Assessing Ethnic Minority Representation in Fibromyalgia Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review of Recruitment Demographics.

The under-representation of non-White participants in Western countries in clinical research has received increased attention, due to recognized physiological differences between ethnic groups, which may affect the efficacy and optimal dosage of some treatments. This review assessed ethnic diversity in pharmaceutical trials for fibromyalgia, a poorly understood chronic pain disorder. We also investigated longitudinal change to non-White participant proportions in trials and non-White participants' likelihood to discontinue with fibromyalgia research between trial stages (retention). First, we identified relevant trials conducted in the United States and Canada between 2000 and 2022, by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases. In trials conducted both across the United States and Canada, and exclusively within the United States, approximately 90% of participants were White. A longitudinal analysis also found no change in the proportion of non-White participants in trials conducted across the United States and Canada between 2000 and 2022. Finally, we found no significant differences in trial retention between White and non-White participants. This review highlights the low numbers of ethnic minorities in fibromyalgia trials conducted in the United States and Canada, with no change to these proportions over the past 22 years. Furthermore, non-White participants were not more likely to discontinue with the fibromyalgia research once they were recruited.

Evaluating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Accessing HIV Services in South Africa: A Systematic Review.

Progress has been made towards controlling the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic in South Africa. However, the emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has disrupted access to health care. This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on accessing HIV services at a primary health care (PHC) level in South Africa. HIV services that have been significantly impacted are highlighted, and recommendations for future public health emergencies are made. Three databases were searched in January 2022. The studies included were those that reported on HIV services at a PHC level in South Africa. From the searches, 203 papers were identified, of which 34 full texts were screened. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Overall, decreases in HIV testing, positive HIV tests, and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) were reported. Resilience of ART provision was reported, meaning that adherence to treatment was sustained throughout the pandemic. The findings showed that HIV services at private PHC facilities were unaffected, however, an overall decrease in HIV services at public PHC facilities was reported, excluding antenatal care which showed resilience.

The application of 3D printing in preoperative planning for transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Recently, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been suggested as a less invasive treatment compared to surgical aortic valve replacement, for patients with severe aortic stenosis. Despite the attention, persisting evidence suggests that several procedural complications are more prevalent with the transcatheter approach. Consequently, a systematic review was undertaken to evaluate the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing in preoperative planning for TAVR, as a means of predicting and subsequently, reducing the incidence of adverse events. METHODS: MEDLINE, Web of Science and Embase were searched to identify studies that utilised patient-specific 3D printed models to predict or mitigate the risk of procedural complications. RESULTS: 13 of 219 papers met the inclusion criteria of this review. The eligible studies have shown that 3D printing has most commonly been used to predict the occurrence and severity of paravalvular regurgitation, with relatively high accuracy. Studies have also explored the usefulness of 3D printed anatomical models in reducing the incidence of coronary artery obstruction, new-onset conduction disturbance and aortic annular rapture. CONCLUSION: Patient-specific 3D models can be used in pre-procedural planning for challenging cases, to help deliver personalised treatment. However, the application of 3D printing is not recommended for routine clinical practice, due to practicality issues.

Impact of heterotopic ossification following lumbar total disk replacement: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) is an alternative to lumbar fusion in the treatment of lower back pain and reduces the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. Heterotopic ossification (HO) has been identified as a common complication following lumbar TDR. PURPOSE: This systematic review aims to determine the prevalence, risk factors and clinical and radiological impact of HO following lumbar TDR. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic Review. METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Central were searched for articles that referred to lumbar TDR and HO. The hits were assessed against inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data from each included study was extracted and analysed with respect to the study aims. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included in this review and the pooled prevalence of HO was estimated to be between 13.2% (participants) and 15.3% (vertebral levels). TDR clinical outcomes were not found to be reduced by HO and there was insufficient data to identify a given impact upon radiological outcomes. Age and follow up time were identified as potential risk factors for HO. CONCLUSIONS: This review was hampered by inconsistencies in the reporting of HO across the studies. We therefore recommend that a set of guidelines should be produced to aid future researchers and reduce the risk of bias.

