CHOP-Mediated Disruption of Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity and Neuronal Activity Contributes to Chronic Pain-Related Cognitive Deficits.

Objectives: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced protein homeostasis perturbation is a core pathological element in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to clarify the unique role played by C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) as a biomarker of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the etiology of chronic pain and related cognitive impairments following chronic constrictive nerve injury (CCI).

Methods: The memory capability following CCI was assessed utilizing the Morris water maze (MWM) and fear conditioning test (FCT).

Identification of SETD4 as an Onco-Immunological Biomarker Encompassing the Tumor Microenvironment, Prognoses, and Therapeutic Responses in Various Human Cancers.

Background: SET domain-containing protein 4 (SETD4) is a histone methyltransferase that has been shown to modulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and inflammatory responses by regulating histone H4 trimethylation (H4K20me3). Previous reports have demonstrated its function in the quiescence of cancer stem cells as well as drug resistance in several cancers. A limited number of systematic studies have examined SETD4's role in the tumor microenvironment, pathogenesis, prognosis, and therapeutic response.

Ecophysiological responses to heat waves in the marine intertidal zone.

One notable consequence of climate change is an increase in the frequency, scale and severity of heat waves. Heat waves in terrestrial habitats (atmospheric heat waves, AHW) and marine habitats (marine heat waves, MHW) have received considerable attention as environmental forces that impact organisms, populations and whole ecosystems. Only one ecosystem, the intertidal zone, experiences both MHWs and AHWs.

Atmospheric Deposition of Microplastics in South Central Appalachia in the United States.

Due to the increased prevalence of plastic pollution globally, atmospheric deposition of microplastics (MPs) is a significant issue that needs to be better understood to identify potential consequences for human health. This study is the first to quantify and characterize atmospheric MP deposition in the Eastern United States. Passive sampling was conducted at two locations within the Eastern United States, specifically in remote South Central Appalachia, from March to September 2023.

Outcomes of liposuction techniques for management of lipedema: a case series and narrative review.

Background And Objective: Lipedema is a commonly underdiagnosed chronic condition. This study aimed to evaluate liposuction techniques for lipedema by conducting a systematic review and presenting our experience. A case series study and a comprehensive review were conducted.

Functional soft palate reconstruction.

Background: The excision of oropharyngeal carcinoma of more than 50% of the soft palate followed by static reconstruction may result in functional deficits, including velopharyngeal insufficiency, swallowing, and speech difficulties. We describe a functional soft palate reconstruction technique aimed at restoring aeromechanical and acoustic functions, enabling swallowing without nasal regurgitation and speech with low nasalance.

Material And Methods: We developed a new operative technique, using muscle transfer and a free flap to create a dynamic reconstruction.

Anatomical analysis of the periosteal blood supply system of the fibula using fresh cadavers.

A vascularized free fibula flap is often used to reconstruct bone defects. However, bone resorption within the osteotomized segment is often observed. This may be attributed to damage to bone blood flow supplied by nonpenetrating periosteal vessels (NPPVs); however, there are few studies on NPPVs in the fibula.

Optimizing Edible Sorghum Bowls: Effects of Roasting and Edible Flower Powder Enhancement on Technological, Nutritional, Antioxidant, and Functional Properties.

The widespread reliance on single-use plastics (SUPs) has fostered a global throwaway culture, especially in the food packaging industry, where convenience and low cost have driven their adoption, posing serious environmental threats, particularly to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Edible and ecofriendly packaging made from millet, specifically sorghum ( () Moench), is a promising solution to mitigate SUP consumption and promote sustainability. This study explores the development of edible sorghum bowls, enhanced through roasting and incorporating 3 g of hibiscus and rose flower powders.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for fibromyalgia: are we there yet?

