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The dual use of combustible cigarettes (CC) and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) is a rapidly growing public health concern, yet its synergistic impact on allergic rhinitis (AR) remains poorly understood. Previous studies have reported inconsistent associations between smoking and AR, often failing to account for different tobacco product combinations and the temporal sequence of smoking initiation. To analyze the association between diverse smoking behaviors-including exclusive CC use, exclusive ENDS use, and dual use-and the odds of AR diagnosis among Korean adults. We analyzed data from 18,781 adults from the 2019-2022 KNHANES. Multivariable survey-weighted logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AOR) across 5 patterns: never, former, exclusive CC, exclusive ENDS, and dual users. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to establish temporal precedence by restricting the sample to those who initiated smoking prior to their AR diagnosis. Further stratified analyses were performed based on smoking intensity (Cigarettes Per Day [CPD]). The overall weighted prevalence of AR was 17.77%. In the primary model, exclusive CC smokers showed lower odds of AR (AOR = 0.691; 95% CI = 0.562-0.850), which decreased further to 0.519 (p < 0.001) upon temporal validation. While the primary model showed higher odds for former smokers (AOR = 1.193), the validated subset revealed a significant inverse association (AOR = 0.836, p = 0.018), identifying a "sick quitter" effect. Conversely, dual use of CC and vapes was significantly associated with higher AR odds (AOR = 1.543; 95% CI = 1.067-2.233, p = 0.021). This risk peaked among moderate smokers using vapes (AOR = 2.222, p = 0.029) and heavy smokers using heated tobacco products (AOR = 2.374; 95% CI = 1.059-5.322, p = 0.036). Our findings reveal a distinct contrast between exclusive smoking and dual use. While exclusive CC smoking exhibits an inverse association likely driven by nicotine-mediated symptom masking, dual use presents a unique synergistic risk. This suggests that combined exposure to multiple tobacco products may exacerbate mucosal inflammation and barrier dysfunction, overriding any suppressive effects of nicotine.

The increasing use of dental implants is changing the epidemiology of Odontogenic Sinusitis (ODS). Aside from endodontic causes, we frequently encounter problems caused by implant placement and bone augmentation techniques, which present a distinct pathophysiological profile compared to classic ODS. This study analyzed the clinical features of pre-implant (Group I) and implant-related ODS (Group II) to establish surgical management strategies according to the Felisati classification. This retrospective single-center study analyzed 45 patients treated between December 2020 and December 2025. Patients were classified according to the Felisati classification into Group I (preimplantological treatment complications) and Group II (implantological treatment complications). We evaluated clinical variables -etiology, osteomeatal complex (OMC) obstruction, foreign body presence, and oroantral communications (OAC)-and surgical strategies adopted: Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), exclusive oral approach, or a combined simultaneous technique. Implant-related cases (Group II; n&#x2009;=&#x2009;37) dominated the cohort (82.2%), with 8 preimplantological complications (Group I). Females accounted for 66.7%. In Group II, chronic sinusitis affected 70.3% of patients, with high incidence of foreign bodies and OACs (64.9% each). To manage this complex scenario, we favored a combined simultaneous approach in the majority of Group II cases (59.5%); we reserved the exclusive oral approach for 27.0% of patients and limited exclusive FESS to 13.5%, primarily for implant preservation. Similarly, in Group I, where chronic sinusitis affected 75% of patients, the combined approach was performed in half the cases, while FESS alone was utilized in 37.5% to retrieve dispersed graft material. At the 3-month follow-up, primary complete resolution was observed in 44/45 patients (97.8%). Only one patient (Group II) experienced a recurrence of the oro-antral communication, which was successfully closed after a secondary surgical intervention, ultimately leading to a 100% final success rate. Implant-related and pre-implant ODS are distinct clinical entities often complicated by OMC obstruction and foreign body reactions. Although surgical planning requires case-by-case customization, in our experience, the combined simultaneous approach represented an effective primary strategy for complex cases, while exclusive approaches were reserved for selected patients. Complete short-term clinical and endoscopic resolution was observed in the cohort at the 3-month follow-up.

