Spesolimab: a comprehensive review on the anti-IL-36 receptor antibody in dermatology.

Interleukin-36 (IL-36) cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory skin conditions and are potential therapeutic targets. Spesolimab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits IL-36 signaling recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of generalized pustular psoriasis flares in adults. Clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of this monoclonal antibody in a few other dermatological conditions. Here, this review comprehensively summarizes the safety and efficacy of spesolimab treatment in various dermatological conditions.

Expanding the Coordination of f-Block Metals with Tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine: From Molecular Complexes to Cage-like Structures.

Low-valent f-block metals have intrinsic luminescence, electrochemical, and magnetic properties that are modulated with ligands, causing the coordination chemistry of these metals to be imperative to generating critical insights needed to impact modern applications. To this end, we synthesized and characterized a series of twenty-seven complexes of f-metal ions including EuII, YbII, SmII, and UIII and hexanuclear clusters of LaIII and CeIII to study the impact of tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine, a flexible acyclic analogue of the extensively studied 2.2.2-cryptand, on the coordination chemistry and photophysical properties of low-valent f-block metals. We demonstrate that the flexibility of the ligand enables luminescence tunability over a greater range than analogous cryptates of EuII in solution. Furthermore, the ligand also displays a variety of binding modes to f-block metals in the solid state that are inaccessible to cryptates of low-valent f-block metals. In addition to serving as a ligand for f-block metals of various sizes and oxidation states, tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine also deprotonates water molecules coordinated to trivalent triflate salts of f-block metal ions, enabling the isolation of hexanuclear clusters containing either LaIII or CeIII. The ligand was also found to bind more tightly to YbII and UIII in the solid state compared to 2.2.2-cryptand, suggesting that it can play a role in the isolation of other low-valent f-block metals such CfII, NpIII, and PuIII. We expect that our findings will inspire applications of tris[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl]amine in the design of light-emitting diodes and the synthesis of extremely reducing divalent f-block metal complexes that are of interest for a wide range of applications.

Cryptands on a Solid Support for the Separation of Europium from Gadolinium.

With the great demand for europium in green-energy technologies comes the need for innovative methods to isolate the elements. We introduce a solid-liquid extraction method using a 2.2.2-cryptand-modified solid support to separate europium from gadolinium using their differences in electrochemical potential. The method overcomes challenges associated with the separation of those two ions that have similar coordination chemistry in the +3 oxidation state. A competitive adsorption study in the cryptand system between EuII/EuIII and GdIII shows greater affinity for EuII relative to GdIII. After separation from GdIII, Eu was released by oxidizing EuII to EuIII with 99.3% purity. The purity of separated Eu is unaffected by pH between pH 3.0 and 5.5. Overall, we demonstrate that by modifying a solid support with 2.2.2-cryptand, divalent europium can be separated from trivalent gadolinium based on the differences of affinities of 2.2.2-cryptand for the two ions.

Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria.

Reticulate pigmentary dyschromatoses primarily include dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH), dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) (Reticulate acropigmentation of Dohi), and unilateral dermatomal pigmentary dermatosis, which differ in their patterns of distribution. The disease was initially described by Ichikawa and Hiraga in Germany in 1933. The prevalence of DUH is 0.3 per 100,000 with a female preponderance. The skin lesions usually appear in infancy or early childhood and cease to progress beyond adolescence. The subtypes DUH 1 and DUH 3 are found to have autosomal dominant inheritance, which is the most common inheritance pattern, while DUH 2 has an autosomal recessive pattern. The most common gene involved in DUH is ABCB6, while the other genes include SASH 1, PER 3, and KITLG (DUH type 2). DUH is characterized by multiple irregular hyperpigmented macules interspersed with hypopigmented macules in a mottled pattern over the trunk and extremities. The face is involved in 50% of individuals. Rarely, it can also involve hairs, nails, mucous membranes, palms, and soles. Other varied presentations include localized forms, localization of lesions to sun-exposed areas, large macules, uniform palmar hypopigmentation, diffuse hyperpigmentation with spotty depigmented macules, and unilateral involvement. DUH has been reported to be associated with various cutaneous and systemic diseases. The authors have observed cases of DUH associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, solitary keratoacanthoma, and dermoid cyst. The various diagnostic modalities include dermoscopy, histopathology, electron microscopy, and targeted gene sequencing. Though various treatment modalities like NBUVB and lasers have been tried, no treatment is promising.