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has increasingly been used to modify cortical maladaptive plastic changes shown to occur in fibromyalgia (FM) and to correlate with symptoms. Evidence for its efficacy is currently inconclusive, mainly due to heterogeneity of stimulation parameters used in trials available to date. Here, we reviewed the current evidence on the use of rTMS for FM control in the format of a narrative review, in which a systematic dissection of the different stimulation parameters would be possible.

Rhinoplasty Septal Cartilage Harvest and Reconstruction: The 4 Clicks.

Successful rhinoplasty relies on a deep understanding of nasal anatomy and precise nasal tip control for lasting functional and aesthetic outcomes. Structural grafts, like septal extension grafts, are instrumental in maintaining tip position and projection with minimal long-term changes. This article details a systematic technique to harvest septal cartilage that maximizes graft material and allows for effective septal deviation correction.

Two Cases of Ischemic Complications in Abdominoplasty After Use of a New Biologic Migraine Medication.

Abdominoplasty is a common aesthetic procedure, and ischemic complications are rare, particularly in nonsmokers. We present 2 cases of ischemic complications in nonsmoking patients treated with fremanezumab, a biologic medication for severe migraines. A 55-year-old woman underwent lipoabdominoplasty on December 18, 2023.

Morphological change in an isolated population of red squirrels () in Britain.

The mechanical properties of dietary items are known to influence skull morphology, either through evolution or by phenotypic plasticity. Here, we investigated the impact of supplementary feeding of peanuts on the morphology of red squirrels () from five populations in Britain (North Scotland, Borders, Jersey and two temporally distinct populations from Formby (Merseyside)). Stable isotope analysis confirmed dietary ecology in 58 specimens.

Chimeric anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis free flap with propeller skin island for functional quadriceps reconstruction.

Introduction: Soft-tissue sarcomas arising in the thigh may require total or subtotal compartmentectomy, with subsequent need for functional reconstruction with free functional muscle transfer (FFMT). We present our series, describing a new approach with chimeric propeller antero-lateral thigh-vastus lateralis (ALT-VL) free flap, which allows for independent muscle inset and soft tissue defect resurfacing.

Patient And Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed, analyzing all patients referred to Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy, between 2018 and 2023 for soft-tissue sarcomas of the thigh requiring wide excision and reconstruction with functional ALT-VL.

Finger reconstruction with vascularized partial osteo-onycho-cutaneous great toe transfer: It's time to address the donor site.

Free vascularized partial great toe is a composite tissue consisting of the osteo-onycho-cutaneous component with neurovascular pedicle and is used for reconstructing amputated fingers at different levels. The half-big-toe nail flap represents that while it provides a good match and functional results; it also conserves the donor foot by having all five toes intact. The aesthetic and functional aspects of the amputated thumbs and fingers can be worked upon and significantly improved.

Augmented reality for rhinoplasty: 3D scanning and projected AR for intraoperative planning validation.

Rhinoplasty is one of the major surgical procedures most popular and it is generally performed modelling the internal bones and cartilage using a closed approach to reduce the damage of soft tissue, whose final shape is determined by means of their new settlement over the internal remodelled rigid structures. An optimal planning, achievable thanks to advanced acquisition of 3D images and thanks to the virtual simulation of the intervention via specific software. Anyway, the final result depends also on factors that cannot be totally predicted regarding the settlement of soft tissues on the rigid structures, and a final objective check would be useful to eventually perform some adjustments before to conclude the intervention.

Multiple crosslinked, self-healing, and shape-adaptable hydrogel laden with pain-relieving chitosan@borneol nanoparticles for infected burn wound healing.

Next-generation wound dressings with multiple biological functions hold promise for addressing the complications and pain associated with burn wounds. A hydrogel wound dressing loaded with a pain-relieving drug was developed for treating infected burn wounds. Polyvinyl alcohol chemically grafted with gallic acid (PVA-GA), sodium alginate chemically grafted with 3-aminobenzeneboronic acid (SA-PBA), Zn, and chitosan-coated borneol nanoparticles with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving activities were combined to afford a nanoparticle-loaded hydrogel with a PVA-GA/Zn/SA-PBA network crosslinked via multiple physicochemical interactions.

