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The article titled "Reply to 'Burnout and professional quality of life in dermatologists'" discusses the relationship between burnout and professional quality of life (PQL) among dermatologists. The authors conducted a cross-sectional study and found that dermatologists who work exclusively in the private sector have better PQL conditions compared to those in the public health care system. They also found that age and work experience were inversely correlated with the risk of burnout. However, the authors suggest that emerging risk factors such as technostress, caused by the increasing use of communication devices, should be considered when analyzing burnout among dermatologists. [Extracted from the article]

The global spread of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is rapidly increasing due to antibiotic overuse, posing a major public health threat and causing millions of deaths annually. The present study explored the potential of nanocarriers for delivering novel and alternative antibacterial agents using nanotechnology-based approaches to address the challenge of MDR bacteria. The purpose was to enhance the solubility, stability, and targeted delivery of berberine (BER) and its synthetic derivative NR16 using Styrene- co -Maleic Acid (SMA) nanoparticles. Characterization of the nanoparticles, including dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, TEM, and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, confirmed their suitability and high stability for passive drug delivery. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated against a panel of pathogens, revealing significant inhibitory effects on Gram-positive strains; particularly BER, SMA-BER, and NR16 were active against MRSA, MSSA, VR, and VS E. faecalis , and S. epidermidis . Additionally, SMA-BER and SMA-NR16 showed promising activity against biofilm formation of S. epidermidis ; while the two free drugs contributed to S. epidermidis biofilm disruption activity. Hemolysis tests and in vitro studies on human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) confirmed the safety profiles of the nanoparticles and free drugs. Overall, this research highlighted the potential of nanotechnology in developing effective antibacterial agents with reduced toxicity, addressing the growing threat of MDR bacterial infections., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), a known inhibitor of the electron transport chain, is endogenously produced in the periphery as well as in the central nervous system, where is mainly generated by glial cells. It affects, as a cellular signaling molecule, many different biochemical processes. In the central nervous system, depending on its concentration, it can be protective or damaging to neurons. In the study, we have demonstrated, in a primary mouse spinal cord cultures, that it is particularly harmful to motor neurons, is produced by glial cells, and is stimulated by inflammation. However, its role on glial cells, especially astrocytes, is still under-investigated. The present study was designed to evaluate the impact of H 2 S on astrocytes and their phenotypic heterogeneity, together with the functionality and homeostasis of mitochondria in primary spinal cord cultures. We found that H 2 S modulates astrocytes' morphological changes and their phenotypic transformation, exerts toxic properties by decreasing ATP production and the mitochondrial respiration rate, disturbs mitochondrial depolarization, and alters the energetic metabolism. These results further support the hypothesis that H 2 S is a toxic mediator, mainly released by astrocytes, possibly acting as an autocrine factor toward astrocytes, and probably involved in the non-cell autonomous mechanisms leading to motor neuron death.

