Recycling Fe and improving organic pollutant removal via in situ forming magnetic core-shell Fe3O4@CaFe-LDH in Fe(II)-catalyzed oxidative wastewater treatment.

Due to its high efficiency, Fe(II)-based catalytic oxidation has been one of the most popular types of technology for treating growing organic pollutants. A lot of chemical Fe sludge along with various refractory pollutants was concomitantly produced, which may cause secondary environmental problems without proper disposal. We here innovatively proposed an effective method of achieving zero Fe sludge, reusing Fe resources (Fe recovery = 100%) and advancing organics removal (final TOC removal > 70%) simultaneously, based on the in situ formation of magnetic Ca-Fe layered double hydroxide (Fe3O4@CaFe-LDH) nano-material. Cations (Ca2+ and Fe3+) concentration (≥ 30 mmol/L) and their molar ratio (Ca:Fe ≥ 1.75) were crucial to the success of the method. Extrinsic nano Fe3O4 was designed to be involved in the Fe(II)-catalytic wastewater treatment process, and was modified by oxidation intermediates/products (especially those with COO- structure), which promoted the co-precipitation of Ca2+ (originated from Ca(OH)2 added after oxidation process) and by-produced Fe3+ cations on its surface to in situ generate core-shell Fe3O4@CaFe-LDH. The oxidation products were further removed during Fe3O4@CaFe-LDH material formation via intercalation and adsorption. This method was applicable to many kinds of organic wastewater, such as bisphenol A, methyl orange, humics, and biogas slurry. The prepared magnetic and hierarchical CaFe-LDH nanocomposite material showed comparable application performance to the recently reported CaFe-LDHs. This work provides a new strategy for efficiently enhancing the efficiency and economy of Fe(II)-catalyzed oxidative wastewater treatment by producing high value-added LDHs materials.

Functional characterization of CCHamides and deorphanization of their receptors in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti.

As a widely distributed anthropophilic mosquito species and vector of various arboviruses, Aedes aegypti poses a significant threat to human health on a global scale. Investigating mosquito neuropeptides allows us to better understand their physiology. The neuropeptides CCHamide1 (CCHa1) and CCHamide2 (CCHa2) along with their associated G protein-coupled receptors (CCHa1R and CCHa2R) were recently identified and studied across insects. However, expression profiles and physiological roles of CCHamides and their receptors in many other insects, including A. aegypti, remain unclear. This research aimed to quantify and localize the expression of CCHamides along with their receptors and gain insight on their physiological function in the yellow fever mosquito. RT-qPCR analysis revealed transcript abundance of CCHamides and receptors changes over development. Differential expression was also observed in tissues/organs of adult mosquitoes indicating CCHa1 and CCHa2 transcripts are enriched in the midgut, while receptors are expressed across various tissues. CCHamide immunoreactivity was observed in neurons in the brain and ventral nerve cord along with enteroendocrine cells in the posterior midgut adjacent to the midgut-hindgut junction, corroborating their transcript expression profiles. Using different mass spectrometrical approaches, presence of CCHamides were confirmed in the brain of both sexes, including the pars intercerebralis of female mosquitoes, as well as in the gut of adult mosquitoes. For chemical identification of predicted CCHamides, we analyzed brain and gut extracts by ESI-Q Exactive Orbitrap MS and resulting fragmentations confirmed CCHa1 and CCHa2 in brain and midgut samples of both male and female mosquitoes. A heterologous functional assay was used to confirm the specificity and sensitivity of the two CCHamide receptors by assessing their activation in response to diverse mosquito peptides, which confirmed CCHa1 and CCHa2 as natural ligands. Finally, using a capillary feeder (CAFE) bioassay, our results suggest that CCHa2 modulates feeding behaviour in female mosquitoes.

