Nanofibrous Peptide Hydrogels Leveraging Histidine to Modulate pH-Responsive Supramolecular Assembly and Antibody Release.

In this work, we investigate the pH-responsive behavior of multidomain peptide (MDP) hydrogels containing histidine. Small-angle X-ray scattering confirmed that MDP nanofibers sequester nonpolar residues into a hydrophobic core surrounded by a shell of hydrophilic residues. MDPs with histidine on the hydrophilic face formed nanofibers at all pH values tested, but the morphology of the fibers was influenced by the protonation state and the location of histidine in the MDP sequence.

Disease activity and glucocorticoid tapering patterns in Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with anifrolumab: post hoc analysis of the Japanese subpopulation of the TULIP-2 study.

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of anifrolumab on disease activity and glucocorticoid tapering patterns in Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: We analysed disease activity and glucocorticoid tapering in the Japanese subpopulation (anifrolumab, n = 24; placebo, n = 19) of the TULIP-2 trial, which showed the efficacy and safety of anifrolumab in patients with moderate-to-severe active SLE.

Results: The percentage of patients who achieved a British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment response at Week 52 was greater in the anifrolumab group than placebo [50.

3D Bioprinted Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Model Using Tunicate Derived Nanocellulose (NC) Bioink.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are invasive solid tumors accounting for high mortality. To improve the clinical outcome, a better understanding of the tumor and its microenvironment (TME) is crucial. Three -dimensional (3D) bioprinting is emerging as a powerful tool for recreating the TME in vitro.

Dual Strategies Based on Golgi Apparatus/Endoplasmic Reticulum Targeting and Anchoring for High-Efficiency siRNA Delivery and Tumor RNAi Therapy.

Endolysosomal degradation of small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduces the efficacy of RNA interference (RNAi) delivered by nonviral systems. Leveraging Golgi apparatus/endoplasmic reticulum (Golgi/ER) transport can help siRNA bypass the endolysosomal degradation pathway, but this approach may also result in insufficient siRNA release and an increased risk of Golgi/ER-mediated exocytosis. To address these challenges, we developed two distinct strategies using a nanocomplex of cell-penetrating poly(disulfide)s and chondroitin sulfate, which enhances targeted internalization, Golgi transport, and rapid cytoplasmic release of loaded siRNA.

Empowering Regional Conservation: Genetic Diversity Assessments as a Tool for Eelgrass Management.

To halt the loss of biodiversity, collaboration among scientists, managers and decision-makers is vital. Although biodiversity loss is a global problem, management actions influencing diversity are often on a local to regional scale. Our study is an example of a regional conservation genomic assessment developed in collaboration between scientists and managers.

Perspectives on Abortion Services, the Pre-Abortion Visit, and Telemedicine Abortion: A Qualitative Study in Sweden.

Context: According to Swedish law, abortion treatment should be carried out at an approved healthcare facility. All persons seeking medication abortions are obliged to attend an in-person visit, which includes a gynecological examination, an ultrasound scan, and administration of mifepristone at a hospital/clinic. However, some countries have implemented telemedicine abortion services without the requirement of in-person visits during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mobile Health delivered physical activity after mild stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Is it feasible and acceptable?

Background And Aims: Physical activity is a key component of secondary stroke prevention. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions show promise for enhancing post-stroke physical activity, but most studies have combined mHealth with onsite services. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a fully digitalised mHealth intervention for physical activity among individuals post stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in Sweden.

The 'MOAHLFA(P) Index': An Attempt to Standardise a Widely Used Array of Descriptors of Patch-Tested Patients.

Background: Since its inception in 1980, the MOHL index (% patients who are male, have occupational, hand, or leg dermatitis, respectively) and its later evolutions until the presently used MOAHLFA(P) index (adding % patients with atopic dermatitis, face dermatitis, age 40+ years and positive reaction(s) to ≥ 1 baseline series allergen) have been intended to convey important demographic and clinical information on the patients patch tested in a certain area and time, aiding the interpretation of the observed spectrum of sensitisation.

Objectives: To examine the current usage of the MOAHLFA(P) index and suggest consolidated definitions for its single items.

Methods: A title/abstract search in Medline identified publications mentioning the evolving acronyms.

Heterogeneity of reduced FEV in early adulthood: A looking forward, looking backwards analysis.

Background: Some individuals never achieve normal peak FEV in early adulthood. It is unknown if this is due to airflow limitation and/or lung restriction.

Methods: To investigate this, we: (1) looked forward in 19,791 participants in the Dutch Lifelines general population cohort aged 25-35 years with 5-year follow-up; and (2) looked backwards in 2032 participants in the Swedish BAMSE birth cohort with spirometry at 24 years of age but also at 16 and/or 8 years.

Computer Simulation of Sulfated Cyclodextrin-Based Enantioselective Separation of Weak Bases With Partial, High-Concentration Filling of the Chiral Selector and Analyte Detection on the Cathodic Side.

Computer simulation was utilized to characterize the electrophoretic processes occurring during the enantioselective capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) analysis of ketamine, norketamine, and hydroxynorketamine in a system with partial filling of the capillary with 19 mM (equals 5%) of highly sulfated γ-cyclodextrin (HS-γ-CD) and analyte detection on the cathodic side. Provided that the sample is applied without or with a small amount of the chiral selector, analytes become quickly focused and separated in the thereby formed HS-γ-CD gradient at the cathodic end of the sample compartment. This gradient broadens with time, remains stationary, and gradually reduces its span from the lower side due to diffusion such that analytes with high affinity to the anionic selector become released onto the other side of the focusing gradient where anionic migration and defocusing occur concomitantly.

Deformed wing virus coopts the host arginine kinase to enhance its fitness in honey bees (Apis mellifera).

