Penetration of Microplastics and Nanoparticles Through Skin: Effects of Size, Shape, and Surface Chemistry.

Skin represents an effective barrier against the penetration of external agents into the human body. Nevertheless, recent research has shown that small particles, especially in the nanosized range, can not only penetrate through the skin but also work as vectors to transport active molecules such as contrast agents or drugs. This knowledge has opened new perspectives on nanomedicine and controlled drug delivery.

Simulation of the Long-Term Toxicity Towards Bobwhite Quail () by the Monte Carlo Method.

In this study, models for NOEL (No Observed Effect Level) and NOEC (No Observed Effect Concentration) related to long-term/reproduction toxicity of various organic pesticides are built up, evaluated, and compared with similar models proposed in the literature. The data have been obtained from the EFSA OpenFoodTox database, collecting only data for the Bobwhite quail (. Models have been developed using the CORAL-2023 program, which can be used to develop quantitative structure-property/activity relationships (QSPRs/QSARs) and the Monte Carlo method for the optimization of the model.

Impact of Short-Chain Perfluoropropylene Oxide Acids on Biochemical and Behavioural Parameters in (Savigny, 1826).

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that pose a growing threat to environmental and human health. Soil acts as a long-term reservoir for PFAS, potentially impacting soil biodiversity and ecosystem function. Earthworms, as keystone species in soil ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to PFAS exposure.

Squamomelanocytic Tumor, An Entity Still Shrouded in Mystery: Case Report and Literature Review.

Cutaneous squamomelanocytic tumor (SMT) is a very rare cutaneous malignancy, composed of a dual phenotypic population of both malignant melanocytes and keratinocytes, intimately intermingled together. Herein, we report a new case of a SMT occurring in an 82-year-old man, located on the scalp. Histopathology revealed a mixed population consisting of squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma within the same lesion, also confirmed using immunohistochemical staining for high molecular-weight cytokeratins (HMWCKs) and Melan-A.

Impact of a Structured Social Skills Training Program on Adolescents and Young Adults with Level 1 Autism.

Background/objectives: Level 1 autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by challenges in social and communication skills. Despite these difficulties, individuals with level 1 ASD often exhibit average intelligence and typical language development. Improving socialisation skills in this population requires tailored approaches that address their specific needs and include targeted strategies.

Preliminary Results of Sensorimotor Room Training for the Improvement of Sensory and Motor Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Motor skills in early and middle childhood are essential for physical play, social interactions, and academic development. Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit atypical sensory responses, which can impact self-care and other developmental areas. This study explores the impact of sensory and motor rehabilitation using a Motor Sensory Room to stimulate motor development in children with ASD.

CiThroModel Improves Prediction of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Hospitalized Patients With Cirrhosis Without Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background & Aims: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a recognized complication of acutely ill patients, but its incidence and risk factors in those with cirrhosis are uncertain.

Methods: We retrospectively studied a consecutive cohort of cirrhosis patients non-electively admitted to our medical unit to determine the rates of symptomatic VTE during hospitalization. Firstly, we explored associations with baseline, clinical and laboratory characteristics using logistic regression.

A cross-sectional survey of psychiatrists' experiences of using telepsychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic and the relationship with burnout in selected high, middle, and low-income countries.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated substantial modifications in the delivery of patient care on a global scale. Telemedicine-based care services were implemented worldwide to maximize access to healthcare systems.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the use of and satisfaction with telepsychiatry services implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic by psychiatrists across low, middle, and high income countries, and to assess levels of burnout among psychiatrists providing telepsychiatry services in different settings and countries.

An update on promising and emerging protein kinase B/AKT inhibitors for breast cancer.

Introduction: . The PI3K pathway is crucial in breast cancer (BC), influencing cell survival, growth, and metabolism, with AKT playing a central role in treatment resistance. This pathway's involvement in breast carcinogenesis and its link to treatment resistance underscores the significance of targeting it in BC therapy.

Tumour-Associated Macrophages in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Objective: Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial in the progression and treatment response of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). TAMs infiltrate OSCC, adopting an M2-like phenotype that promotes tumour growth, metastasis and immune suppression. The current narrative review explored the roles of TAMs in OSCC, focusing on their impact on the tumour microenvironment, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression and potential therapeutic targeting.

Stressful life events are associated with the diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases among adults.

Objectives: To assess the association between life events and subsequent diagnosis of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) by comparing siblings discordant for SARDs and unrelated controls.

Methods: Life events 12 months prior to SARD diagnosis/reference date were queried using the Interview for Recent Life Events in 227 adults (96 probands with SARDs, 78 siblings, 53 controls). Probands were matched by age, sex, and race with their unaffected siblings or with unrelated controls.

Clinical aspects of psoriatic arthritis: one year in review 2024.