Improving access and quality of primary healthcare through women and adolescents' user committees: A mixed-methods case study in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

BACKGROUND: Patient engagement is seen as a fundamental strategy for achieving quality patient-centred care, especially in community-based primary healthcare. Despite growing interest in patient engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa, few patient engagement initiatives have been identified, and those often are limited to lower levels of engagement, in participation in health research or in health system improvement. With the aim of giving a voice to under-represented community groups in healthcare governance, the Access to Health services in Kinshasa (ASSK) project supported the implementation of primary health services user committees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, designed to enable the representation of two user groups with specific unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs: women and adolescents. AIMS AND METHODS: Using a mixed-method case study design combining quantitative secondary data (from the national health management information system-DHIS2) and qualitative data from two research World Café (WC1: Women user committees (WUC) n = 55; WC2: Adolescents user committee (AUC) n = 63), this paper looks at the implementation facilitators and barriers, and at the results of this initiative. RESULTS: Women and adolescent members of the user committees highlighted that their participation resulted in increased knowledge of SRH and their related rights, as well as in their 'soft skills' such as communication and leadership. In addition, participants reported greater transparency and accountability on the part of the community primary health centres (e.g. by displaying fees for procedures to counter over-billing). Ultimately, WUC and AUC were associated with improved health practices in the community such as increased use of SRH services (increase of 613% for Makala and 160% for Maluku II), including adolescent family planning (increase of 320% for Makala and 12% for Maluku II) and assisted childbirth for women15-49 years old (increase of 283% for Makala and 23% for Maluku II)). CONCLUSIONS: Patient user committees for specific marginalised or under-represented groups appear to be an effective way of improving the quality of primary health care services. Further research is needed to better understand how to maximise its potential.

Evaluación del inicio de dieta con coffea arábica versus dieta tradicional, en pacientes luego de cirugía electiva y de emergencia / Evaluation of the initiation of diet with coffea arabica versus a traditional diet in patients after elective and emergency surgery

Introducción. Etimológicamente la palabra íleo proviene del griego eileos que significa rodando o girando; es descrito como el retraso temporal de la motilidad gastrointestinal. Mundialmente es reconocido que el íleo postoperatorio es una de las principales complicaciones después de cirugía y representa un problema importante por su elevado costo sanitario. Se ha investigado respecto al uso preventivo de medidas físicas y farmacológicas, como los procinéticos, para el manejo del íleo postoperatorio. Métodos. Investigación clínico-terapéutica, comparativa, de corte longitudinal prospectivo de seguimiento, con muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, conformado por cuatro grupos con 25 pacientes cada uno, atendidos en el Servicio de Cirugía General entre mayo y agosto de 2021. Resultados. Los pacientes presentaron una media de edad de 49,4 ± 19,6 años y el 53 % fueron hombres. El 86 % de los pacientes presentaron ruidos intestinales antes de 24 horas posteriores a la operación. La primera evacuación en los pacientes que ingirieron café tipo espresso fue a las 42,6 horas y para aquellos en el grupo de café americano fue a las 43,4 horas en comparación con 89,4 horas en el grupo control (p < 0,001). Conclusión. Se recomienda el uso del café como una medida segura y económica para el inicio de la dieta, como una alternativa al esquema tradicional, constituyéndose en una opción para el manejo del íleo postoperatorio

Introduction. Etymologically the word ileus comes from the Greek eileos, which means rolling or turning. It is described as the temporary delay of gastrointestinal motility. It is recognized worldwide that postoperative ileus is one of the main complications after surgery and represents an important problem due to its high healthcare cost. Research has been done regarding the preventive use of physical and pharmacological measures, such as prokinetics, for the management of postoperative ileus.Methods. Clinical-therapeutic, comparative, prospective longitudinal follow-up research, with non-probabilistic convenience sampling, made up of four groups with 25 patients each, treated in the General Surgery Service between May and August 2021. Results. The patients had a mean age of 49.4 ± 19.6 years and 53% were male; 86% of patients had bowel sounds within 24 hours after the operation. The first bowel movement in patients who ingested espresso coffee was 42.6 hours and for those in the American coffee group it was at 43.4 hours compared to 89.4 hours in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The use of coffee is recommended as a safe and economical measure to start the diet as an alternative to the traditional fashion, becoming an option for the management of postoperative ileus.

Clinical Insights and Potential Benefits of Stem Cell Transplantation for Constitutional Mismatch Repair Deficiency: A Case Report of Two Siblings.