The prevailing dogma for morphological patterning in developing organisms argues that the combined inputs of transcription factor networks and signalling morphogens alone generate spatially and temporally distinct expression patterns. However, metabolism has also emerged as a critical developmental regulator 1-10 , independent of its functions in energy production and growth. The mechanistic role of nutrient utilization in instructing cellular programmes to shape the in vivo developing mammalian embryo remains unknown. Here we reveal two spatially resolved, cell-type- and stage-specific waves of glucose metabolism during mammalian gastrulation by using single-cell-resolution quantitative imaging of developing mouse embryos, stem cell models and embryo-derived tissue explants. We identify that the first spatiotemporal wave of glucose metabolism occurs through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway to drive fate acquisition in the epiblast, and the second wave uses glycolysis to guide mesoderm migration and lateral expansion. Furthermore, we demonstrate that glucose exerts its influence on these developmental processes through cellular signalling pathways, with distinct mechanisms connecting glucose with the ERK activity in each wave. Our findings underscore that-in synergy with genetic mechanisms and morphogenic gradients-compartmentalized cellular metabolism is integral in guiding cell fate and specialized functions during development. This study challenges the view of the generic and housekeeping nature of cellular metabolism, offering valuable insights into its roles in various developmental contexts., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Contact and collision athletes face a higher risk of recurrent anterior shoulder instability after surgical stabilization. The Latarjet procedure is often preferred given the high incidence of bony lesions. However, this stabilizing procedure, performed either open or arthroscopically, is met with concerns regarding complications and revision surgery rates., Purpose: To evaluate the return to sport (RTS) and assess complication and instability recurrence rates in contact/collision athletes undergoing the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure using a guided technique with suture buttons for coracoid fixations., Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on contact/collision athletes who underwent the arthroscopic Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability between January 2011 and March 2018. All patients were operated on arthroscopically using glenoid and coracoid guides and suture button fixation of the transferred coracoid. RTS was defined as the patient being able to participate in his or her activity without any restriction postoperatively. Two independent observers assessed patients using postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate coracoid positioning and healing. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictive factors associated with persistent apprehension. A group comparison was performed to assess RTS failure risk factors., Results: In 136 contact/collision athletes (mean age, 25 ± 7 years), 93% were satisfied, and 98% achieved shoulder stability at a mean follow-up of 60 months (range, 24-117 months). No suture button-related complications or neurovascular issues were reported. Overall, 82% (112/136) returned to contact/collision sports. The mean time to RTS was 5.3 ± 1.2 months (range, 3-7.3 months). In a CT study performed 2 weeks after surgery, 87% (118/136) of bone grafts were positioned below the equator and 93% (126/136) were flush to the glenoid surface. At the 6-month postoperative CT examination, complete bone block healing was achieved in 84% (114/136). On clinical examination at the latest follow-up, 36 patients (26%) reported some anterior apprehension on testing. On multivariate analysis, patients with severe humeral bone defects (medium to large Hill-Sachs lesions, Calandra grade 2 or 3) had a higher risk of postoperative persistent apprehension. On group comparison, a visual analog scale score >3 and persistent anterior apprehension were found to be associated with failure of RTS., Conclusion: The arthroscopic Latarjet procedure with suture button fixation allowed 82% of athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability to return to contact or collision sports. Patients with severe humeral bone defects have a higher risk of persistent anterior apprehension and decreased RTS. The arthroscopic-guided procedure with suture button fixation is safe; accurate, with a high rate of anatomic graft positioning and healing; and reliable, with a low recurrence rate., Competing Interests: One or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: J.D. acquired shares of Digikare SAS. M.C. is co-founder of EasyMedStat SAS. P.B. is a consultant for Smith & Nephew and Stryker and receives royalties from Stryker. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto.

A low level of Neurotrophins (NTs), their Tyrosine Kinase Receptors (Trks), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) and their receptors, mainly VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, characterizes AD brains. The use of NTs and VEGFs as drugs presents different issues due to their low permeability of the blood-brain barrier, the poor pharmacokinetic profile, and the relevant side effects. To overcome these issues, different functional and structural NT mimics have been employed. Being aware that the N-terminus domain as the key domain of NTs for the binding selectivity and activation of Trks and the need to avoid or delay proteolysis, we herein report on the mimicking ability of two cyclic peptide encompassing the N-terminus of Brain Derived Growth Factor (BDNF), (c-[HSDPARRGELSV-]), cBDNF(1-12) and of Neurotrophin3 (NT3), (c-[YAEHKSHRGEYSV-]), cNT3(1-13). The two cyclic peptide features were characterized by a combined thermodynamic and spectroscopic approach (potentiometry, NMR, UV-vis and CD) that was extended to their copper(II) ion complexes. SH-SY5Y cell assays show that the Cu 2+ present at the sub-micromolar level in the complete culture media affects the treatments with the two peptides. cBDNF(1-12) and cNT3(1-13) act as ionophores, induce neuronal differentiation and promote Trks and CREB phosphorylation in a copper dependent manner. Consistently, both peptide and Cu 2+ stimulate BDNF and VEGF expression as well as VEGF release; cBDNF(1-12) and cNT3(1-13) induce the expression of Trks and VEGFRs.