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) has become an increasing public health burden, particularly in Chile. Non-smoked cannabis formats and products have been independently associated with CUD but remain understudied in the region. This study compares CUD severity among individuals aged 12 to 65 in Chile who consume cannabis via edibles, vaporization or both versus those who exclusively smoke it. We obtained secondary data from three waves of the Chilean National Survey on Drugs in the General Population (ENPG), a three-stage stratified probabilistic sampling design study conducted in 2020, 2022, and 2024. Our pooled cross-sectional sample included individuals (n = 3543) who reported cannabis use in vaped, edible, both vaped and edible or exclusively smoked format in the past 12 months. We used a partial proportional odds model to estimate the association between CUD severity and consumption formats. Cannabis vaping group showed higher odds of presenting at least mild CUD (OR = 6.21 [95% CI: 3.75-10.3]), as did the edible group (OR = 1.73 [95% CI: 1.08-2.78]) and both group (OR = 5.92 [95% CI: 2.72-12.87]), compared to exclusive smokers. However, only the vaped group demonstrated higher odds for all severity levels. Compared with exclusive smokers, users of vaporizers and/or edibles showed a stronger association with CUD. This association may be explained by consumption patterns and total THC exposure. Further research is needed to characterize the average THC exposure by consumption format, acknowledging contextual confounders such as the legal framework.

To compare the rate of tolerance acquisition in Mexican infants with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy, fed according to three dietary regimens. A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted on infants diagnosed with cow's milk protein allergy between 1 and 3 months of age, divided into three groups according to their feeding regimen: 1) exclusive breastfeeding with an elimination diet, 2) amino acid-based formula, and 3) hydrolyzed rice formula. Clinical characteristics, wheal size in skin prick tests against casein, alpha-lactalbumin, and beta-lactoglobulin, adherence to treatment, and coexisting allergic comorbidities were evaluated. Tolerance acquisition was determined by an open oral challenge test with whole milk after 12 months on an elimination diet. Comparative analyses and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify associated factors. 285 infants were selected and assigned to one of three study groups (n = 95 per group). 62.1% achieved clinical tolerance at the end of the follow-up period. The highest proportion was observed in the exclusive breastfeeding group (78.9%), followed by the amino acid-based formula group (68.4%) and the hydrolyzed rice formula group (65.3%), with no statistically significant differences between the regimens (p = 0.094). Adherence to the dietary treatment was significantly associated with the acquisition of tolerance in the multivariate model, while allergic comorbidities were associated with a lower probability of clinical cure. The elimination diet is associated with the acquisition of tolerance in a considerable proportion of infants with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy. Although no superiority was identified among the dietary regimens, the findings suggest that adherence to treatment plays a determining role in clinical outcomes and should be considered a central component in the management of the disease. Comparar la tasa de adquisici&#xf3;n de tolerancia en lactantes mexicanos con alergia a la prote&#xed;na de leche de vaca mediada por IgE, alimentados con tres esquemas diet&#xe9;ticos. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de tipo cohorte, efectuado en lactantes diagnosticados con alergia a la prote&#xed;na de leche de vaca entre 1 y 3 meses de edad, distribuidos en tres grupos seg&#xfa;n el esquema de alimentaci&#xf3;n: 1) lactancia materna exclusiva con dieta materna de eliminaci&#xf3;n, 2) f&#xf3;rmula con amino&#xe1;cidos y 3) f&#xf3;rmula hidrolizada de arroz. Se evaluaron las caracter&#xed;sticas cl&#xed;nicas, tama&#xf1;o del hab&#xf3;n en las pruebas cut&#xe1;neas frente a case&#xed;na, alfa-lactoalb&#xfa;mina y beta-lactoglobulina, apego al tratamiento y coexistencia de comorbilidades al&#xe9;rgicas. La adquisici&#xf3;n de tolerancia se determin&#xf3; mediante la prueba de provocaci&#xf3;n oral abierta con leche entera despu&#xe9;s de 12 meses de dieta de eliminaci&#xf3;n. Se realizaron an&#xe1;lisis comparativos y regresi&#xf3;n log&#xed;stica multivariada para identificar los factores asociados. Se seleccionaron 285, asignados a uno de los tres grupos de estudio (n = 95 por grupo). El 62.1% tuvo tolerancia cl&#xed;nica al final del seguimiento. La mayor proporci&#xf3;n se observ&#xf3; en el grupo de lactancia materna exclusiva (78.9%), seguido de f&#xf3;rmula con amino&#xe1;cidos (68.4%) y f&#xf3;rmula hidrolizada de arroz (65.3 %), sin diferencias estad&#xed;sticamente significativas entre los esquemas (p = 0.094). El apego al tratamiento diet&#xe9;tico se asoci&#xf3; significativamente con la adquisici&#xf3;n de tolerancia en el modelo multivariado, mientras que las comorbilidades al&#xe9;rgicas se relacionaron con menor probabilidad de curaci&#xf3;n cl&#xed;nica. La dieta de eliminaci&#xf3;n se asocia con adquisici&#xf3;n de tolerancia en una proporci&#xf3;n considerable de lactantes con alergia a la prote&#xed;na de leche de vaca mediada por IgE. Aunque no se identific&#xf3; superioridad entre los esquemas diet&#xe9;ticos, los hallazgos sugieren que el apego al tratamiento desempe&#xf1;a un papel determinante en la evoluci&#xf3;n cl&#xed;nica y debe considerarse un componente central en el tratamiento de la enfermedad.

