Comparative study on drug encapsulation and release kinetics in extracellular vesicles loaded with snake venom L - amino acid oxidase.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the potential of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) as drug delivery carriers by employing two drug-loading techniques: coincubation and freeze-thaw cycles.

Methods: EVs isolated via the polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation method were characterized via nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The size of the particles was 200.

Parent strategies for improving compliance with eyeglass wear in young children.

Significance: Results of this study provide preliminary data on parent strategies for improving compliance with eyeglass treatment in young children, an age group for which previous data are limited. Parent responses provide important insights to support parents of young children who wear eyeglasses and provide preliminary data to guide additional research.

Purpose: The goal of this exploratory study was to learn more about parents' strategies to improve compliance with eyeglass treatment of young children.

Biological, pathological, and multifaceted therapeutic functions of exosomes to target cancer.

Exosomes, small tiny vesicle contains a large number of intracellular particles that employ to cause various diseases and prevent several pathological events as well in the human body. It is considered a "double-edged sword", and depending on its biological source, the action of exosomes varies under physiological conditions. Also, the isolation and characterization of the exosomes should be performed accurately and the methodology also will vary depending on the exosome source.

Extracellular vesicles as novel drug delivery systems to target cancer and other diseases: Recent advancements and future perspectives.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound vesicles produced into the extracellular space by cells. Apoptotic bodies (ApoBD), microvesicles (MVs), and exosomes are examples of EVs, which act as essential regulators in cell-cell communication in both normal and diseased conditions. Natural cargo molecules such as miRNA, messenger RNA, and proteins are carried by and transferred to nearby cells or distant cells through the process of circulation.

Sub-lethal but potentially devastating - The novel insecticide flupyradifurone impairs collective brood care in bumblebees.

The worldwide decline in pollinating insects is alarming. One of the main anthropogenic drivers is the massive use of pesticides in agriculture. Risk assessment procedures test pesticides for mortality rates of well-fed, parasite free individuals of a few non-target species.

REGN1908/1909 prevented cat allergen-induced early asthmatic responses in an environmental exposure unit.

Background: The dominant allergen in cat dander, Felis domesticus allergen 1 (Fel d 1), is a persistent trigger for allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of Fel d 1 monoclonal antibodies (REGN1908/1909) in preventing cat allergen-induced early asthmatic responses (EARs) in cat-allergic patients with mild asthma.

Methods: Patients were randomized to single-dose REGN1908/1909 600 mg (n = 29) or placebo (n = 27).

Efficacy and Safety of Sarilumab in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Open-label platform trials and a prospective meta-analysis suggest efficacy of anti-interleukin (IL)-6R therapies in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) receiving corticosteroids. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sarilumab, an anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods: In this adaptive, phase 2/3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adults hospitalized with COVID-19 received intravenous sarilumab 400 mg or placebo.

Cat allergen exposure in a naturalistic exposure chamber: A prospective observational study in cat-allergic subjects.

Background: To determine the proportion and reproducibility of cat-allergic mild asthmatics with early asthmatic response (EAR) during cat allergen exposure in a naturalistic exposure chamber (NEC).

Methods: This was a prospective, observational study in 30 cat-allergic mild asthmatics who received two 180-min cat-allergen (Felis domesticus allergen 1 [Fel d 1]) challenges 27 days apart in an NEC.

Results: An EAR (≥20% reduction from baseline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s [FEV1]) was observed in 67% and 52% of subjects at first and second NEC exposure, respectively, with similar median time to EAR; 44% of subjects had an EAR on days 1 and 28.

Subcutaneous REGEN-COV Antibody Combination to Prevent Covid-19.

Background: REGEN-COV (previously known as REGN-COV2), a combination of the monoclonal antibodies casirivimab and imdevimab, has been shown to markedly reduce the risk of hospitalization or death among high-risk persons with coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Whether subcutaneous REGEN-COV prevents severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and subsequent Covid-19 in persons at high risk for infection because of household exposure to a person with SARS-CoV-2 infection is unknown.

