surgical and Surgical Treatments.

Gender dysphoria is defined by severe or persistent distress associated with an incongruence between one's gender identity and biological sex. It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans and 25 million people worldwide identify as transgender and that 0.

CD4+ T-Cell Epitope Prediction by Combined Analysis of Antigen Conformational Flexibility and Peptide-MHCII Binding Affinity.

Antigen processing in the class II MHC pathway depends on conventional proteolytic enzymes, potentially acting on antigens in native-like conformational states. CD4+ epitope dominance arises from a competition among antigen folding, proteolysis, and MHCII binding. Protease-sensitive sites, linear antibody epitopes, and CD4+ T-cell epitopes were mapped in plague vaccine candidate F1-V to evaluate the various contributions to CD4+ epitope dominance.

Role of Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion in the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy.

Purpose Of Review: This is a comprehensive review of the literature regarding intravenous lidocaine infusion to treat peripheral neuropathy. The clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy occur on a broad spectrum and stem from many etiologies resulting in complex treatment approaches. This review presents the background, evidence, and indications for the use of intravenous lidocaine infusions as a treatment option for this condition.