Microfluidic vessel-on-chip platform for investigation of cellular defects in venous malformations and responses to various shear stress and flow conditions.

A novel microfluidic platform was designed to study the cellular architecture of endothelial cells (ECs) in an environment replicating the 3D organization and flow of blood vessels. In particular, the platform was constructed to investigate EC defects in slow-flow venous malformations (VMs) under varying shear stress and flow conditions. The platform featured a standard microtiter plate footprint containing 32 microfluidic units capable of replicating wall shear stress (WSS) in normal veins and enabling precise control of shear stress and flow directionality without the need for complex pumping systems.

Elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Predicts Prognosis in Acute Myocarditis.

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an easy-to-use inflammatory biomarker. Baseline NLR is independently associated with incident cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. However, whether this applies to acute myocarditis (AM) has not been evaluated.

Victimisation in other- and self-directed violence as a function of ethnicity and primary diagnosis among inpatients with serious mental illness.

Background: Among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI), victimisation has been found to increase the risk of engaging in other- and self-directed violence. However, rates of victimisation within this population have been found to vary by ethnic group and primary diagnosis.

Aims: This study primarily aimed to examine the relationship between victimisation and other- and self-directed violence among a sample of inpatients with SMI during the first 3 months of admission.

Evaluation of Drug-Polymer and Drug-Drug Interaction in Cellulosic Multi-Drug Delivery Matrices.

Multi-drug delivery systems have gained increasing interest from the pharmaceutical industry. Alongside this is the interest in amorphous solid dispersions as an approach to achieve effective oral delivery of compounds with solubility-limited bioavailability. Despite this, there is limited information regarding predicting the behavior of two or more drugs (in amorphous forms) in a polymeric carrier and whether molecular interactions between the compounds, between each compound, and if the polymer have any effect on the physical properties of the system.

Long-term safety and efficacy of ritlecitinib in adults and adolescents with alopecia areata and at least 25% scalp hair loss: Results from the ALLEGRO-LT phase 3, open-label study.

Background: ALLEGRO-LT is an ongoing, long-term, open-label, multicentre, phase 3 study of ritlecitinib in adults and adolescents with alopecia areata (AA).

Objectives: To evaluate ritlecitinib safety and efficacy through Month 24 in patients with AA and ≥25% scalp hair loss.

Methods: ALLEGRO-LT enrolled rollover patients who previously received study intervention in either ALLEGRO phase 2a or 2b/3 studies and de novo patients who had not received treatment in either study.

Cardiac myosin binding protein C correlate with cardiac troponin I during an exercise training program in patients with HFrEF.

Background: Cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMyC) is an emerging new biomarker of myocardial injury rising earlier and cleared faster than cardiac troponins. It has discriminatory power similar to high-sensitive troponins in diagnosing myocardial infarction in patients presenting with chest pain. It is also associated with outcome in patients with acute heart failure.

Machine learning based prediction models for cardiovascular disease risk using electronic health records data: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major cause of mortality in the UK, prompting the need for improved risk predictive models for primary prevention. Machine learning (ML) models utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) offer potential enhancements over traditional risk scores like QRISK3 and ASCVD. To systematically evaluate and compare the efficacy of ML models against conventional CVD risk prediction algorithms using EHR data for medium to long-term (5-10 years) CVD risk prediction.

Determinants of physical function, as measured using PROMIS PF-10a, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: results from the international COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases (COVAD) study.

Objectives: Physical function in RA is largely influenced by multiple clinical factors, however, there is a growing body of evidence that psychological state and other comorbidities also play an essential role. Using data obtained in the COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases study, an international self-reported e-survey, we aimed to explore the predictive ability of sociodemographic and clinical variables on Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function Short Form 10a (PROMIS PF-10a) in RA and to investigate variation in disease activity and functional outcomes based on country-level socio-economic parameters.

Methods: Patient demographics, disease characteristics including current symptom status, functional status and treatment variables, as well as income level of the country of residence, were extracted from survey responses.

Identify biological Alzheimer's disease using a novel nucleic acid-linked protein immunoassay.

Blood-based biomarkers have been revolutionizing the detection, diagnosis and screening of Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, phosphorylated-tau variants (p-tau, p-tau and p-tau) are promising biomarkers for identifying Alzheimer's disease pathology. Antibody-based assays such as single molecule arrays immunoassays are powerful tools to investigate pathological changes indicated by blood-based biomarkers and have been studied extensively in the Alzheimer's disease research field.

The impact of advertising on women's self-perception: a systematic review.

This systematic review explores the multifaceted psychological impact of advertising on women's self-perception, examining traditional advertising, femvertising, and the emerging effects of digital transformation. By synthesizing evidence from 95 peer-reviewed studies, this review examines the relationship between media portrayals of women and key psychological outcomes, including body image, self-esteem, self-objectification, and gender role attitudes. Our analysis reveals that traditional advertising, which often features idealized and stereotypical portrayals of femininity, continues to be associated with negative psychological outcomes such as increased body dissatisfaction and self-objectification.

Muscarinic receptor agonists and positive allosteric modulators in animal models of psychosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Muscarinic receptor agonism and positive allosteric modulation is a promising mechanism of action for treating psychosis, not present in most D2R-blocking antipsychotics. Xanomeline, an M1/M4-preferring agonist, has shown efficacy in late-stage clinical trials, with more compounds being investigated. Therefore, we aim to synthesize evidence on the preclinical efficacy of muscarinic receptor agonists and positive allosteric modulators in animal models of psychosis to provide unique insights and evidence-based information to guide drug development.