The digital edge: examining the relationship between digital competency and language learning outcomes.

Introduction: Technology in education, including language learning, is on the rise. Digital competency is essential for teachers to effectively integrate technology and enhance language teaching. It enables access to authentic materials, interactive exercises, and collaboration opportunities. However, integrating technology poses challenges for teachers. Objective: This empirical research aimed to investigate the impact of digital competency on language learning outcomes in the context of "smart education," which incorporates sustainable practices and digital technologies in the language classroom. Methods: The study adopted a quantitative approach to collect and analyze data. The sample population for the study comprised of 344 language teachers at various language schools in a metropolitan city. The data collection carried out with a digital competency questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate technique, i.e., structural equation modeling. Findings: The study found that digital competency positively correlated with language proficiency outcomes. Participants with higher levels of digital competency achieved better language learning outcomes compared to those with lower levels of digital competency. Additionally, the study found that incorporating sustainable practices, such as digitalized learning materials and virtual classrooms, positively contributed to language learning outcomes. The findings of this study suggest that digital competency plays a vital role in language learning outcomes in the context of "smart education." Discussion & Recommendation: Teachers should consider incorporating digital tools and sustainable practices into their language teaching to enhance language learning outcomes. The study recommends that language educators should focus on developing digital competency and integrating sustainable practices into their language classroom to promote effective language learning.

A study of disability and socio-economic impact of mental morbidities from the state of Madhya Pradesh, India.

Background: Disability associated with mental illness has a disproportionate impact on the work, social, and family responsibilities of an individual toward society. The evidence for disability in mental illnesses would help the clinician, caregivers, policymakers, and various stakeholders to come up with sustainable solutions not only to help fill the existing gaps in care but also to develop new avenues as per the specific needs of the population of Madhya Pradesh (MP). Aim: To estimate the burden of disability related to mental illnesses in the state of MP. Materials and Methods: A multi-site cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015-16 as part of National Mental Health Survey among adults above 18 years of age. Samples were selected using multi-stage, stratified, random cluster sampling based on probability proportionate to size. Six tehsils with one urban metro out of four districts from a total of 50 districts were selected in the state of MP. The Sheehan Disability Scale and socio-economic impact of illness (from selected questions from WHO-Disability Assessment Schedule-2.0) were used to assess mental morbidity and the subjective reporting of disability. Results: The weighted prevalence of disability (n = 1011) was found as 10.2%, 13.1%, and 13.9%, respectively, in work/school, social life, and family/home domains. The weighted prevalence of moderate to extreme disability in the same domains was, respectively, 5.1%, 6.7%, and 7.3%. The presence of common mental disorders (CMDs) increases the odds of self-reported disability in work [odds ratio (OR) 2.48, 95% CI 1.35 to 4.59], social life (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.50 to 5.07), and family domains (OR 3.03, 95% CI1.62 to 5.74). When combined with common mental disorders, tobacco use disorder further escalates the odds of self-reported disability in all three domains [OR 7.10, confidence interval (CI) 3.15 to 16.37; 4.93, CI 2.19 to 11.28; and 7.10, CI 2.78 to 19.25]. Currently, non-working persons had a higher disability in social life and family life domains (P = 0.003 and P = 0.021), respectively. Conclusion: We report a substantial magnitude of disability in social, work, and family life domains. Participants having CMDs, female gender, and those non-working had more disabilities and would require targeted interventions.