Background: Deformed wing virus (DWV) is a major honey bee pathogen that is actively transmitted by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor and plays a primary role in Apis mellifera winter colony losses. Despite intense investigation on this pollinator, which has a unique environmental and economic importance, the mechanisms underlying the molecular interactions between DWV and honey bees are still poorly understood. Here, we report on a group of honey bee proteins, identified by mass spectrometry, that specifically co-immunoprecipitate with DWV virus particles.

Co-creation of a gender responsive TB intervention in Nigeria: a researcher-led collaborative study.

Background: In Nigeria, men constitute over half of the people notified with tuberculosis (TB), experience longer delays before reaching care, and are estimated to account for two thirds of people who miss out on care. The higher TB risk and burden in men has implications for the whole population and reaching them earlier with TB services will reduce onward transmission in households, communities, and workplaces. The absence of a comprehensive guidance and the lack of substantial empirical evidence on TB care approaches that are responsive to the needs of men in Nigeria exacerbates this problem.

Revisiting the oxygen reactivity index in traumatic brain injury: the complementary value of combined focal and global autoregulation monitoring.

Background: The oxygen reactivity index (ORx) reflects the correlation between focal brain tissue oxygen (pbtO) and the cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Previous, small cohort studies were conflicting on whether ORx conveys cerebral autoregulatory information and if it is related to outcome in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thus, we aimed to investigate these issues in a larger TBI cohort.

Molecular Design for Dual Circularity: Polyester with Complementary Mechanical and Chemical Recyclability under Mild Conditions.

The plastic waste accumulation requires facile yet effective solutions. Currently mechanical recycling typically leads to downcycling, while the environmental footprint of chemical recycling is often unacceptable. Here, we introduce a dual circularity concept, where rational molecular design paves the way for complementary closed-loop mechanical and chemical recyclability under mild conditions.

Review - Insect farming for food and feed in the Global South: Focus on black soldier fly production.

Clear differences exist between the Global South and the Global North with respect to economic development. The majority of small and medium-sized insect production farms are located in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, which face challenges to food production and organic waste management in general. These regions have a long history of insect use, as well as environmental advantages, making production of insects in general - and the black soldier fly in particular - a promising option for sustainable food production and organic waste management.

Point of view: Challenges in implementation of new immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease.

The advancement of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for Alzheimer's disease (AD), along with the approval of three amyloid-targeting therapies in the US and several other countries, represents a significant development in the treatment landscape, offering new hope for addressing this once untreatable chronic progressive disease. However, significant challenges persist that could impede the successful integration of this class of drugs into clinical practice. These challenges include determining patient eligibility, appropriate use of diagnostic tools and genetic testing in patient care pathways, effective detection and monitoring of side effects, and improving the healthcare system's readiness by engaging both primary care and dementia specialists.

Informal care for people with dementia in Europe.

Introduction: Informal care estimates for use in health-economic models are lacking. We aimed to estimate the association between informal care time and dementia symptoms across Europe.

Methods: A secondary analysis was performed on 13,529 observations in 5,369 persons from 9 European pooled cohort or trial studies in community-dwelling persons with dementia.

Key considerations for combination therapy in Alzheimer's clinical trials: Perspectives from an expert advisory board convened by the Alzheimer's drug discovery foundation.

There is growing consensus in the Alzheimer's community that combination therapy will be needed to maximize therapeutic benefits through the course of the disease. However, combination therapy raises complex questions and decisions for study sponsors, from preclinical research through clinical trial design to regulatory, statistical, and operational considerations. In January 2024, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation convened an expert advisory board to discuss the key considerations in each of these areas.

End-to-end deep-learning model for the detection of coronary artery stenosis on coronary CT images.

Purpose: We examined whether end-to-end deep-learning models could detect moderate (≥50%) or severe (≥70%) stenosis in the left anterior descending artery (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA) or left circumflex artery (LCX) in iodine contrast-enhanced ECG-gated coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans.

Methods: From a database of 6293 CCTA scans, we used pre-existing curved multiplanar reformations (CMR) images of the LAD, RCA and LCX arteries to create end-to-end deep-learning models for the detection of moderate or severe stenoses. We preprocessed the images by exploiting domain knowledge and employed a transfer learning approach using EfficientNet, ResNet, DenseNet and Inception-ResNet, with a class-weighted strategy optimised through cross-validation.

Protocol for the development of a global core outcome set for the surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer: a literature review and international Delphi survey.

Introduction: There is a lack of consensus on the optimal surgical strategy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), partly due to inconsistent reporting of outcomes. This limits the ability to compare study results, hindering the ability to draw conclusions regarding novel treatment strategies. The development of a core outcome set (COS) reduces heterogeneity in the selection and reporting of clinical trial outcomes.

Association between endostatin and mortality in patients with acute dyspnoea, with or without congestive heart failure: a single-centre, prospective, observational study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess associations between endostatin levels and short-term mortality in unsorted acute hospitalised dyspnoea patients with or without congestive heart failure (CHF), adjusted for common cardiovascular risk factors.

Design, Setting And Participants: In this prospective observational study, 723 hospitalised patients who visited the emergency department at Skåne University Hospital, Sweden, between 2013 and 2018 were included. Of these, 276 had a history of CHF.

Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke: a study on intravenous thrombolysis in patients over 80 years of age with acute ischaemic stroke.

Objectives: To investigate the safety and efficacy outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in patients aged >80 years with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) after IVT was approved in this patient population in several European and non-European countries during 2018-2019.

Design: This is an observational registry study using prospectively collected data from the Safe Implementation of Treatment in Stroke (SITS) registry. Comparisons will be performed between patients treated post-approval (July 2018 to December 2021) period with those treated pre-approval (June 2015 to June 2018) period using propensity score matching (PSM).