Background: Despite improved visualization, the use of arthroscopic surgery to perform the Latarjet procedure has not decreased the rates of complications and glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA) in the long term. Many of the reported complications are related to the use of screws for bone block fixation with freehand drilling., Purpose: To evaluate the long-term (at a minimum 10-year follow-up) clinical and radiological outcomes of the arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure using a posterior guided drilling technique and suture button for coracoid bone graft fixation., Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4., Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent the arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure with suture button fixation between 2011 and 2013 were reviewed by 2 independent evaluators. Complications and revision surgery were recorded, and we evaluated patient-reported outcomes including subjective scores, recurrence of shoulder instability (dislocation or subluxation), range of motion limitations, and return to sports. Patients had radiographs taken at least 10 years after surgery to assess glenohumeral OA according to the Samilson-Prieto classification system and computed tomography scans to assess bone block positioning and healing., Results: A total of 65 consecutive patients (68 shoulders) with a mean follow-up of 135 months (range, 120-156 months) were included. The mean age at the time of surgery was 25 ± 8 years; 7 patients had previous failed Bankart repair. At follow-up, 94% (64/68) of the shoulders had no recurrence of instability. The 4 cases of instability recurrence were traumatic and occurred at 3 weeks (a fall), 4 months, 2 years, and 7 years after surgery. No hardware failures, coracoid fractures, or neurological complications were observed. Overall, 61 patients (94%) were still participating in sports, with 44 (68%) at the same or higher level. Range of motion showed nonsignificant restrictions in external rotation with the arm at the side (7° ± 9°) and with the arm at 90° of abduction (9° ± 10°) compared with the contralateral side. Additionally, 11 shoulders (16%) had some residual anterior apprehension on clinical examination. At last follow-up, 77% (47/61) of the shoulders had no OA development or progression. Previous failed Bankart repair was a risk factor for the development of OA. Patients with OA had significantly lower Subjective Shoulder Value scores (79% vs 91%, respectively; P = .01) and decreased external rotation with the arm at the side (40° vs 65°, respectively; P = .001) compared with patients with no or little OA., Conclusion: The arthroscopically guided Bristow-Latarjet procedure with suture button fixation is a safe and durable surgical treatment method for recurrent anterior shoulder instability, allowing a high rate of return to sports without significant motion restrictions and no or little OA in the long term., Competing Interests: One or more of the authors has declared the following potential conflict of interest or source of funding: J.D. owns shares of Digikare and is a cofounder of DeepDocs. M.C. is a cofounder of EasyMedStat. P.B. is a consultant for Smith & Nephew and is a consultant for and receives royalties from Stryker. AOSSM checks author disclosures against the Open Payments Database (OPD). AOSSM has not conducted an independent investigation on the OPD and disclaims any liability or responsibility relating thereto.

Tumor heterogeneity refers to the diversity observed among tumor cells: both between different tumors (inter-tumor heterogeneity) and within a single tumor (intra-tumor heterogeneity). These cells can display distinct morphological and phenotypic characteristics, including variations in cellular morphology, metastatic potential and variability treatment responses among patients. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of such heterogeneity is necessary for deciphering tumor-specific mechanisms that may be diagnostically and therapeutically valuable. Innovative and multidisciplinary approaches are needed to understand this complex feature. In this context, proteogenomics has been emerging as a significant resource for integrating omics fields such as genomics and proteomics. By combining data obtained from both Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses, proteogenomics aims to provide a comprehensive view of tumor heterogeneity. This approach reveals molecular alterations and phenotypic features related to tumor subtypes, potentially identifying therapeutic biomarkers. Many achievements have been made; however, despite continuous advances in proteogenomics-based methodologies, several challenges remain: in particular the limitations in sensitivity and specificity and the lack of optimal study models. This review highlights the impact of proteogenomics on characterizing tumor phenotypes, focusing on the critical challenges and current limitations of its use in different clinical and preclinical models for tumor phenotypic characterization.

The Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family represents a group of transcription factors (TFs) performing different biological processes that are crucial for proper neuronal function, including neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival. As reported, genetic variants within the KLF family have been associated with a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric symptoms. In a patient exhibiting attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined with both neurodevelopmental and psychiatric symptoms, whole-exome sequencing (WES) analysis revealed a de novo heterozygous variant within the Krüppel-like factor 13 ( KLF13 ) gene, which belongs to the KLF family and regulates axonal growth, development, and regeneration in mice. Moreover, in silico analyses pertaining to the likely pathogenic significance of the variant and the impact of the mutation on the KLF13 protein structure suggested a potential deleterious effect. In fact, the variant was localized in correspondence to the starting residue of the N-terminal domain of KLF13 , essential for protein-protein interactions, DNA binding, and transcriptional activation or repression. This study aims to highlight the potential involvement of the KLF13 gene in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, we cannot rule out that excluded variants, those undetectable by WES, or the polygenic risk may have contributed to the patient's phenotype given ADHD's high polygenic risk. However, further functional studies are required to validate its potential contribution to these disorders.

Redox dysregulation, an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, is crucial in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. Within this context, the "redoxome" encompasses the network of redox molecules collaborating to maintain cellular redox balance and signaling. Among these, cysteine-sensitive proteins are fundamental for this homeostasis. Due to their reactive thiol groups, cysteine (Cys) residues are particularly susceptible to oxidative post-translational modifications (PTMs) induced by free radicals (reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species) which profoundly affect protein functions. Cys-PTMs, forming what is referred to as "cysteinet" in the redox proteome, are essential for redox signaling in both physiological and pathological conditions, including neurodegeneration. Such modifications significantly influence protein misfolding and aggregation, key hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and notably, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This review aims to explore the complex landscape of cysteine PTMs in the cellular redox environment, elucidating their impact on neurodegeneration at protein level. By investigating specific cysteine-sensitive proteins and the regulatory networks involved, particular emphasis is placed on the link between redox dysregulation and ALS, highlighting this pathology as a prime example of a neurodegenerative disease wherein such redox dysregulation is a distinct hallmark.

Brain insulin resistance links the failure of energy metabolism with cognitive decline in both type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2D) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), although the molecular changes preceding overt brain insulin resistance remain unexplored. Abnormal biliverdin reductase-A (BVR-A) levels were observed in both T2D and AD and were associated with insulin resistance. Here, we demonstrate that reduced BVR-A levels alter insulin signaling and mitochondrial bioenergetics in the brain. Loss of BVR-A leads to IRS1 hyper-activation but dysregulates Akt-GSK3β complex in response to insulin, hindering the accumulation of pGSK3β S9 into the mitochondria. This event impairs oxidative phosphorylation and fosters the activation of the mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response (UPRmt). Remarkably, we unveil that BVR-A is required to shuttle pGSK3β S9 into the mitochondria. Our data sheds light on the intricate interplay between insulin signaling and mitochondrial metabolism in the brain unraveling potential targets for mitigating the development of brain insulin resistance and neurodegeneration., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Dermatologists' burnout is a growing phenomenon. During the last years, an important role on medical stress is played by the ever-increasing use of common technological devices (smartphones, smartwatches, PCs and tablets). The aim of the study was to investigate whether digital technology use causes burnout among Italian dermatologists, using a survey conducted among a group of Italian dermatologists. The final sample contained 194 responses valid for analysis. A positive and significant relationship between technostress, assessed through Technostress Inventory and burnout, assessed through Maslach Burnout Inventory, among Italian dermatologists was found. Our data seems suggesting a close relationship between technostress and dermatologist burnout., (© 2024 Australasian College of Dermatologists.)