Properties of Amine-Containing Ligands That Are Necessary for Visible-Light-Promoted Catalysis with Divalent Europium.

We describe a study of the influence of amine-containing ligands on the photoredox-relevant properties of EuII toward the rational design of EuII-containing catalysts for visible-light-promoted photoredox reactions. We report our observations of the effects of the degree of functionalization of amines, denticity, and macrocylic ligands on the absorbance of EuII. Ligands that contain secondary amines bathochromically shift the absorbance of EuCl2 relative to ligands that contain primary or tertiary amines. Similarly, ligands of larger denticity have a larger bathochromic shift of the absorbance than ligands of smaller denticity. We observed that macrocyclic ligands have a larger effect on the absorbance of EuCl2 than nonmacrocyclic ligands. Also, we report the photoredox reactivity of four new EuII-containing complexes. These observations are potentially influential in understanding the ligand properties that promote the use of EuII in visible-light-promoted photoredox catalysis.

Omics Technologies to Enhance Plant Based Functional Foods: An Overview.

Functional foods are natural products of plants that have health benefits beyond necessary nutrition. Functional foods are abundant in fruits, vegetables, spices, beverages and some are found in cereals, millets, pulses and oilseeds. Efforts to identify functional foods in our diet and their beneficial aspects are limited to few crops. Advances in sequencing and availability of different omics technologies have given opportunity to utilize these tools to enhance the functional components of the foods, thus ensuring the nutritional security. Integrated omics approaches including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics coupled with artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches can be used to improve the crops. This review provides insights into omics studies that are carried out to find the active components and crop improvement by enhancing the functional compounds in different plants including cereals, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, spices, beverages and medicinal plants. There is a need to characterize functional foods that are being used in traditional medicines, as well as utilization of this knowledge to improve the staple foods in order to tackle malnutrition and hunger more effectively.

Systematic Tuning of the Optical Properties of Discrete Complexes of EuII in Solution Using Counterions and Solvents.

We describe a systematic study of the influence of halides and solvents on the optical properties of EuII-containing complexes in solution starting from well-defined crystalline precursors. Anionic halides, chloride and bromide, blue-shift the spectroscopic properties of EuII, whereas neutral ligands, methanol and acetonitrile, cause a red shift. This system provides evidence that EuII has a stronger affinity for chloride, and to some extent bromide, relative to acetonitrile but not methanol. We also describe a simple procedure using an ion-exchange resin for the exchange of iodide counterions to hexafluorophosphate. These findings are a step toward designing ligands that can tune the optical properties of EuII-containing complexes for solution-based applications.

Attitude and awareness of general dental practitioners toward radiation hazards and safety.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim and objective is to evaluate the level of awareness and attitude about radiation hazards and safety practices among general dental practitioners in Trivandrum District, Kerala, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 general dental practitioners in Trivandrum District, Kerala, India. Postanswering the questions, a handout regarding radiation safety and related preventive measures was distributed to encourage radiation understanding and protection. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis were done by assessing the results using Chi-square statistical test, t-test, and other software (Microsoft excel + SPSS 20.0 trail version). RESULTS: Among 300 general practitioners (247 females and 53 males), 80.3% of the practitioners were found to have a separate section for radiographic examination in their clinics. Intraoral radiographic machines were found to be the most commonly (63.3%) used radiographic equipment while osteoprotegerin was the least (2%). Regarding the practitioner's safety measures, only 11.7% of them were following all the necessary steps while 6.7% clinicians were not using any safety measure in their clinic, and with respect to patient safety, only 9.7% of practitioners were following the protocol. CONCLUSION: The level of awareness of practitioners regarding radiation hazards and safety was found to be acceptable. However, implementation of their knowledge with respect to patient and personnel safety was found wanting. Insisting that they follow the protocols and take necessary safety measures by means of continuing medical education programs, pamphlets, articles, and workshops is strongly recommended.