Evolving perspectives on aortic stenosis: the increasing importance of evaluating the right ventricle before aortic valve intervention.

Aortic stenosis (AS) was historically considered a disease of the left side of the heart, with the main pathophysiological impact being predominantly on the left ventricle (LV). However, progressive pressure overload in AS can initiate a cascade of extra-valvular myocardial remodeling that could also precipitate maladaptive alterations in the structure and function of the right ventricle (RV). The haemodynamic and clinical importance of these changes in patients with AS have been largely underappreciated in the past.

Patients' views and experiences of the first community pharmacy-based medication therapy management clinic in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A qualitative study.

Objective: This qualitative study aimed to describe patients' experiences of a community pharmacy (CP)-based medication therapy management program (MTM).

Methods: Qualitative, semistructured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patients with uncontrolled diabetes who received care at a CP-based MTM clinic. Interviews were conducted in the MTM clinic of Health Kingdom CP in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by a research pharmacist using an interview guide.

Patients, parents and professional perspectives on molecular radiotherapy for neuroblastoma and paediatric neuroendocrine cancers.

Treatment with radioactive drugs (molecular radiotherapy, MRT) is an option for selected children with neuroblastoma and neuroendocrine cancers. As few hospitals are appropriately equipped and staffed to provide paediatric MRT, many families have to travel long distances from home for prolonged periods. To improve professional understanding of the challenges faced by children receiving these treatments and their parents, and to help them appreciate the difficulties faced by professionals in delivering complex treatments, a meeting bringing together parents, patients and professionals was held.

Systematic Review of Pre-Clinical Systems Using Artificial Microenvironments and Anti-Migratory Drugs to Control Migration of Glioblastoma Cells.

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most prevalent primary brain tumour, with an incidence of 2 per 100,000. The standard clinical treatments do not sufficiently target cell migration and invasion, leading to recurrence after surgical resection and resistance after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pre-clinical studies are being conducted to construct artificial substrates that can mimic the tumour microenvironment (TME) to prevent GBM cells from migrating along their primary route through blood vessels and white matter tracts.

Limited evidence of association between dysregulated immune marker levels and telomere length in severe mental disorders.

Objective: Accelerated ageing indexed by telomere attrition is suggested in schizophrenia spectrum- (SCZ) and bipolar disorders (BD). While inflammation may promote telomere shortening, few studies have investigated the association between telomere length (TL) and markers of immune activation and inflammation in severe mental disorders.

Methods: Leucocyte TL defined as telomere template/amount of single-copy gene template (T/S ratio), was determined in participants with SCZ ( = 301) or BD ( = 211) and a healthy control group (HC, = 378).

Global Delphi consensus on treatment goals for generalised pustular psoriasis.

Background: Generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a chronic, systemic, neutrophilic inflammatory disease. A previous Delphi panel established areas of consensus on GPP, although patient perspectives were not included, and aspects of treatment goals remain unclear.

Objectives: To identify and achieve consensus on refined, specific treatment goals for GPP treatment via a Delphi panel with patient participation.

Identification and characterisation of two functional antibiotic MATE efflux pumps in the archaeon Halorubrum amylolyticum.

Multidrug efflux pumps have been found to play a crucial role in drug resistance in bacteria and eukaryotes. In this study, we investigated the presence of functional multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) efflux pumps, inferred from whole genome sequencing, in the halophilic archaeon Halorubrum amylolyticum CSM52 using Hoechst 33342 dye accumulation and antimicrobial sensitivity tests in the presence and absence of efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs). The whole genome sequence of H.

Polycomb-associated and Trithorax-associated developmental conditions-phenotypic convergence and heterogeneity.

Polycomb group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) complexes represent two major components of the epigenetic machinery. This study aimed to delineate phenotypic similarities and differences across developmental conditions arising from rare variants in PcG and TrxG genes, using data-driven approaches. 462 patients with a PcG or TrxG-associated condition were identified in the DECIPHER dataset.

SERCA2a dysfunction in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a direct role is yet to be established.

With rising incidence, mortality and limited therapeutic options, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains one of the most important topics in cardiovascular medicine today. Characterised by left ventricular diastolic dysfunction partially due to impaired Ca homeostasis, one ion channel in particular, SarcoEndoplasmic Reticulum Ca-ATPase (SERCA2a), may play a significant role in its pathophysiology. A better understanding of the complex mechanisms interplaying to contribute to SERCA2a dysfunction will help develop treatments targeting it and thus address the growing clinical challenge HFpEF poses.

Self-reports map the landscape of task states derived from brain imaging.

Psychological states influence our happiness and productivity; however, estimates of their impact have historically been assumed to be limited by the accuracy with which introspection can quantify them. Over the last two decades, studies have shown that introspective descriptions of psychological states correlate with objective indicators of cognition, including task performance and metrics of brain function, using techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Such evidence suggests it may be possible to quantify the mapping between self-reports of experience and objective representations of those states (e.

Genomics yields biological and phenotypic insights into bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a leading contributor to the global burden of disease. Despite high heritability (60-80%), the majority of the underlying genetic determinants remain unknown. We analysed data from participants of European, East Asian, African American and Latino ancestries (n = 158,036 cases with bipolar disorder, 2.