The high frequency and complexity of mandibular third molar (M3M) surgery have led several authors to the development of classification systems for better evaluation and management in oral surgery. This study compared the classifications of Juodzabalys and Daugela et al. (JD), Sammartino et al., Chang et al., Jhamb et al., Maglione et al., and Nemsi et al. to understand the concordance between the scores of M3M surgery. Two types of analysis were conducted: the relationship between the M3M and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), and the overall difficulty score based on the tooth's angulation and its spatial position with the adjacent structure. The analysis of the classifications on the relationship between M3M and IAN resulted in a concordance of 26.1%. In the pairwise comparisons, the classifications of Nemsi et al. and Jhamb et al. showed the highest concordance of 59.5%. Analyzing the total scores difficulty, the JD et al., Chang et al., and Sammartino et al. classifications demonstrated a concordance level of 25.5%. A pairwise assessment revealed a higher concordance degree between the classifications of Sammartino et al. and Chang et al. (57.4%). The results highlight the limits in establishing a comprehensive and objective classification for the surgical difficulty of M3M, possibly attributed to variations in the methodology for computing total scores. An objective, automated, and non-operator-dependent classification method for assessing the surgical difficulty of M3M is still needed.

Tissue regeneration and maintenance rely on coordinated stem cell behaviours. This orchestration can be impaired by oncogenic mutations leading to cancer. However, it is largely unclear how oncogenes perturb stem cells' orchestration to disrupt tissue. Here we used intravital imaging to investigate the mechanisms by which oncogenic Kras mutation causes tissue disruption in the hair follicle. Through longitudinally tracking hair follicles in live mice, we found that Kras G12D , a mutation that can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, induces epithelial tissue deformation in a spatiotemporally specific manner, linked with abnormal cell division and migration. Using a reporter mouse capture real-time ERK signal dynamics at the single-cell level, we discovered that Kras G12D , but not a closely related mutation Hras G12V , converts ERK signal in stem cells from pulsatile to sustained. Finally, we demonstrated that interrupting sustained ERK signal reverts Kras G12D -induced tissue deformation through modulating specific features of cell migration and division., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

Neurotrophins are a family of growth factors that play a key role in the development and regulation of the functioning of the central nervous system. Their use as drugs is made difficult by their poor stability, cellular permeability, and side effects. Continuing our effort to use peptides that mimic the neurotrophic growth factor (NGF), the family model protein, and specifically the N-terminus of the protein, here we report on the spectroscopic characterization and resistance to hydrolysis of the 14-membered cyclic peptide reproducing the N-terminus sequence (SSSHPIFHRGEFSV (c-NGF(1-14)). Far-UV CD spectra and a computational study show that this peptide has a rigid conformation and left-handed chirality typical of polyproline II that favors its interaction with the D5 domain of the NGF receptor TrkA. c-NGF(1-14) is able to bind Cu 2+ with good affinity; the resulting complexes have been characterized by potentiometric and spectroscopic measurements. Experiments on PC12 cells show that c-NGF(1-14) acts as an ionophore, influencing the degree and the localization of both the membrane transporter (Ctr1) and the copper intracellular transporter (CCS). c-NGF(1-14) induces PC12 differentiation, mimics the protein in TrkA phosphorylation, and activates the kinase cascade, inducing Erk1/2 phosphorylation. c-NGF(1-14) biological activities are enhanced when the peptide interacts with Cu 2+ even with the submicromolar quantities present in the culture media as demonstrated by ICP-OES measurements. Finally, c-NGF(1-14) and Cu 2+ concur to activate the cAMP response element-binding protein CREB that, in turn, induces the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release.

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most commonly diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children, accounting for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Although the 5-year survival rate of patients with a high-risk disease has increased in recent decades, NB remains a challenge in pediatric oncology, and the identification of novel potential therapeutic targets and agents is an urgent clinical need. The RNA-binding protein LIN28B has been identified as an oncogene in NB and is associated with a poor prognosis. Given that LIN28B acts by negatively regulating the biogenesis of the tumor suppressor let-7 miRNAs, we reasoned that selective interference with the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction would increase let-7 miRNA levels, ultimately leading to reduced NB aggressiveness. Here, we selected (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) out of 4959 molecules screened as the molecule with the best inhibitory activity on LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction and showed that treatment with PLC/PLGA-PEG nanoparticles containing EGCG (EGCG-NPs) led to an increase in mature let-7 miRNAs and a consequent inhibition of NB cell growth. In addition, EGCG-NP pretreatment reduced the tumorigenic potential of NB cells in vivo. These experiments suggest that the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA axis is a good therapeutic target in NB and that EGCG, which can interfere with this interaction, deserves further preclinical evaluation.