Alcohol-induced blackouts (AIBs) are a common and serious consequence of drinking in young adults. AIBs are associated with experiencing increased alcohol-related consequences. To inform efforts to reduce alcohol-related harms on especially risky drinking days that result in AIBs, we sought to identify contextual factors that contribute to excess AIB-associated harms. This study aims to (1) examine relationships between AIBs and four consequence domains; and (2) explore how these relationships differ by social context and location. Young adults (N&#x2009;=&#x2009;175, 52.6% female, 86.9% White, Mage&#x2009;=&#x2009;20.8) with recent heavy drinking and AIBs wore alcohol sensors and completed surveys about their consequences (including AIBs) and the social context and locations in which drinking occurred over six weekends. Four consequence domains included positive (reflective of desired alcohol expectancies), common (relatively acute, low potential for personal harm), uncommon (relatively serious, i.e., sexual, legal, great potential for personal harm), and alcohol-related problems (related to impaired control and physical dependence). Multilevel structural equation models were conducted to test for main effects of AIBs and moderating effects of contextual factors. AIBs were significantly associated with experiencing 15% more positive consequences, 205% more common consequences, 367% more uncommon consequences, and 166% more alcohol-related problems. AIBs were more strongly associated with common consequences and alcohol-related problems when drinking occurred exclusively with family, friend(s), and/or a romantic partner (vs. with a large group). AIBs were also more strongly associated with common consequences when drinking took place exclusively at a residential location (vs. non-residential). No other significant moderating effects were observed. Days with an AIB were associated with experiencing significantly more positive and negative alcohol-related consequences compared to days without an AIB. Our findings support the notion that the context in which drinking occurs is an important consideration for reducing alcohol-related harms.

Species evolution has long been associated exclusively with vertical gene transfer, making genetic variability a result of recombination and spontaneous mutations. Although long considered exclusive to prokaryotes, horizontal gene transfer (HGT), plays an important evolutionary role even in complex eukaryotic lineages. This process can generate novel functions in the host, proving evolutionary paths not predicted by vertical inheritance. This review highlights how HGT has significantly shaped the genome evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, providing key traits relevant to fermentation processes. HGT events from bacteria, alongside introgression from other yeasts, contribute to the genetic diversity and specific adaptations seen in domesticated strains of S. cerevisiae, distinguishing them from wild relatives and influencing their industrial utility. Here we report how the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), and the subsequent flood of genomic data, have fundamentally accelerated the discovery and analysis of HGT events across all domains of life. The sheer volume of NGS data has driven the development of sophisticated bioinformatics tools and algorithms specifically designed to detect the phylogenetic and compositional signatures of HGT. We also discuss how detecting HGT events helps to understand yeast genome plasticity and to identify useful "foreign" DNA, which can then be manipulated to create novel yeast strains with enhanced fermentation performance, flavour profiles, or stress tolerance.

Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is common in preterm infants and may impair neurodevelopment. The absence of a standardized definition limits early identification. We evaluated agreement and factors associated with EUGR using cross-sectional and longitudinal definitions. Matched case-control study in three kangaroo mother care programs. EUGR was defined cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Cases were matched by gestational age and city (1:2 cross-sectional; 1:1 longitudinal). Conditional logistic regression assessed associations with maternal, perinatal, and nutritional factors. We included 221 cross-sectional cases with 442 controls and 287 longitudinal cases with 287 controls. Agreement between definitions was fair (&#x3ba;&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.32). For both definitions, enrollment in workers' health insurance and longer hospital stay were associated with higher EUGR odds, whereas any formula feeding was associated with lower odds. Among infants receiving parenteral nutrition, delayed weight recovery and longer hospitalization increased EUGR odds, while higher carbohydrate intake and exclusive formula feeding reduced it. In the longitudinal model, neonatal intensive care unit stay and patent ductus arteriosus increased odds, whereas more hours in kangaroo position reduced it. Poor agreement between EUGR definitions and differences in associated factors underscore the need to standardize EUGR definitions to optimize and individualize enteral and parenteral nutritional support. This multicenter study shows that 30-40% of Colombian preterm infants <35 weeks GA develop EUGR, with the longitudinal definition capturing earlier growth faltering and the cross-sectional one more severe and persistent failure. Poor concordance between cross-sectional and longitudinal EUGR definitions and differences in associated factors highlight the need for a standardized EUGR definition and for optimized, individualized enteral and parenteral nutritional support in preterm infants. By contrasting EUGR definitions and identifying modifiable factors, this study adds novel evidence from a middle-income setting. Its impact is to guide context-specific nutritional protocols and strengthen early growth monitoring in neonatal care.

We report the design, fabrication, and characterization of a stretchable composite material with mechanically tunable optical properties in the thermal infrared spectral range. The device consists of an elastomeric substrate of Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS) patterned at the micro&#x2011;scale coated with an optically active gold layer whose morphology and optical response evolve under mechanical deformation. Stretching or compressing the composite modifies the geometry of both the surface pattern and the active layer, leading to reversible changes in transmittance and reflectance in the infrared range. The resulting composite operates without external electrical power, relying exclusively on mechanical actuation. A comparison between two active layer thicknesses (30 and 60&#xa0;nm) on micropatterned SEBS elastomer reveals distinct optical behaviors. The 30&#xa0;nm layer exhibits a transmission increase from 10% to 43% (+&#x2009;33%) under 100% strain, making it suitable for transmission-based IR modulation. In contrast, the 60&#xa0;nm layer exhibits a reflectance decrease from 55% to 15% (-40%), making it suitable for reflectance-based thermal camouflage. We demonstrate its performance as a flexible strain sensor and infrared modulator and assess its stability over 1000 cycles of repeated deformation. The optical response remains stable despite nanoscale crack formation in the metal layer, highlighting the decoupling between electrical and optical behavior. These results define a simple design strategy in which metal thickness governs the dominant modulation mode (transmission vs. reflectance), providing a versatile platform for passive, mechanically driven infrared devices Part of this work has previously been disclosed in a patent (ES 2 950 877 A1), highlighting its technological relevance.

For Small Island Developing States, including those in the Caribbean, the deep sea remains a challenging ecosystem to study as it requires expensive technology and specialised expertise. The deep-sea environment of Barbados (200-5,776 m) accounts for 99.8% of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Barbados is presently in the initial phases of developing a marine spatial plan for its EEZ. Comprehensive baseline information on the deep-sea ecosystems is crucial for evidence-based decision-making. This research assesses the state of deep-sea biological knowledge in Barbados via a comprehensive review of species records from peer-reviewed and grey literature, as well as museum and biodiversity databases. We found 1,589 biological records constituting 309 families and 624 species and morphospecies for Barbados' deep sea. Strikingly, richness analyses estimate that just 20% of the species and 48% of the families inhabiting Barbados' deep sea have been recorded. We also discuss limitations in existing knowledge, including vast geographic areas and depths still requiring research, as well as the varied methods of deep-sea observation and sampling utilised thus far, and the associated influence on the taxonomic composition of the known deep-sea community. Although limited, this assessment of deep-sea biodiversity information has provided insights to assist with the creation of a road map which decision-makers can utilize to guide future management and research activities.