Comparing the use of conventional and three-dimensional printing (3DP) in mandibular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There are a number of clinical disorders that require mandibular reconstruction (MR). Novel three-dimensional (3D) printing technology enables reconstructions to be more accurate and beneficial to the patient. However, there is currently no evidence identifying which techniques are better suited for MR, based on the type of clinical disorder the patient has. In this study, we aim to compare 3D techniques with conventional techniques to identify how best to reconstruct the mandible based on the clinical cause that necessitates the reconstructive procedure: cancerous or benign tumours, clinical disorders, infection or disease and trauma or injury. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Embase and Medline were searched to identify relevant papers that outline the clinical differences between 3D and conventional techniques in MR. Data were evaluated to provide a clear outline of suitable techniques for surgery. RESULTS: 20 of 2749 papers met inclusion criteria. These papers were grouped based on the clinical causes that required MR into four categories: malignant or benign tumour resection; mandibular trauma/injury and other clinical disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of researchers favoured 3D techniques in MR. However, due to a lack of standardised reporting in these studies it was not possible to determine which specific techniques were better for which clinical presentations.

Cubic versus hexagonal - phase, size and morphology effects on the photoluminescence quantum yield of NaGdF4:Er3+/Yb3+ upconverting nanoparticles.

Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are well-known for their capacity to convert near-infrared light into UV/visible light, benefitting various applications where light triggering is required. At the nanoscale, loss of luminescence intensity is observed and thus, a decrease in photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), usually ascribed to surface quenching. We evaluate this by measuring the PLQY of NaGdF4:Er3+,Yb3+ UCNPs as a function of size (ca. 15 to 100 nm) and shape (spheres, cubes, hexagons). Our results show that the PLQY of α-phase NaGdF4 Er3+,Yb3+ surpasses that of ß-NaGdF4 for sizes below 20 nm, an observation related to distortion of the crystal lattice when the UCNPs become smaller. The present study also underlines that particle shape must not be neglected as a relevant parameter for PLQY. In fact, based on a mathematical nucleus/hull volumetric model, shape was found to be particularly relevant in the 20 to 60 nm size range of the investigated UCNPs.

Effects of short-term administration of melatonin before gonadectomy on oxidative stress, cortisol and sex hormones in male dogs.

The aim of this study was to investigate gonadectomy stress, steroid hormones and serotonin in male dogs treated with melatonin before gonadectomy. Twenty-five mixed breed adult dogs were divided into five equal groups. The melatonin and melatonin + gonadectomized groups received melatonin treatment (3 mg/10 Kg, PO, TID) the day before gonadectomy; the gonadectomized and anaesthesia groups did not receive melatonin; and the control group just received the melatonin vehicle. Blood sampling was performed before melatonin administration (day -1) and on days 0 (gonadectomy), 1, 3 and 6 after gonadectomy. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase concentrations decreased significantly in gonadectomized dogs compared with dogs treated with melatonin before gonadectomy and intact dogs. Gonadectomy led to a significant decrease in catalase concentration in gonadectomized dogs compared with other study groups. Malondialdehyde levels increased significantly in gonadectomized dogs compared with other groups. Melatonin administration before gonadectomy led to decreased malondialdehyde concentration in gonadectomized and intact dogs compared to the control group. Cortisol concentration increased significantly in gonadectomized dogs compared to the control dogs. Serotonin levels decreased in gonadectomized dogs, but melatonin treatment increased serotonin concentration in gonadectomized and intact dogs. Melatonin treatment before gonadectomy suppressed oxidative stress and the cortisol but increased serotonin level.