Background and Aims: Smoking is considered the main cause of preventable death world-wide. This study aimed to review the efficacy and safety of cytisine for smoking cessation., Methods: This review included an exhaustive search of databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in health centers of any level with smokers of any age or gender investigating the effects of cytisine at standard dosage versus placebo, varenicline or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)., Results: We identified 12 RCTs. Eight RCTs compared cytisine with placebo at the standard dose covering 5922 patients, 2996 of whom took cytisine, delivering a risk ratio (RR) of 2.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42-3.56; I 2  = 88%; moderate-quality evidence]. The greater intensity of behavioral therapy was associated directly with the efficacy findings (moderate-quality evidence). The confirmed efficacy of cytisine was not evidenced in trials conducted in low- and middle-income countries. We estimate a number needed to treat (NNT) of 11. Two trials compared the efficacy of cytisine versus NRT, and the combination of both studies yields modest results in favor of cytisine. Three trials compared cytisine with varenicline, without a clear benefit for cytisine. Meta-analyses of all non-serious adverse events in the cytisine group versus placebo groups yielded a RR of 1.24 (95% CI = 1.11-1.39; participants = 5895; studies = 8; I 2  = 0%; high-quality evidence)., Conclusions: Cytisine increases the chances of successful smoking cessation by more than twofold compared with placebo and has a benign safety profile, with no evidence of serious safety concerns. Limited evidence suggests that cytisine may be more effective than nicotine replacement therapy, with modest cessation rates., (© 2023 Society for the Study of Addiction.)

The bee gut microbiota plays an important role in the services the bees pay to the environment, humans and animals. Alongside, gut-associated microorganisms are vehiculated between apparently remote habitats, promoting microbial heterogeneity of the visited microcosms and the transfer of the microbial genetic elements. To date, no metaproteomics studies dealing with the functional bee microbiota are available. Here, we employ a metaproteomics approach to explore a fraction of the bacterial, fungal, and unicellular parasites inhabiting the bee gut. The bacterial community portrays a dynamic composition, accounting for specimens of human and animal concern. Their functional features highlight the vehiculation of virulence and antimicrobial resistance traits. The fungal and unicellular parasite fractions include environment- and animal-related specimens, whose metabolic activities support the spatial spreading of functional features. Host proteome depicts the major bee physiological activities, supporting the metaproteomics strategy for the simultaneous study of multiple microbial specimens and their host-crosstalks. Altogether, the present study provides a better definition of the structure and function of the bee gut microbiota, highlighting its impact in a variety of strategies aimed at improving/overcoming several current hot topic issues such as antimicrobial resistance, environmental pollution and the promotion of environmental health.