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome, caused by biallelic mutations in mismatch repair genes, is one of the most aggressive hereditary cancer syndromes. This report presents the clinical course of two brothers diagnosed with CMMRD. The first patient was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma at the age of three and a half years, a relapse, and synchronous glioblastoma at the age of seven and a half years. After treatment with chemotherapy and neurosurgery, haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) was performed. The second patient was diagnosed with mediastinal T-cell lymphoma at the age of two and a half years and a relapse at the age of four and a half years. He also received chemotherapy and underwent HSCT. Both patients exhibited café au lait macules (CALMs), a common but non-specific feature of CMMRD, often confused with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) syndrome. This study highlights the phenotype of CMMRD syndrome, associated cancers, and the potential benefits of stem cell transplantation. Previous reports suggest that allogeneic HSCT might reduce subsequent haematological malignancies and increase survival.

Stakeholder Perspectives on Research, Policy and Practice Priorities to Increase Human Milk Feeding Rates in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Human milk feeding rates in the United Kingdom are a public health concern. Changes to United Kingdom policy and practice are needed to improve lactation support. These should be informed by those with lived experience of human milk feeding and those who provide support. RESEARCH AIM: The aim of this study was to identify research, policy, and practice priorities for increasing human milk feeding rates using insights from a wide range of stakeholders. A secondary aim was to evaluate the influence of a World Café on individual attendees and their interactions within the organizations and communities of which they are a part. METHODS: The research employed a participatory qualitative design, incorporating a cross-sectional survey and World Café discussions. World Café is a novel approach to engaging stakeholders in discussion, resulting in consensus-building and participatory-driven recommendations. A pre-event survey was completed by a self-selected sample of 67 participants; 37 of these (55%) took part in World Café discussions or an online focus group. World Café discussions and the online focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Following the World Café, 12 participants (32%) completed a post-event survey, and eight (22%) completed an additional follow-up survey at 2 months. RESULTS: Priority policy and practice changes were identified, including enhancing education, the need for dedicated funding for human milk feeding support, the need to include family within support provision, and the need to change policy regarding media representations of infant feeding. In addition, World Café methodology proved valuable for facilitating networking and instigating changes in relation to support. CONCLUSION: World Café generated stakeholder agreed-on priorities for research and policy. Many of the recommendations from historical policy and guidance continue to be areas for further development.

A World Café Approach to Exploring Perspectives on Diabetes Stigma in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION: Research has found that a high percentage of people with diabetes experience stigma, with perceptions of stigma being significantly higher among people with Type 1 diabetes compared to those with Type 2 diabetes. These experiences of diabetes stigma can lead to psychological, behavioural and medical consequences. The aim of the current study was to explore the perceptions of diabetes stigma and propose strategies for addressing this from the perspective of key stakeholders. METHODS: A mixed methods design was used, commencing with an online qualitative survey (n = 128) and followed by a World Café (n = 11), where attendees reflected on their own experiences with stigma and discussed the survey findings. RESULTS: The survey indicated that 75% of those with Type 1 diabetes and 51% with Type 2 had experienced diabetes stigma. The World Café identified three main areas that participants felt impacted their experiences with stigma or had the potential to help improve stigma: healthcare interactions, public awareness and media representations. CONCLUSIONS: The findings supported previous research showing that diabetes stigma is prevalent among people with diabetes. The World Café was an excellent means of sharing knowledge and experiences among stakeholders, the findings of which will inform strategies to bring about change. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: World Café is a collaborative method where stakeholders contribute to the production and analysis of data through rounds of discussion and feedback.

Recommendations to improve use and dissemination of patient versions of oncological clinical practice guidelines in Germany: results of a multi-stakeholder workshop.