Correlation of serum levo-fucose levels as a biomarker with tumor node metastasis staging in oral cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: oral cancer is a result of disordered cellular behavior initiated by various stimuli which is characterized by the alteration of serum glycoproteins consisting of different monosaccharides. One of these is levo-fucose (L-fucose), a methyl pentose. Elevated levels of protein-bound fucose have been reported in various malignancies. AIM: The present study attempted to correlate levels of serum L-fucose as a biomarker with the various tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages of oral cancer. METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out on 90 subjects consisting of 30 healthy controls and 60 histopathologically proven oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases. The serum fucose level estimation was done based on the method adopted by Winzler. Statistical analysis included independent sample's t-test, one-way ANOVA test, Karl-Pearson correlation test, and Tukey's HSD post hoc test to evaluate the significance and variability of values between groups. RESULTS: Significant elevation in serum fucose levels was noticed among OSCC patients when compared with the controls and a progressive ascent of L-fucose levels were noted as the stage of severity increased. Serum fucose levels were independent of histopathological grading, age, and sex. CONCLUSION: Serum L-fucose levels were increased in OSCC patients, and a positive correlation was observed between serum L-fucose levels and TNM staging of OSCC. Thus, serum L-fucose can be used as an effective diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in OSCC patients.

Intra-abdominal giant infected seroma following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair.

Seroma formation following open or laparoscopic mesh repair of inguinal hernia is common, albeit with no impact on recovery. One of the possible complication from such a seroma is infection. A patient presented with such an infective complication 6 years following a total extra peritoneal (TEP) repair of bilateral inguinal hernia. This report gives an account of its management.

Sexual dysfunction (Krcchra Vyavaya) in obesity (Sthaulya): Validation by an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study intends to evaluate the relationship between Sthaulya (obesity) and Krcchra Vyavaya (sexual dysfunction) with respect to different phases of sexual intercourse through a single-centered, observational study in male patients of obesity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 33 obese males from the outpatient department of the Institution whose sexual functioning was assessed using an International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire, which was meant to assess five specific areas of sexual functioning. RESULTS: A varying degree of sexual dysfunction was observed in four out of five areas of sexual functioning viz. erectile function (P < 0.02), orgasmic function (P < 0.02), sexual desire (P < 0.08), and overall satisfaction (P < 0.000) in obese individuals. Statistically significant dysfunction was not observed in intercourse satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Varying degree of sexual dysfunction is present in obese males, suggesting that obesity has a possible role in reducing the quality of sexual functioning in males as indicated in the classical ayurvedic literature.

Inhibitory effect of TIMP influences the morphology of varicose veins.

OBJECTIVES: Imbalance of matrix metalloproteinase enzymes (MMP) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) may contribute to the development of varicose veins. We hypothesised that, histological changes in varicose vein wall correlate with alterations in expression of MMP/TIMP. METHODS: Varicose veins (n=26) were compared with great saphenous vein (GSV) segments (n=11) from arterial bypass, and with arm and neck veins from fistula and carotid operations (n=13). Varicose vein wall thickness was measured, enabling categorisation as atrophic and hypertrophic. MMP-2, MT1-MMP, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3 expression were quantitatively analysed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: There was significantly higher expression of TIMP-2 (immunopositive area 4.34% versus 0.26%), linked with connective tissue accumulation in the tunica media of varicose veins as compared with arm and neck vein controls. TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 expression was higher in hypertrophic than atrophic segments (3.2% versus 0.99% for TIMP-2, 1.7% versus 0.08% for TIMP-3). Similarly, TIMP-2 and TIMP-3 had elevated expression in the thicker proximal varicose vein segments compared to distal (4.3% versus 1.3% for TIMP-2 and 0.94% versus 0.41% for TIMP-3). CONCLUSIONS: This study linked morphological changes in varicose vein walls with MMP/TIMP balance. A higher TIMP expression favours deposition of connective tissue and thus thicker vein wall, reducing matrix turnover by suppression of protease activity.