Improving phenylalanine and micronutrients status of children with phenylketonuria: a pilot randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Children with Phenylketonuria (PKU) need a special diet to avoid a variety of physical and psychological complications. The aim of this study was to compare and assess the effects of two interventions on and levels of phenylalanine and micronutrients in children with PKU. METHODS: Forty-six children with PKU (ages 1-12 years) and their caregivers were randomly assigned to one of two 10-week interventions: a caregiver educational intervention based on the Integrative Model of Behvioral Prediction (IMBP) and supplementary low-protein-modified foods. Outcomes consisted of Children's plasma phenylalanine and micronutrients (i.e., vitamin B12, vitamin D3, and zinc) and hemoglobin levels. To assess the sustainability of outcomes, we also compared the children's phenylalanine level at five-time points including baseline and 10-week, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months follow-ups. In addition, caregivers of both groups were asked to complete a questionnaire to assess how well the interventions were implemented as well as satisfaction with interventions. RESULTS: While a large percentage of children had phenylalanine levels out of range indicating non-adherence (69.6% and 81% in the educational and food items group, respectively), micronutrient deficiencies were not prevalent in the patient cohort. The levels of phenylalanine in both groups decreased significantly over time. However, conducting a repeated-measures ANOVA to evaluating the change in groups across five-time points, revealed a significant difference between groups (F = 4.68, p = 0.03). That is, the educational intervention was more effective in lowering the children's phenylalanine level. At 24-month follow-up, the percentage of children with a normal range of phenylalanine level in the educational and food items groups increased to 73.9 and 57.1 percent, respectively, from 26 and 38 percent at baseline. There were no significant changes in children's micronutrients level following the interventions, except in the hemoglobin. In this way, at 10-week follow-up, the mean hemoglobin of children in the educational group reduced significantly (P = 0.041). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups. In general, all caregivers completed the process evaluation checklist, the feedback was largely positive. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that both educational and providing food item interventions resulted in a significant reduction in phenylalanine levels. Empowering caregivers of patients, creating and fortifying social networks, providing favorable social supports, and providing access to special food items may be effective in controlling PKU. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20180506039548N1). Registered 6th Jun 2018, https://www.irct.ir/trial/30977 .

Unraveling electronic band structure of narrow-bandgap p-n nanojunctions in heterostructured nanowires.

The electronic band structure of complex nanostructured semiconductors has a considerable effect on the final electronic and optical properties of the material and, ultimately, on the functionality of the devices incorporating them. Valence electron energy-loss spectroscopy (VEELS) in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) provides the possibility of measuring this property of semiconductors with high spatial resolution. However, it still represents a challenge for narrow-bandgap semiconductors, since an electron beam with low energy spread is required. Here we demonstrate that by means of monochromated VEELS we can study the electronic band structure of narrow-gap materials GaSb and InAs in the form of heterostructured nanowires, with bandgap values down to 0.5 eV, especially important for newly developed structures with unknown bandgaps. Using complex heterostructured InAs-GaSb nanowires, we determine a bandgap value of 0.54 eV for wurtzite InAs. Moreover, we directly compare the bandgaps of wurtzite and zinc blende polytypes of GaSb in a single nanostructure, measured here as 0.84 and 0.75 eV, respectively. This allows us to solve an existing controversy in the band alignment between these structures arising from theoretical predictions. The findings demonstrate the potential of monochromated VEELS to provide a better understanding of the band alignment at the heterointerfaces of narrow-bandgap complex nanostructured materials with high spatial resolution. This is especially important for semiconductor device applications where even the slightest variations of the electronic band structure at the nanoscale can play a crucial role in their functionality.

Socio-Economic Disparities in Access to Diagnostic Neuroimaging Services in the United Kingdom: A Systematic Review.

Socio-economic factors affecting health care can lead to delays in diagnosis of neurological conditions, consequentially affecting treatment and morbidity rates. This inequality in health care can leave patients from lower socio-economic backgrounds more vulnerable to a poorer quality of care from health care providers in the United Kingdom (U.K.). AIMS: In this systematic review, we assess the impact of socio-economic status on the use of diagnostic neuroimaging in the U.K., measured by the timeliness, accessibility and appropriate use of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, electroencephalography (EEG) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We specifically evaluate the non-surgical use of neuroimaging techniques as this relies on the judgment of primary care-givers (e.g., doctors and radiologists), where health disparities are most common. This study includes the analysis of diagnostic imaging used for dementia, minor head injury, stroke, cancer, epilepsy, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and Parkinson's disease. With this study, we aim to assess the health inequalities at disease diagnosis. METHODS: Using Medline (via Ovid), PubMed and Web of Science databases as sources of information, we critically appraise existing studies on neuroimaging use in the U.K. health care system, published between January 2010 and February 2021. FINDINGS: A total of 18 studies were included in this research, revealing that there was an increase in patients of Black and Asian communities diagnosed with dementia and at an earlier age. There was little evidence to suggest that a lack of access to diagnostic imaging is associated with socio-economic status. However, there are data to suggest that people of a lower socio-economic background require more specialist services with diagnostic neuroimaging tools. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that diagnostic neuroimaging techniques could be utilised more effectively by health care workers to prevent unnecessary delays in diagnosis for patients in lower socio-economic areas.

Assessing demographic access to hip replacement surgery in the United Kingdom: a systematic review.