BACKGROUND: Oncological patients have high information needs that are often unmet. Patient versions of oncological clinical practice guidelines (PVG) translate clinical practice guidelines into laypersons' language and might help to address patients' information needs. Currently, 30 oncological PVG have been published in Germany and more are being developed. Following a large multi-phase project on oncological PVGs in Germany, recommendations to improve use and dissemination of PVG were adopted in a multi-stakeholder workshop. METHODS: Organisations representing users of PVGs (patients, medical personnel, and multipliers), creators, initiators/funding organisations of PVGs, and organisations with methodological expertise in the development of clinical practice guidelines or in patient health information were invited to participate. The workshop included a World Café for discussion of pre-selected recommendations and structured consensus procedure for of all recommendations. Recommendations with agreement of > 75% were approved, and in case of ≤ 75% agreement, recommendations were rejected. RESULTS: The workshop took place on 24th April 2023 in Cologne, Germany. Overall, 23 people from 24 organisations participated in the discussion. Of 35 suggested recommendations 28 recommendations reached consensus and were approved. The recommendations referred to the topics dissemination (N = 13), design and format (N = 7), (digital) links (N = 5), digitalisation (N = 4), up-to-dateness (N = 3), and use of the PVG in collaboration between healthcare providers and patients (N = 3). CONCLUSION: The practical recommendations consider various perspectives and can help to improve use and dissemination of oncological PVG in Germany. The inclusion of different stakeholders could facilitate the transfer of the results into practice.

Ball-Milling Enhanced UV Protection Performance of Ca2Fe-Sulisobenzone Layered Double Hydroxide Organic Clay.

Using a co-precipitation technique, the anionic form of sulisobenzone (benzophenone-4) sunscreen ingredient was incorporated into the interlayer space of CaFe-hydrocalumite for the first time. Using detailed post-synthetic millings of the photoprotective nanocomposite obtained, we aimed to study the mechanochemical effects on complex, hybridized layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Various physicochemical properties of the ground and the intact LDHs were compared by powder X-ray diffractometry, N2 adsorption-desorption, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric measurements. The data showed significant structural and morphological deformations, surface and textural changes and multifarious thermal behavior. The most interesting development was the change in the optical properties of organic LDHs; the milling significantly improved the UV light blocking ability, especially around 320 nm. Spectroscopic results verified that this could be explained by a modification in interaction between the LDH layers and the sulisobenzone anions, through modulated π-π conjugation and light absorption of benzene rings. In addition to the vibrating mill often used in the laboratory, the photoprotection reinforcement can also be induced by the drum mill grinding system commonly applied in industry.

LZTR1 loss-of-function variants associated with café au lait macules with or without freckling.

Pathogenic variants in the leucine zipper-like transcriptional regulator 1 gene (LZTR1) have been identified in schwannomatosis and Noonan syndrome. Here, we expand the phenotype spectrum of LZTR1 variants. We identified four loss-of-function heterozygous LZTR1 variants in five children with multiple café au lait macules and one adult with multiple café au lait macules and axillar freckling, by applying gene panel analysis in four families. The three LZTR1 variants, namely, c.184del/p.Glu62Serfs*39, c.1927C < T/p.Gln643*, and c.857_858delinsT/p.Gly286Valfs*65, were novel, whereas the variant c.1018C > T/ p.Arg340* had been previously reported in a patient with schwannomatosis. Similar to what is known from other LZTR1-associated conditions, penetrance of the skin manifestations was reduced in two carriers of the familial variants. Our study expands the LZTR1 phenotype to the presence of isolated café au lait macules with or without freckling. Thus, variants in the LZTR1 gene should be considered in patients with multiple café au lait macules.

Efficient mineralization of cadmium and arsenic by poorly crystalline CaFe-layered double hydroxide in soil: Performance and mechanism.

The co-contamination of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in the environment is of most concern. In this work, poorly crystalline CaFe-layered double hydroxide (CaFe-LDH) was synthesized with a Ca-to-Fe molar ratio of 4 to ensure effective immobilization of Cd and As in soil. The application of Ca4Fe-LDH in soil remediation demonstrated that the targeted heavy metals gradually mineralized into a relatively stable oxidizable and residual state. At a soil remediation dosage of 1.6%, the availability levels of Cd and As decreased significantly, achieving stabilization efficiencies of 99% and 85.2% respectively. Cd is trapped through isomorphic substitution and dissolution-reprecipitation of calcium (Ca) laminate, resulting in the formation of CdCaFe-LDH mineralization products. As is immobilized through ion exchange with interlayer anions, redox with Fe(III), and Fe-Cd-As complexation. Moreover, the results of the characterization and density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the CdCaFe-LDH formed by isomeric substitution of Ca for Cd enhanced the adsorption of As on the (110) plane of LDH, indicating that the trap mechanism of Cd and As by Ca4Fe-LDH is synergistically promoted. Overall, the above results prove that mineralization using Ca4Fe-LDH is a promising method to remediate soils combined contaminated by both Cd and As.