Introduction: Aluminum Phosphide (AlP) poisoning constituted the most common cause of poisoning death in some low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oil-based gastric lavage (GL) compared with standard therapy for the treatment of AlP poisoning. Materials and methods. This systematic review complied with "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) Protocols. A comprehensive search was carried out, identifying randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including anyone presenting within 6 h of exposure to AlP, and the administration of GL with oils, including liquid paraffin or coconut oil., Results: We identified 7 RCTs. The evidence from 4 RCTs indicates that GL with paraffin oil is an effective treatment for acute AlP poisoning, decreasing the mortality rate (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.81; participants = 226; I 2  = 10%; low-quality evidence ). We estimate the Number Needed to Treat of 4. Likewise, this intervention reduces the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation (RR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40 to 0.79; I 2  = 0%; low-quality evidence ). Regarding GL with coconut oil, the evidence from 4 RCTs, indicates a slight reduction in mortality (RR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.69 to 0.98; participants = 112; I 2  = 0%; very low-quality evidence )., Conclusions: Limited evidence suggests that GL with paraffin oil is effective in reducing the mortality rate. Likewise, limited evidence showed in favor of paraffin oil concerning the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Very limited evidence suggests that GL with coconut oil could reduce mortality. Both interventions would have a benign safety profile., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Observation is the heart of research, but it can be challenging to observe deeply and go beyond expected observations. Here, we describe activities designed for scientists to enhance their observational skills by engaging with art. In collaboration with an art gallery at our university, our lab practiced observing representational paintings in a systematic way, separating the act of observation from interpretation. Applying this skill to our microscopy images allowed us to access information in the data that may otherwise have been overlooked. In addition, these activities highlighted the power of collecting observations from multiple observers before generating interpretations, as well as the value of discussing the creative and emotional aspects of data collection and interpretation. We provide concrete examples of how we will incorporate these skills into our research processes, as well as details that other groups can use to engage in similar art-based training activities to enhance their own observational skills., Competing Interests: Competing interests The authors declare no competing or financial interests., (© 2024. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.)

Purpose: To validate the subjective shoulder value for sport (SSV-Sport) by measuring its correlation with existing patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and defining its psychometric properties., Methods: Between May 2021 and May 2022, we established 2 patient groups. Group 1 included those (1) aged 18 years or older, who were (2) consulting for the first time for any shoulder condition, (3) regularly participated in sports, and were capable of accessing a questionnaire independently. There were asked to rate their SSV and SSV-Sport at admission and 2 weeks later; they also were asked to answer a questionnaire including other PROMS. Group 2 comprised patients who had (1) undergone shoulder stabilization surgery and had (2) a minimum follow-up period of 6 months., Results: For the shoulder disability patients (group 1, n = 62), there was a strong and significant correlation between SSV-Sport and other PROMs: Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Sport (r = 0.84), Walch-Duplay (r = 0.65), Rowe (r = 0.74), Western Ontario Shoulder Instability (r = 0.78), and SSV (r = 0.75) (P = .0001). The SSV-Sport was reliable at baseline and 2 weeks after (0.91, 95% confidence interval 0.85-0.94), and was responsive to change (P < .001). For the anterior instability patients (group 2, n = 83), SSV was on average 50 points greater than SSV-Sport (29.2 vs 79.4, P < .001) for preoperative values. In both groups, the values of SSV were constantly and significantly higher than the values of SSV-Sport (81.9 ± 21.3 vs 54.8 ± 30.9; P < .001)., Conclusions: The SSV-Sport is an easily administered, reliable, responsive, and valid measure of shoulder function in athletes that is highly correlated with other PROMs. SSV-Sport is better adapted than SSV to quantify pre- and postoperative shoulder deficiency in athletes., Level of Evidence: Level III, cohort study (diagnosis)., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

REM sleep is critical for memory, emotion, and cognition. Manipulating brain activity during REM could improve our understanding of its function and benefits. Earlier studies have suggested that auditory stimulation in REM might modulate REM time and reduce rapid eye movement density. Building on this, we studied the cognitive effects and electroencephalographic responses related to such stimulation. We used acoustic stimulation locked to eye movements during REM and compared two overnight conditions (stimulation and no-stimulation). We evaluated the impact of this stimulation on REM sleep duration and electrophysiology, as well as two REM-sensitive memory tasks: visual discrimination and mirror tracing. Our results show that this auditory stimulation in REM decreases the rapid eye movements that characterize REM sleep and improves performance on the visual task but is detrimental to the mirror tracing task. We also observed increased beta-band activity and decreased theta-band activity following stimulation. Interestingly, these spectral changes were associated with changes in behavioural performance. These results show that acoustic stimulation can modulate REM sleep and suggest that different memory processes underpin its divergent impacts on cognitive performance., (© 2024. The Author(s).)