Researchers have emphasized the need to integrate patients into medical education, specifically advocating for patient-based assessments within medical curricula. However, there is a critical gap in understanding how patient involvement is conceptualized and operationalized within assessment practices. Thus, we aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the current discourses surrounding the integration of real patients in the assessment of medical trainees. We performed a Discourse Analysis using Hodges' empirical discourse methodology. Coding of the 54 included articles initially focused on "conceptualization," "ways patients participate," "opportunities created," "challenges," and detailed aspects of "assessment," including content, development, validation, and format. The team iteratively discussed the codes and themes until they reached a consensus about the data interpretation. We identified three distinct-yet not always mutually exclusive-discourses: (1) patients as survey-fillers, (2) patients as feedback providers, and (3) patients as part of programmatic assessment. By illuminating these discourses, this study deepens our understanding of why patient involvement takes the forms it does and suggests that moving toward positioning patients as part of programmatic assessment may offer a more meaningful basis for patient partnership in the assessment of medical trainees.

Rat elevated plus maze (EPM) pharmacology is often interpreted through endpoint lists, yet the construct assignment of individual variables is rarely tested against pharmacological calibration and reporting practice. This creates a contemporary reproducibility problem: secondary endpoints may be treated as anxiety indices without evidence that they belong to the same domain as proportional open-arm measures. We address this problem with a targeted critical framework synthesis combining a purposive calibration corpus (Corpus A, 14 foundational rat EPM studies, 1985-1998) and a structured sampled reporting audit (Corpus B, 57 post-2000 rat EPM pharmacology papers). The synthesis is explicitly not a systematic review and not a pooled meta-analysis; no figure digitization was used. The audit indicates a median of four EPM parameters reported per study and that 88% of studies present EPM data exclusively in figures without tabulated mean&#x202f;&#xb1;&#x202f;SEM values, which is consistent with the no-digitization rule rather than a justification for it. Primary proportional open-arm measures show complete terminological stability in the sampled corpus (Terminological Instability Index, TII&#x202f;=&#x202f;0.00), whereas closed-arm entries, rearing, head dipping, and stretched-attend posture/risk assessment show high instability (TII&#x202f;&#x2265;&#x202f;0.43). Pharmacological calibration across benzodiazepine, yohimbine, and FG-7142/PTZ anchor classes is consistent with a proportional open-arm core, a motor-control and mixed-variable layer, and a context-dependent ethological periphery. We propose that the rat acute EPM should be interpreted not as a retrospective catalogue of anxiety-like readouts, but as a domain-structured behavioral pharmacology assay in which primary claims should be anchored in the proportional open-arm core, checked against motor/mixed variables, and extended to ethological measures only under explicit calibration and design conditions.

Lattice strain is a key parameter governing the ferroelectric functionality of BaTiO3 (BTO) thin films; however its precise evaluation typically requires extensive structural and electrical characterizations. Here, we introduce a machine-learning framework that extracts strain information embedded in the surface morphology of epitaxial BTO thin films. By systematically correlating atomic force microscopy-based surface morphology images with strain-dependent structural and ferroelectric properties, including lattice parameters, crystalline coherence, and ferroelectric imprint, across thickness-controlled BTO films, we construct a data-driven model that infers lattice strain directly from surface morphology. The resulting framework accurately identifies strain states and classifies strain-engineered functional regimes without relying on conventional diffraction-based characterization. Notably, a model trained exclusively on BTO films on SrTiO3(001) substrates successfully generalizes to BTO films grown on LaAlO3(001), despite the distinct lattice mismatch and epitaxial environment. This result demonstrates that morphology-encoded strain signatures persist beyond a specific epitaxy platform. Therefore, our approach establishes surface morphology as a powerful, non-destructive descriptor for probing lattice strain and provides a scalable, data-driven pathway for exploring strain-engineered ferroelectric and emergent quantum functionalities in complex oxide thin films.