Assessment of Captive Environment for Oriental Small-Clawed Otters (Aonyx cinereus) in Otter Cafés in Japan.

This study investigates the captive environments of oriental small-clawed otter (OSO; Aonyx cinereus) cafés in Japan, aiming to identify discrepancies with established welfare guidelines. Improved management of these commercial facilities could raise awareness about the difficulties of keeping OSOs as pets and enhance their welfare. Utilizing the role of commercial facilities in public outreach, we consider that the rigorous implementation of proper care practices in these establishments could help mitigate the increasing demand for OSOs domestically and contribute to the conservation of the OSO. In this study, we focused on the critical aspects of the captive environment necessary to maintain the psychological well-being of OSOs and evaluated the captive environments of OSOs housed in animal cafés for OSO welfare using non-invasive methods. Based on zoo husbandry standards, it was found that there were deficiencies in aquatic environments and solitary housing conditions; however, the enrichment tools aligned with the guidelines. The results suggest that deviations from the recommended elements in the environment of OSOs in captivity are associated with a tendency of these OSOs to develop various diseases. It is deemed necessary to amend the regulations governing animal-handling businesses to include welfare criteria, and it is considered essential for each establishment to operate only after ensuring sufficient welfare for the OSOs.

Nurse-led World Café approach in promoting interprofessional collaborative behaviors and learning engagement among healthcare professionals.

Effective interprofessional collaboration practice (IPCP) promotes healthcare outcomes but is often hindered by poor communication. Traditional teaching methods with limited interdisciplinary interactions may not effectively foster IPCP behaviors. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nurse-led World Cafe (NWC) approach in promoting IPCP behaviors and learning engagement. Seventy-six healthcare professionals (38 in each group) participated in this quasi-experimental study. Data were collected before, one-week, and four-week post-intervention, using Lee's (2016) Interprofessional Collaborative Practice Behavior Inventory (IPCPBI) and Ciou's (2020) Learning Engagement Scale. Five medical technologists in the control group were excluded from data analysis to ensure group equivalence. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in IPCPBI between groups. One week post-intervention, the experimental group scored higher in IPCPBI, yet lacked statistical significance (p > .05). Four weeks post-intervention, the experimental group significantly improved in IPCPBI (p < .05). While no statistically significance was found in learning engagement between groups, the experimental group scored significantly higher in the active engagement sub-domain (p < .05). The NWC approach boosted IPCP behaviors and learning engagement, fostering a collaborative learning environment that improves outcomes through interdisciplinary interactions. Healthcare settings could benefit from adopting the NWC approach to enhance clinicians' IPCP competency.

Heterozygosity for loss-of-function variants in LZTR1 is associated with isolated multiple café-au-lait macules.

PURPOSE: Pathogenic LZTR1 variants cause schwannomatosis and dominant/recessive Noonan syndrome (NS). We aim to establish an association between heterozygous loss-of-function LZTR1 alleles and isolated multiple café-au-lait macules (CaLMs). METHODS: A total of 849 unrelated participants with multiple CaLMs, lacking pathogenic/likely pathogenic NF1 and SPRED1 variants, underwent RASopathy gene panel sequencing. Data on 125 individuals with heterozygous LZTR1 variants were collected for characterizing their clinical features and the associated molecular spectrum. In vitro functional assessment was performed on a representative panel of missense variants and small in-frame deletions. RESULTS: Analysis revealed heterozygous LZTR1 variants in 6.0% (51/849) of participants, exceeding the general population prevalence. LZTR1-related CaLMs varied in number, displayed sharp or irregular borders, and were generally isolated but occasionally associated with features recurring in RASopathies. In 2 families, CaLMs and schwannomas co-occurred. The molecular spectrum mainly consisted of truncating variants, indicating loss-of-function. These variants substantially overlapped with those occurring in schwannomatosis and recessive NS. Functional characterization showed accelerated protein degradation or mislocalization, and failure to downregulate mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. CONCLUSION: Our findings expand the phenotypic variability associated with LZTR1 variants, which, in addition to conferring susceptibility to schwannomatosis and causing dominant and recessive NS, occur in individuals with isolated multiple CaLMs.

