Progressive Keratoconus Treatment with Transepithelial Two-Step Phototherapeutic Keratectomy Combined with Corneal Crosslinking (CXL): Clinical Outcomes and Postoperative Management Including Potential Complications of the Modified Athens Protocol Designed for US-Approved Excimer Laser Specifications.

To report a novel application within the USA of excimer ablation for the normalization of central corneal refractive irregularity, combined with higher fluence CXL in the effective management and visual rehabilitation of progressive keratoconus. 17 consecutive cases with progressive keratoconus were treated with corneal surface excimer laser ablation normalization using topography-guided (Contura) myopic ablation for customized corneal re-shaping with a 6 mm optical zone. The epithelial removal was accounted for by adding a -2.

Separation of Magnesium and Lithium Ions Utilizing Layer-by-Layer Polyelectrolyte Modification of Polyacrylonitrile Hollow Fiber Porous Membranes.

This study explores the layer-by-layer (LBL) modification of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hollow fibers for effective Mg/Li separation. It employs an LBL method of surface modification using polyelectrolytes, specifically aiming to enhance ion selectivity and improve the efficiency of lithium extraction from brines or lithium battery wastes, which is critical for battery recycling and other industrial applications. The modification process involves coating the hydrolyzed PAN fibers with alternating layers of positively charged polyelectrolytes, such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH), polyethyleneimine (PEI), or poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and negatively charged polyelectrolytes, such as poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), to form polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).

Sodium channels Na1.7, Na1.8 and pain; two distinct mechanisms for Na1.7 null analgesia.

Genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition are distinct approaches to unravelling pain mechanisms, identifying targets and developing new analgesics. Both approaches have been applied to the voltage-gated sodium channels Na1.7 and Na1.

A digital intervention for cognitive deficits following COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial.

Post-COVID-19 cognitive deficits are common, persistent, and disabling. Evidence on effective treatments is limited. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a digital intervention to reduce cognitive and functional deficits in adults with persistent post-COVID-19 cognitive dysfunction.

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer with a Neurotensin-Bombesin Radioligand Combination-First Preclinical Results.

The concept of radiotheranostics relies on the overexpression of a biomolecular target on malignant cells to direct diagnostic/therapeutic radionuclide-carriers specifically to cancer lesions. The concomitant expression of more than one target in pathological lesions may be elegantly exploited to improve diagnostic sensitivity and therapeutic efficacy. Toward this goal, we explored a first example of a combined application of [Tc]Tc-DT11 (DT11, N-Lys(MPBA-PEG4)-Arg-Arg-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Leu-OH; NTSR-specific) and [Tc]Tc-DB7(DB7, N-PEG2-DPhe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Leu-NHEt; GRPR-specific) in prostate cancer models.

Changes in Lower Extremity Passive Range of Motion and Muscle Strength After Selective Percutaneous Myofascial Lengthening and Functional Physiotherapy in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Background Children with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience motor and postural disorders, along with spasticity, muscle weakness, muscle-tendon contractures, and decreased joint range of motion (ROM). Muscle-tendon contractures are typically addressed through orthopaedic surgery to improve joint ROM, which can result in further muscle weakness. This study aimed to investigate the impact of selective percutaneous myofascial lengthening (SPML) combined with functional physiotherapy on joint passive ROM and isometric muscle strength in the lower extremities of children with spastic CP.

Biological functions of extracellular vesicles from mammalian cells.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are enclosed by a phospholipid bilayer and can be secreted by most types of cells. EVs deliver cargo from the secreting cell into the cytoplasm of recipient cells, influencing the function of the recipient cells. EVs are attracting increasing attention from a broad range of clinicians and scientists due to their ability to promote or inhibit various physiological pathways or pathological conditions.

Outcomes with single-agent gilteritinib for relapsed or refractory FLT3-mutant AML after contemporary induction therapy.

Gilteritinib is the current standard of care for relapsed or refractory fms related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3)-mutated acute myeloid leukemia in many countries, however outcomes for patients relapsing after contemporary first-line therapies (intensive chemotherapy with midostaurin, or nonintensive chemotherapy with venetoclax) are uncertain. Moreover, reported data on toxicity and health care resource use is limited. Here, we describe a large real-world cohort of 152 patients receiving single-agent gilteritinib in 38 UK hospitals.

Activation of the 5-HT1A Receptor by Eltoprazine Restores Mitochondrial and Motor Deficits in a Model of Fragile X Syndrome.

Neurons rely on mitochondrial energy metabolism for essential functions like neurogenesis, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity. Mitochondrial dysfunctions are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability, which also presents with motor skill deficits. However, the precise role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of FXS remains largely unknown.

The Role of Biomarkers in Lung Cancer Screening.

Background: Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) is an evolving field with variations in its implementation in various countries. There are only scarce data from National LCS programs.

Aim: We aim to provide an up-to-date overview of the current evidence regarding the use of biomarkers in LCS.