Persisting evidence suggests significant socioeconomic and sociodemographic inequalities in access to medical treatment in the UK. Consequently, a systematic review was undertaken to examine these access inequalities in relation to hip replacement surgery. Database searches were performed using MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science. Studies with a focus on surgical need, access, provision and outcome were of interest. Inequalities were explored in the context of sociodemographic characteristics, socioeconomic status (SES), geographical location and hospital-related variables. Only studies in the context of the UK were included. Screening of search and extraction of data were performed and 482 articles were identified in the database search, of which 16 were eligible. Eligible studies consisted of eight cross-sectional studies, seven ecological studies and one longitudinal study. Although socioeconomic inequality has somewhat decreased, lower SES patients and ethnic minority patients demonstrate increased surgical needs, reduced access and poor outcomes. Lower SES and Black minority patients were younger and had more comorbidities. Surgical need increased with age. Women had greater surgical need and provision than men. Geographical inequality had reduced in Scotland, but a north-south divide persists in England. Rural areas received greater provision relative to need, despite increased travel for care. In all, access inequalities remain widespread and policy change driven by research is needed.

Sustainable waste management of medical waste in African developing countries: A narrative review.

Africa is the second populous continent, and its population has the fastest growing rate. Some African countries are still plagued by poverty, poor sanitary conditions and limited resources, such as clean drinking water, food supply, electricity, and effective waste management systems. Underfunded healthcare systems, poor training and lack of awareness of policies and legislations on handling medical waste have led to increased improper handling of waste within hospitals, healthcare facilities and transportation and storage of medical waste. Some countries, including Ethiopia, Botswana, Nigeria and Algeria, do not have national guidelines in place to adhere to the correct disposal of such wastage. Incineration is often the favoured disposal method due to the rapid diminishment of up to 90% of waste, as well as production of heat for boilers or for energy production. This type of method - if not applying the right technologies - potentially creates hazardous risks of its own, such as harmful emissions and residuals. In this study, the sustainability aspects of medical waste management in Africa were reviewed to present resilient solutions for health and environment protection for the next generation in Africa. The findings of this research introduce policies, possible advices and solutions associated with sustainability and medical waste management that can support decision-makers in developing strategies for the sustainability by using the eco-friendly technologies for efficient medical waste treatment and disposal methods and also can serve as a link between the healthcare system, decision-makers, and stakeholders in developing health policies and programmes.

Differential localization patterns of claudin 10, 16, and 19 in human, mouse, and rat renal tubular epithelia.

Functional properties of the paracellular pathway depend critically on the set of claudins (CLDN) expressed at the tight junction. Two syndromes are causally linked to loss-of-function mutations of claudins: hypohidrosis, electrolyte imbalance, lacrimal gland dysfunction, ichthyosis, and xerostomia (HELIX) syndrome caused by genetic variations in the CLDN10 gene and familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis caused by genetic variations in the CLDN16 or CLDN19 genes. All three genes are expressed in the kidney, particularly in the thick ascending limb (TAL). However, localization of these claudins in humans and rodents remains to be delineated in detail. We studied the segmental and subcellular expression of CLDN10, CLDN16, and CLDN19 in both paraffin-embedded and frozen kidney sections from the adult human, mouse, and rat using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, respectively. Here, CLDN10 was present in a subset of medullary and cortical TAL cells, localizing to basolateral domains and tight junctions in human and rodent kidneys. Weak expression was detected at the tight junction of proximal tubular cells. CLDN16 was primarily expressed in a subset of TAL cells in the cortex and outer stripe of outer medulla, restricted to basolateral domains and tight junctional structures in both human and rodent kidneys. CLDN19 predominantly colocalized with CLDN16 in tight junctions and basolateral domains of the TAL but was also found in basolateral and junctional domains in more distal sites. CLDN10 expression at tight junctions almost never overlapped with that of CLND16 and CLDN19, consistent with distinct junctional pathways with different permeation profiles in both human and rodent kidneys.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study used immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to investigate the distribution of claudin 10, 16, and 19 in the human, mouse, and rat kidney. The findings showed distinct junctional pathways in both human and rodent kidneys, supporting the existence of different permeation profiles in all species investigated.