Maxillary sinus augmentation traditionally uses xenografts, allografts, or autografts. This case report details a novel, entirely autologous technique using albumin-denatured platelet-rich fibrin (Alb-PRF) gel as the sole grafting material in a two-stage lateral sinus lift - an approach rarely documented. A 41-year-old male with a residual bone height of 4-5 mm (mean: 4.3 mm) underwent a two-stage lateral sinus lift. The sinus cavity was grafted exclusively with Alb-PRF gel, and the lateral window was left uncovered without a barrier membrane. After 6&#xa0;months, re-entry cone beam computed tomography demonstrated a mean vertical bone gain of 8.2 mm, resulting in a final bone height of 12.5 mm. Two dental implants (4&#xa0;&#xd7;&#xa0;8 mm) were placed with insertion torques of 40 Ncm and 38 Ncm and were functionally loaded after 6&#xa0;months, with no complications at the 12-month follow-up. Alb-PRF gel exhibited a slow resorption profile (4-6&#xa0;months), providing adequate space maintenance and promoting osteogenesis. Its use as a sole grafting material simplifies the surgical protocol and reduces costs. This case demonstrates that a two-stage lateral sinus lift using Alb-PRF gel as the sole graft is a viable, cost-effective, and entirely autologous approach for bone regeneration in severely atrophic maxillae.

A cross-sectional study across 80 Anganwadi centres in Kolhan, Jharkhand, involving 146 participants (80 Anganwadi Workers, 27 pregnant women, and 39 lactating mothers), found that while take-home ration (THR) was universally distributed, only 42% of it was consumed exclusively by beneficiaries. Dietary shifts toward packaged foods, erosion of traditional practices, and limited THR awareness emerged as key barriers. Locally co-developed recipe books, training of 4600 Sahayikas, and live demonstrations during Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days and Annaprashan events improved THR adoption. Findings suggest that integrating indigenous food knowledge with frontline capacity-building can enhance the effectiveness of government nutrition programs in tribal areas.

The oral microbiome serves as an effector of bidirectional promotion between periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the association between diabetes status and oral microbiota alterations and whether these patterns explained increased periodontitis severity remains unclearly illuminated. In this study, an investigation was conducted into the association of T2DM with periodontitis severity from the perspective of the oral microbiome. This cross-sectional study enrolled cohorts of patients with and without T2DM presenting periodontitis. Combined with bioinformatics and statistical analyses, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was utilized for characterizing the oral microbiome across four oral niches in patients with different T2DM statuses and periodontitis severity. Oral microbiome composition was dysregulated in the context of periodontitis with or without T2DM. The variation pattern of the oral microbiome showed obvious differences. Capnocytophaga sputigena, Fusobacterium hwasookii, and Capnocytophaga gingivalis demonstrated a significant down-regulation exclusively in T2DM subjects. Compared with non-diabetic (ND) subjects, T2DM subjects exhibited markedly altered correlation patterns between Filifactor alocis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and other periodontitis-associated differential microbes and clinical parameters. Solobacterium moorei, Catonella morbi, and several additional taxa were potential biomarkers of periodontitis severity in T2DM subjects. In addition, T2DM altered microbial interaction between plaque (Pla) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) communities, which may form an oral microbial environment facilitating periodontitis severity. T2DM greatly reshapes periodontitis-associated oral microbial dysbiosis patterns, which additionally display T2DM-specific microbial traits. This highlights the unique regulatory role and significant impact of T2DM on oral microbiome alterations in periodontitis.

A stereoselective and regioselective hydrothiolation of P-alkynes using hydropersulfides has been developed to synthesize vinyl &#x3b2;-thiophosphonates with exclusive E stereoselectivity without transition-metal catalysts or additives. This protocol tolerates a broad substrate scope including both alkyl and aryl hydropersulfides. Mechanistic investigations indicate that the reaction follows an ionic pathway supported by DFT calculations and NOESY analysis. This method provides a green and general protocol toward vinyl &#x3b2;-thiophosphonates with potential applications in organometallic, medicinal, agricultural, and materials sciences.