Two Novel [Ga]Ga-Labeled Radiotracers Based on Metabolically Stable [Sar]RM26 Antagonistic Peptide for Diagnostic Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of GRPR-Positive Prostate Cancer.

Gastrin releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) is overexpressed in prostate cancer (PC-3) and can be used for diagnostic purposes. We herein present the design and preclinical evaluation of two novel NOTA/NODAGA-containing peptides suitable for labeling with the positron emission tomography (PET) radionuclide Ga-68. These analogs are based on the previously reported GRPR-antagonist DOTAGA-PEG2-[Sar]RM26, developed for targeted radiotheraostic applications.

GRPR-Antagonists Carrying DOTAGA-Chelator via Positively Charged Linkers: Perspectives for Prostate Cancer Theranostics.

Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR)-antagonists have served as motifs in the development of theranostic radioligands for prostate cancer. Our efforts have been focused on the development of radiolabeled RM26 (H-DPhe-Gln-Trp-Ala-Val-Gly-His-Sta-Leu-NH) analogs, such as [In]In-DOTAGA-PEG2-RM26. We recently showed that its Gly/Sar-substituted version, [In]In-AU-RM26-M1, resisted degradation by neprilysin (NEP) while in circulation and achieved higher tumor uptake in mice.

Topographic Keratoconus Incidence in Greece Diagnosed in Routine Consecutive Cataract Procedures: A Consecutive Case Series of 1250 Cases over 5 Years.

: Scheimpflug tomography has for many years been an integral part of our pre-operative assessment in cataract extraction. We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of topographic keratoconus and keratoconus suspicion in our routine cataract surgery population over 5 years. The Laservision Clinical and Research Institute, Athens, Greece.

Eradication Reverses DNA Damage Response Pathway but Not Senescence in Human Gastric Epithelium.

infection induces DNA Double-Strand Breaks (DSBs) and consequently activates the DNA Damage Response pathway (DDR) and senescence in gastric epithelium. We studied DDR activation and senescence before and after the eradication of the pathogen. Gastric antral and corpus biopsies of 61 patients with infection, prior to and after eradication treatment, were analyzed by means of immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence for DDR marker (γH2AΧ, phosporylated ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (pATM), p53-binding protein (53BP1) and p53) expression.

Influence of Molecular Design on the Tumor Targeting and Biodistribution of PSMA-Binding Tracers Labeled with Technetium-99m.

Previously, we designed the EuK-based PSMA ligand BQ0413 with an maE chelator for labeling with technetium-99m. It showed efficient tumor targeting, but our preclinical data and preliminary clinical results indicated that the renal excretion levels need to be decreased. We hypothesized that this could be achieved by a decrease in the ligand's total negative charge, achieved by substituting negatively charged glutamate residues in the chelator with glycine.

Amide-to-Triazole Switch in Somatostatin-14-Based Radioligands: Impact on Receptor Affinity and In Vivo Stability.

The use of metabolically stabilized, radiolabeled somatostatin (SST) analogs ([Ga]Ga/[Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE/TOC/NOC) is well established in nuclear medicine. Despite the pivotal role of these radioligands in the diagnosis and therapy of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), their inability to interact with all five somatostatin receptors (SSTR) limits their clinical potential. [In]In-AT2S is a radiolabeled DOTA-conjugate derived from the parent peptide SST-14 that exhibits high binding affinity to all SSTR subtypes, but its poor metabolic stability represents a serious disadvantage for clinical use.

The effects of prolonged pacifier use on language development in infants and toddlers.

Pacifiers are a common soothing tool used by parents to calm and comfort infants and toddlers. While pacifiers can provide temporary relief, there is growing concern about the potential long-term effects of prolonged pacifier use on language and cognitive development. Previous studies have suggested that prolonged use of pacifiers may have negative consequences on language outcomes in infants and toddlers, especially during the first few years of life known to be a critical period for language development.

Sex-dependent expression levels of VAV1 and P2X7 in PBMC of multiple sclerosis patients.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system and the leading cause of progressive neurological disability in young adults. It decreases the patient's lifespan by about 10 years and affects women more than men. No medication entirely restricts or reverses neurological degradation.

Ray-Tracing Customization in Myopic and Myopic Astigmatism LASIK Treatments for Low and High Order Aberrations Treatment: 2-Year Visual Function and Psychometric Value Outcomes of a Consecutive Case Series.

Purpose: The safety and long-term efficacy of automated ray-tracing customized myopic and myopic astigmatic femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK.

Methods: This consecutive case series retrospective analysis, of 20 subjects (40 eyes) treated with automated raytracing named Wavelight Plus, to include low and high order aberrations based on a three-dimensional custom virtual eye for each case-calculated from interferometry data-obtained from a single diagnostic device that also provides Hartman-Shack Wavefront and Scheimpflug tomography data. We evaluated before and after the customized LASIK procedure: visual acuity, refractive error, high order aberrations, contrast sensitivity, and psychometric post-operative visual function data.