Critical evaluation of stents in coronary angioplasty: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Coronary stents are routinely placed in the treatment and prophylaxis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Current coronary stent designs are prone to developing blockages: in-stent thrombosis (IST) and in-stent re-stenosis (ISR). This is a systematic review of the design of current coronary stent models, their structural properties and their modes of application, with a focus on their associated risks of IST and ISR. The primary aim of this review is to identify the best stent design features for reducing the risk of IST and ISR. To review the three major types of stents used in clinical settings today, determining best and relevant clinical practice by exploring which types and features of offer improved patient outcomes regarding coronary angioplasty. This information can potentially be used to increase the success rate of coronary angioplasty and stent technology in the future taking into account costs and benefits. METHODS: Scientific databases were searched to find studies concerning stents. After the exclusion criteria were applied, 19 of the 3192 searched literature were included in this review. Studies investigating three major types of stent design were found: bare-metal stents (BMS), drug-eluting stents (DES) and bioresorbable stents (BRS). The number of participants varied between 14 and 1264. On average 77.4% were male, with a mean age of 64 years. RESULTS: From the findings of these studies, it is clear that DES are superior in reducing the risk of ISR when compared to BMS. Conflicting results do not clarify whether BRS are superior to DES at reducing IST occurrence, although studies into newer BRS technologies show reducing events of IST to 0, creating a promising future for BRS showing them to be non-inferior. Thinner stents were shown to reduce IST rates, due to better re-endothelialisation. Scaffold material has also been shown to play a role with cobalt alloy stents reducing the risk of IST. This study found that thinner stents that release drugs were better at preventing re-blockages. Some dissolvable stents might be better at stopping blood clots blocking the arteries when compared to metal stents. The method and procedure of implanting the stent during coronary angioplasty influences success rate of these stents, meaning stent design is not the only significant factor to consider. CONCLUSIONS: Positive developments in coronary angioplasty could be made by designing new stents that encompass all the most desirable properties of existing stent technology. Further work is needed to investigate the benefits of BRS in reducing the risk of IST compared to DES, as well as to investigate the effects of different scaffold materials on IST and ISR outcomes.

Silica-copper catalyst interfaces enable carbon-carbon coupling towards ethylene electrosynthesis.

Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers offer a means to scale up CO2-to-ethylene electroconversion using renewable electricity and close the anthropogenic carbon cycle. To date, excessive CO2 coverage at the catalyst surface with limited active sites in MEA systems interferes with the carbon-carbon coupling reaction, diminishing ethylene production. With the aid of density functional theory calculations and spectroscopic analysis, here we report an oxide modulation strategy in which we introduce silica on Cu to create active Cu-SiOx interface sites, decreasing the formation energies of OCOH* and OCCOH*-key intermediates along the pathway to ethylene formation. We then synthesize the Cu-SiOx catalysts using one-pot coprecipitation and integrate the catalyst in a MEA electrolyzer. By tuning the CO2 concentration, the Cu-SiOx catalyst based MEA electrolyzer shows high ethylene Faradaic efficiencies of up to 65% at high ethylene current densities of up to 215 mA cm-2; and features sustained operation over 50 h.

The role of PKMζ in the maintenance of long-term memory: a review.

Long-term memories are thought to be stored in neurones and synapses that undergo physical changes, such as long-term potentiation (LTP), and these changes can be maintained for long periods of time. A candidate enzyme for the maintenance of LTP is protein kinase M zeta (PKMζ), a constitutively active protein kinase C isoform that is elevated during LTP and long-term memory maintenance. This paper reviews the evidence and controversies surrounding the role of PKMζ in the maintenance of long-term memory. PKMζ maintains synaptic potentiation by preventing AMPA receptor endocytosis and promoting stabilisation of dendritic spine growth. Inhibition of PKMζ, with zeta-inhibitory peptide (ZIP), can reverse LTP and impair established long-term memories. However, a deficit of memory retrieval cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, ZIP, and in high enough doses the control peptide scrambled ZIP, was recently shown to be neurotoxic, which may explain some of the effects of ZIP on memory impairment. PKMζ knockout mice show normal learning and memory. However, this is likely due to compensation by protein-kinase C iota/lambda (PKCι/λ), which is normally responsible for induction of LTP. It is not clear how, or if, this compensatory mechanism is activated under normal conditions. Future research should utilise inducible PKMζ knockdown in adult rodents to investigate whether PKMζ maintains memory in specific parts of the brain, or if it represents a global memory maintenance molecule. These insights may inform future therapeutic targets for disorders of memory loss.