Zoonotic Enteric Nematodes and Dermatophytes in Cat Cafés: An Investigation in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand.

Cat cafés have gained significant popularity worldwide, offering a unique interface between humans and cats. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of potentially zoonotic endoparasites and dermatophytes from cats living in cat cafés situated in the Bangkok metropolitan area in 2017-2018. Cat fecal samples were subjected to microscopic examination employing centrifugal flotation and centrifugal sedimentation techniques. The hair samples from every cat were cultured on a dermatophyte test medium and Sabouraud dextrose agar and subsequently confirmed by visualization of the typical colony and macroconidia morphology. Findings from 11 cat cafés indicated an 18.2% (2/11) prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, including Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp., Physaloptera spp., and Eucoleus aerophilus. Dermatophytes were prevalent in 16.2% (32/198) of the total number of cats tested, with Microsporum canis being the sole species identified. Notably, the presence of dermatophyte was significantly correlated with the presence of skin lesions and the cats' origin. In summary, the findings of this study have provided evidence of potentially zoonotic endoparasites and dermatophytes in cats residing in cat cafés. Therefore, it is imperative to heighten awareness and encourage preventive measures among cat café owners and customers to halt the dissemination of these pathogens.

Plexiform's perplexities: a tale of two plexiform neurofibromas.

Plexiform neurofibroma (PF) is a rare benign variant belonging to a subtype of neurofibromatosis type 1 that forms bulging or deforming masses arising from the peripheral nerve sheath. These masses involve surrounding connective tissue or dermal layers, leading to multiple cutaneous changes and certain characteristic appearances. It is these appearances that aid in the diagnosis of PF. We have encountered two distinct patients diagnosed with this disorder. While one patient was clinically and pathologically confirmed for PF, the other had no characteristic cutaneous changes. The diagnosis was made with postoperative histopathology and confirmed with an immunohistochemical examination. There are various modalities in the management of PFs, with surgery being a mainstay in the treatment of disfiguring large PFs, especially in resource-restrained settings. In view of high recurrence rates, postoperative clinical follow-up is a must. This paper describes these patients' typical and atypical clinical presentation and subsequent management.

The treatment of infantile giant café au lait spot using golden parameter therapy with a high fluence 1064-nm Q-switched Nd: YAG laser.

BACKGROUND: Infantile café au lait spot is a brown macule with various sizes (diameter: 0.5 cm-30 cm). Infantile giant café au lait spot (IGCALS) is a huge (diameter >20cm) irregular-shaped benign hyperpigmented skin disorder that arises in infants. There has been no clearly established laser treatment consensus for the treatment of IGCALS because infants are too fragile to receive laser treatment with long hours and broad areas along with the possibility of undesirable cosmetic results. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the safety and efficacy of Golden Parameter Therapy (GPT) using a high fluence 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (QSNL) for IGCALS treatment. METHODS: This study included 24 Korean patients with IGCALS. Twenty-one patients who were treated with a 1064-nm QSNL weekly for 30-50 treatment sessions with GPT. The parameters included a spot size of 7 mm, a fluence of 2.2 J/cm2 and a pulse rate of 10 Hz with one pass using a sliding-stacking technique over the IGCALS. In control group, three patients were treated with a 532-nm picosecond laser monthly for three treatment sessions with a spot size of 3 mm, a fluence of 1 J/cm2 and a pulse rate of 2 Hz. RESULTS: After the last treatment, 21 patients with IGCALS reached the complete removal of pigmented lesions, which can be considered optimal cosmetic results without any side effects such as purpura, crust, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, iatrogenic punctate leukoderma, and scarring. There are no recurrences in any patients after 6-21 months' follow-up, but treatment failure occurred in three patients who were treated with 532 nm picosecond laser. CONCLUSIONS: Convincingly, we argue that early intervention before 12 months of age with GPT using a high fluence 1064 nm QSNL is a safe, applicable and effective treatment for IGCALS, minimizing side effects without any recurrences.