From innovation to clinic: Emerging strategies harnessing electrically conductive polymers to enhance electrically stimulated peripheral nerve repair.

Peripheral nerve repair (PNR) is a major healthcare challenge due to the limited regenerative capacity of the nervous system, often leading to severe functional impairments. While nerve autografts are the gold standard, their implications are constrained by issues such as donor site morbidity and limited availability, necessitating innovative alternatives like nerve guidance conduits (NGCs). However, the inherently slow nerve growth rate (∼1 mm/day) and prolonged neuroinflammation, delay recovery even with the use of passive (no-conductive) NGCs, resulting in muscle atrophy and loss of locomotor function.

Portal-Vein Compression Caused by Double-Pigtail Plastic Biliary Stent.

Introduction: Reports of pseudoaneurysms associated with biliary self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement have been increasing. Recently, cases of hepatic pseudoaneurysm rupture caused by double pigtail plastic stents (DPS) have also been reported. The symptoms of pseudoaneurysms are often non-specific, and many cases are diagnosed only after rupture.

Remarkable improvement in drilling fluid properties with graphitic-carbon nitride for enhanced wellbore stability.

This study examines the viability of using graphitic-Carbon Nitride (g-CN) nanomaterial as shale stabilizer drilling fluid additive having applications in the oil and gas wells drilling. Shale stability is important especially when drilling horizontal and extended reach wells with water-based muds (WBM) to tap unconventional reservoirs namely shale oil and shale gas. For this study, the g-CN nanomaterial was produced by melamine pyrolysis, and characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy techniques.

Long-Term Creatine Supplementation Improves Cognitive and Hippocampal Structural Plasticity Impairments in a D-Gal-Induced Aging Model via Increasing CK-BB Activity in the Brain.

Creatine (Cr) is recognized for its role in enhancing cognitive functions through the phosphocreatine (pCr)-creatine kinase system involved in brain energy homeostasis. It is reversibly converted into pCr by creatine kinase (CK). A brain-specific isoform of CK, known as CK-BB, is implicated in the brain's energy metabolism.

Postoperative analgesia with morphine promoting microglial activation and neuroinflammation induced by surgery aggravates perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction in aged mice.

Introduction: Perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND) is a significant challenge for patients who need surgery worldwide. Morphine can trigger an intense inflammatory reaction in the central nervous system (CNS) at the same time as analgesia, thus adverse effects aggravating PND. Microglia polarization is closely involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Marburg variant of multiple sclerosis: A young women case report.

Marburg disease (malignant multiple sclerosis, MS) is a rare, acute MS variant, predominantly occurring among young adults. Because it is characterized by rarity, high morbidity and mortality rates, the disease needs to be further characterized, and the experience of the physicians play a role in treatment regimens. We report the case of a 15-years-old female presenting with progressive weakness over the limbs, hyperreflexia and loss of sensation by physical examination, lab tests and radiological investigations (MRI).

Effect of Radiotherapy on the Type and Timing of Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy in Breast Cancer Patients.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women according to the World Health Organization data. While breast-conserving surgery has been increasingly performed in patients with early-stage breast cancer, unilateral or bilateral mastectomy is still performed in many patients. With the changes in mastectomy techniques and the development of breast reconstruction techniques over the years, today the aim of breast reconstruction is to create breast tissue in a shape and symmetry that will correct the anatomical defect that occurs after mastectomy, without affecting the patient's oncological treatment.

Streptococcus pyogenes M1UK Variant-Associated Sartorius Muscle Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NTSIs) represent a concept of necrotizing infections involving the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle, and it is a potentially fatal disease. Early exploratory incision is strongly recommended for both the diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections. Treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections requires the administration of appropriate antimicrobial agents and adequate surgical debridement.