Towards defect-free thin films of the earth-abundant absorber zinc phosphide by nanopatterning.

Large-scale deployment of thin-film photovoltaics will be facilitated through earth-abundant components. Herein, selective area epitaxy and lateral overgrowth epitaxy are explored for the growth of zinc phosphide (Zn3P2), a promising earth-abundant absorber. The ideal growth conditions are elucidated, and the nucleation of single-crystal nanopyramids that subsequently evolve towards coalesced thin-films is demonstrated. The zinc phosphide pyramids exhibit room temperature bandgap luminescence at 1.53 eV, indicating a high-quality material. The electrical properties of zinc phosphide and the junction with the substrate are assessed by conductive atomic force microscopy on n-type, p-type and intrinsic substrates. The measurements are consistent with the p-type characteristic of zinc phosphide. Overall, this constitutes a new, and transferrable, approach for the controlled and tunable growth of high-quality zinc phosphide, a step forward in the quest for earth-abundant photovoltaics.

Heterotwin Zn3P2 superlattice nanowires: the role of indium insertion in the superlattice formation mechanism and their optical properties.

Zinc phosphide (Zn3P2) nanowires constitute prospective building blocks for next generation solar cells due to the combination of suitable optoelectronic properties and an abundance of the constituting elements in the Earth's crust. The generation of periodic superstructures along the nanowire axis could provide an additional mechanism to tune their functional properties. Here we present the vapour-liquid-solid growth of zinc phosphide superlattices driven by periodic heterotwins. This uncommon planar defect involves the exchange of Zn by In at the twinning boundary. We find that the zigzag superlattice formation is driven by reduction of the total surface energy of the liquid droplet. The chemical variation across the heterotwin does not affect the homogeneity of the optical properties, as measured by cathodoluminescence. The basic understanding provided here brings new propsects on the use of II-V semiconductors in nanowire technology.

Anti-inflammatory activity of emu oil-based nanofibrous scaffold through downregulation of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Background Inflammation is one of the most important responses of the body against infection or disease, and it protects tissues from injury; however, it causes redness, swelling, pain, fever and loss of function. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of emu oil (Eu) formulated nanofibrous scaffold in HFFF2 fibroblast cells. Materials and methods Eu was formulated successfully in nanofibers through the electrospinning method. Besides, the morphological and structural properties of Eu nanofibres were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MTT assay (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) was performed to evaluate the HFFF2 fibroblast cells' viability. Also, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory signaling pathway in treated HFFF2 cells with Eu nanofiber. Results Our study showed that the Eu nanofiber increased the viability of fibroblast HFFF2 cells (p < 0.05). Also, the expression of interleukin1 (IL1), IL6 and tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α) pro-inflammatory cytokines genes were significantly decreased in treated HFFF2 cells with Eu nanofiber (p < 0.05). Conclusions In conclusion, Eu nanofiber scaffold potentially can reduce the inflammation process through downregulation of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines.

Finding a Balance: A Systematic Review of the Biomechanical Effects of Vestibular Prostheses on Stability in Humans.

The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and is responsible for maintaining balance in humans. Bilateral vestibular dysfunction (BVD) is a disorder that adversely affects vestibular function. This results in symptoms such as postural imbalance and vertigo, increasing the incidence of falls and worsening quality of life. Current therapeutic options are often ineffective, with a focus on symptom management. Artificial stimulation of the vestibular system, via a vestibular prosthesis, is a technique being explored to restore vestibular function. This review systematically searched for literature that reported the effect of artificial vestibular stimulation on human behaviours related to balance, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique. A total of 21 papers matched the inclusion criteria of the literature search conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases (February 2019). The populations for these studies included both healthy adults and patients with BVD. In every paper, artificial vestibular stimulation caused an improvement in certain behaviours related to balance, although the extent of the effect varied greatly. Various behaviours were measured such as the vestibulo-ocular reflex, postural sway and certain gait characteristics. Two classes of prosthesis were evaluated and both showed a significant improvement in at least one aspect of balance-related behaviour in every paper included. No adverse effects were reported for prostheses using noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation, however, prosthetic implantation sometimes caused hearing or vestibular loss. Significant heterogeneity in methodology, study population and disease aetiology were observed. The present study confirms the feasibility of vestibular implants in humans for restoring balance in controlled conditions, but more research needs to be conducted to determine their effects on balance in non-clinical settings.