Exploring patients and caregivers needs and experiences in oncological physiotherapy: a call for collaborative care.

PURPOSE: This study explores whether the full potential of physiotherapy is reaching cancer patients and their caregivers at all stages of the oncological process, aiming to identify gaps and opportunities for improving care. METHODS: The World Cafe co-design methodology facilitated discussions among cancer patients and caregivers. This dynamic, inclusive, and engaging approach fostered diverse perspectives and deeper insights through collaborative and flexible discussions. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen participants were involved (eight cancer survivors and eight caregivers). The mean age of cancer survivors was 63.8 years, while the average age of caregivers was 59.3 years. Breast cancer was the most prevalent diagnosis among patients, and most caregivers had lost their family members to cancer. Analysis revealed two primary themes: "feeling cared for" and "the role of physiotherapy in the oncological process." Key findings highlight the need for more humanized healthcare, with professionals providing support through effective communication and empathy. Significant gaps were detected in both systematic referrals to physiotherapists and their integration into care teams. Testimonies highlighted the lack of knowledge about the full potential of physiotherapy in oncology, hindering access. There was also a demand for recognizing specialized oncological physiotherapists. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight significant gaps in physiotherapy care for cancer survivors and caregivers, including unmet needs due to the lack of information, resources, and effective communication. Future efforts should focus on increasing the visibility of physiotherapy, integrating specialized physiotherapists into oncology teams, and enhancing the emotional education of healthcare professionals to provide more humanized care.

Extension of a computational model of a class of orientation illusions.

Polarity-dependent orientation illusions constitute a class of illusions in which the impression of orientation does not depend only on geometrical relations between its elements, but also on the relations between their luminances. Several examples of such figures are presented in the paper. Todorovic (2021a) presented a simple computational model of such phenomena. Simulations of the model indicated that a common feature of the neural basis of these illusions is the presence of certain neural structures called 'oblique clusters'. A limitation of the model was that it used a restricted set of parameters. In this paper a generalization of the model is introduced involving types of receptive fields, their orientation sensitivity and their size or spatial frequency tuning. The simulations of the new model indicated that oblique clusters were present in the reaction patterns under a much wider set of conditions, though not all. The original hypothesis that oblique clusters constituted the neural foundations of impressions of tilt in this class of illusions was vindicated.

Effect of coffee intake on appetite parameters in woman with overweight or obesity: A pilot crossover randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Coffee consumption has demonstrated an effect on the regulation of appetite, causing less hunger and/or greater satiety; however, its effects are not well known in woman with overweight or obesity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of coffee consumption on hunger, satiety, sensory specific desire (SSD), and dietary intake in women with overweight or obesity. METHODOLOGY: A randomized crossover clinical trial was realized in 3 sessions: in the first session a clinical history, anthropometric measurements and body composition analysis were performed; in sessions 2 and 3 the participants randomly consumed 240mL of coffee with 6mg/caffeine/kg of weight or 240mL of water along with a standardized breakfast. At fasting and every 30min after breakfast for the next 3h, appetite sensations and SSD were recorded using visual analog scales. Blood samples were taken at fasting, 30 and 180min after breakfast. Dietary intake was recorded in the rest of the intervention days. RESULTS: In the coffee intervention there was an increased desire for sweet foods, higher fructose intake during the rest of the day, and higher triglyceride levels than with the water intervention. No differences were detected in ghrelin or cholecystokinin. CONCLUSIONS: Coffee consumption may lead to higher triglycerides and higher intake of simple sugars, mainly fructose, through changes in the SSD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT05774119.