Psoriatic arthritis is a very pleomorphic inflammatory disease characterised by its association with psoriasis and the development of a wide spectrum of comorbidities that can impact patients' prognosis and quality of life.In recent years, several new drugs have been developed, showing significant efficacy in alleviating symptoms and signs, while maintaining a generally favourable safety profile. Despite these advancements, the management of PsA remains potentially suboptimal.

A Cost-Effective Nonaqueous Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method to Measure Vitamin D3 in Hen's Egg Yolk.

The objective of this study is to develop an HPLC-UV method for the cost-effective and quantitative determination of vitamin D3 in food, even in the presence of vitamin D2, with a specific focus on egg yolk. During method development, the performance of three stationary phases in resolving the peak of vitamin D2 from that of vitamin D3 was investigated. The physicochemical properties of these phases differed particularly in the extent of hydrophobicity and silanophilic activity, including a GraceSmart RP C18 column without silanol endcapping, a Robusta RP C18 column with silanol endcapping, and a Waters Xbridge RP C18 column with ethylene-bridged hybrid (BEH) particle technology.

Plasmonic Single-Molecule Affinity Detection at 10 Molar.

DNA can be readily amplified through replication, enabling the detection of a single-target copy. A comparable performance for proteins in immunoassays has yet to be fully assessed. Surface-plasmon-resonance (SPR) serves as a probe capable of performing assays at concentrations typically around 10⁻⁹ molar.

RETRACTED: Di Paola et al. Combined Effects of Potassium Perchlorate and a Neonicotinoid on Zebrafish Larvae (). 2022, , 203.

The journal retracts the article, "Combined Effects of Potassium Perchlorate and a Neonicotinoid on Zebrafish Larvae ()" [...

Consensus on Safe Initiation and Monitoring of Transanal Irrigation to Optimize Adherence With Therapy.

Background: Transanal irrigation is a well-established minimally invasive therapy that addresses symptoms of both constipation and incontinence. The therapy has been extended from just neurogenic bowel dysfunction patients to those with disorders of brain-gut interaction and postsurgical conditions.

Aim: To summarized the literature on transanal irrigation and update the contraindication profile.

Duration of Disease and Long-Term Outcomes in Patients With Difficult-To-Treat Recurrent Pericarditis: A Chronic Condition Treated With Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Colchicine, Corticosteroids, and Anti-Interleukin-1 Agents.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the remission rate and disease duration in idiopathic or post-cardiac injury pericarditis and risk factors for disease duration and anti-interleukin-1 (IL-1) agent discontinuation.

Methods: This was a multicenter, longitudinal, observational study including 370 patients (51.4% female).

Centimeter-Sized CsPbBr Single-Crystal Films for Energy-Resolved Radiation Detection.

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are promising materials for radiation detection. Compared with polycrystalline films, single crystals (SCs) have lower defect density, higher carrier mobility, and lifetime. However, the direct synthesis of MHP SCs for large-area flat panel imaging detectors remains challenging.

Moebius syndrome and hypopituitarism: a case of multiple pituitary hormone deficiency and revision of the literature.

Objectives: Moebius syndrome (MS) is a rare congenital non-progressive rhombencephalic disorder mostly characterised by abducens and facial nerve palsy, but with a multifaceted clinical presentation. Isolated or multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies in the setting of MS have been occasionally reported, but the simultaneous involvement of three or more hypothalamic-pituitary axes has never been described. We hereby report the case of a girl with MS that showed a co-occurrence of GH-, TSH- and ACTH-deficiency.

MicroRNA Expression in High-Grade B-Cell Lymphoma With 11q Aberration.

Mature aggressive B-cell lymphomas, such as Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), show variations in microRNA (miRNA) expression. The entity of High-grade B-cell lymphoma with 11q aberration (HGBCL-11q) shares several biological features with both BL and DLBCL but data on its miRNA expression profile are yet scarce. Hence, this study aims to analyze the potential differences in miRNA expression of HGBCL-11q compared to BL and DLBCL.

Immunotherapy-based neoadjuvant treatment and complication rates after radical cystectomy.

Objective: To assess 30- and 90-day postoperative complication rates in patients who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) after receiving novel immunotherapy-based neoadjuvant treatment.

Methods: A bi-centre analysis was conducted in patients who underwent RARC with intracorporeal urinary diversion and who received an immunotherapy-based neoadjuvant regimen between 2017 and 2023. Complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo system.

Time perception in bipolar disorder: a systematic review.

Objective: Time distortions characterise severe mental disorders, exhibiting different clinical and neurobiological manifestations. This systematic review aims to explore the existing literature encompassing experimental studies on time perception in patients with bipolar disorder (BD), considering psychopathological and cognitive correlates.

Methods: Studies using an experimental paradigm to objectively measure the capacity to judge time have been searched for.