The conservative management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) typically involves protracted treatment cycles; however, conventional modalities articularly exercise therapies often suffer from poor patient compliance due to the heavy burden of prolonged parental supervision. To address these clinical challenges, we propose Stick-assisted manipulation (SAM), a novel physical intervention based on manual therapy. This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of this novel SAM approach in the treatment of AIS, offering a potential solution to overcome barriers in treatment adherence. A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with scoliosis who were treated exclusively with SAM, a manual therapy based physical intervention at our institution between January 2023 and August 2024. Treatment efficacy was assessed by comparing pre- and post-treatment radiographic and clinical parameters, including the Cobb angle, vertebral body rotation (VBR) grade, shoulder height difference (SHD), and coronal balance index (CBI). After a 1-month treatment course consisting of four SAM sessions, the mean Cobb angle decreased significantly from 18.24&#xb0;&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;10.16&#xb0; to 13.10&#xb0;&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;11.39&#xb0; (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001). And the Cobb angle improved by &#x2265;6&#xb0; in 22 of 57 patients (38.60%). Significant improvements were also observed in SHD and VBR grade. No treatment-related complications or adverse events were recorded during the intervention period or throughout post-treatment follow-up. SAM demonstrates favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients with AIS, with a good safety profile. These findings suggest that SAM may represent a broadly applicable and safe conservative treatment option for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Limitations of conventional wound dressings have spurred the exploration of regenerative biomaterials capable of actively promoting tissue repair. Eggshell membrane (ESM) is emerging as a low-cost, biocompatible scaffold with significant potential in advanced wound care applications. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of ESM-based wound dressings in enhancing the wound-healing process. A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest, covering all records up to 22 June 2024. Only English-language studies investigating eggshell membrane as a wound care biomaterial were included. Study selection adhered to predefined eligibility and inclusion criteria. From 599 identified records, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. Fifteen studies involved in vivo experiments (eight in rats, three in rabbits, three in mice, and one in murine models), with ten also incorporating in vitro analyses. Eight studies were exclusively in vitro. Overall, 15 studies used in vivo methods and 18 utilized in vitro approaches. ESM-based wound dressings consistently demonstrated promising outcomes, accelerating wound repair and tissue regeneration, and often outperforming untreated controls or conventional gauze dressings. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to heterogeneity in study designs, experimental models, and outcome measures. This review highlights the considerable potential of eggshell membrane-based dressings as regenerative biomaterials for the management of complex wounds. While ESM shows strong promise as a scaffold for wound healing, further standardized and clinically focused research is necessary to establish robust evidence supporting its translational and therapeutic applications. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420260551038, identifier CRD420260551038.

Resistance to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-directed therapies remains a challenge in HER2-positive breast cancer. We evaluated whether aspirin could enhance the activity of lapatinib, a HER2/EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in HER2-positive breast cancer models. In BT-474 and SK-BR-3 cells, aspirin plus lapatinib inhibited cell viability, clonogenic growth and DNA synthesis more effectively than either agent alone, with combination index values supporting a synergistic interaction under the tested fixed-aspirin combination conditions. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition or PTGS2 knockdown did not fully recapitulate this potentiation, suggesting that cyclooxygenase-2 suppression alone is insufficient to explain the interaction. The combination was associated with increased AMP-activated protein kinase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation and reduced phosphorylation of HER2 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway components. Compound C partially attenuated growth inhibition and pathway suppression, consistent with possible, non-exclusive involvement of AMPK, whereas rapamycin partially reproduced the growth-inhibitory pattern, suggesting a possible contribution of mTOR pathway attenuation without establishing it as the primary mediator. In BT-474 xenografts, co-administration significantly suppressed tumour growth and tumour weight, reduced Ki-67 positivity and increased cleaved caspase-3 expression. No marked systemic toxicity signals were detected based on body weight, major-organ histology and serum liver and renal function markers, although mild gastrointestinal histological changes occurred in aspirin-treated mice. Because the principal in vitro assays used millimolar aspirin concentrations and the in vivo dose exceeded conventional low-dose antiplatelet exposure, these findings should be interpreted as preclinical proof-of-concept evidence requiring further PK/PD-guided validation under clinically feasible conditions.