Methods: We randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, participants (≥12 years of age) who were enrolled within 96 hours after a household contact received a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection to receive a total dose of 1200 mg of REGEN-COV or matching placebo administered by means of subcutaneous injection.

Environmental exposure unit simulates natural seasonal birch pollen exposures while maximizing change in allergic symptoms.

Background: Birch pollen is a prevalent aeroallergen during the springtime allergy season. In field studies, variable allergen exposure and environmental factors can affect data quality while environmental exposure units (EEUs) deliver controlled, standardized, and reproducible allergen exposures.

Objective: To inform study design for EEU trials evaluating antiallergic therapies.

Subcutaneous REGEN-COV Antibody Combination for Covid-19 Prevention.

Background: Casirivimab and imdevimab (REGEN-COV™) markedly reduces risk of hospitalization or death in high-risk individuals with Covid-19. Here we explore the possibility that subcutaneous REGEN-COV prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent Covid-19 in individuals at high risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 by close exposure in a household with a documented SARS-CoV-2-infected individual.

Methods: Individuals ≥12 years were enrolled within 96 hours of a household contact being diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 and randomized 1:1 to receive 1200 mg REGEN-COV or placebo via subcutaneous injection.

Subcutaneous REGEN-COV Antibody Combination in Early Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Easy-to-administer antiviral treatments may be used to prevent progression from asymptomatic infection to COVID-19 and to reduce viral carriage.

Objective: Evaluate the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous casirivimab and imdevimab antibody combination (REGEN-COV) to prevent progression from early asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection to COVID-19.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study that enrolled asymptomatic close contacts living with a SARS-CoV-2-infected household member (index case).

Novel antibody cocktail targeting Bet v 1 rapidly and sustainably treats birch allergy symptoms in a phase 1 study.

Background: The efficacy of an allergen-specific IgG cocktail to treat cat allergy suggests that allergen-specific IgG may be a major protective mechanism elicited by allergen immunotherapy.

Objectives: Extending these findings, we tested a Bet v 1-specific antibody cocktail in birch-allergic subjects.

Methods: This was a phase 1, randomized, double-blind, study with 2 parts.

Search Behavior of Individual Foragers Involves Neurotransmitter Systems Characteristic for Social Scouting.

In honey bees search behavior occurs as social and solitary behavior. In the context of foraging, searching for food sources is performed by behavioral specialized foragers, the scouts. When the scouts have found a new food source, they recruit other foragers (recruits).

Downregulation of the tyrosine degradation pathway extends lifespan.

Aging is characterized by extensive metabolic reprogramming. To identify metabolic pathways associated with aging, we analyzed age-dependent changes in the metabolomes of long-lived . Among the metabolites that changed, levels of tyrosine were increased with age in long-lived flies.

Telemedicine distance and near visual acuity tests for adults and children.

We describe a set of distance and near, adult and child, visual acuity tests for home use. The five charts are packaged in a PDF document and are also available as JPEG images that can be printed on standard letter paper or displayed on a monitor or handheld device. Adult distance visual acuity is tested using a modified ETDRS Chart R; child distance vision is tested using a similarly formatted HOTV logMAR chart.

Methylation Patterns of the Associate With Relapse-Related Behaviors in Cocaine-Dependent Participants.

Relapse during abstinence in cocaine use disorder (CUD) is often hastened by high impulsivity (predisposition toward rapid unplanned reactions to stimuli without regard to negative consequences) and high cue reactivity (e.g., attentional bias towards drug reward stimuli).

Variation in mobility and exercise adaptations between Drosophila species.

Locomotion and mobility have been studied extensively in Drosophila melanogaster but less is known about the locomotor capacity of other Drosophila species, while the response to chronic exercise in other species has yet to be examined. We have shown that adult male D. melanogaster adapt to exercise training with improved running endurance, climbing speed, and flight ability compared to unexercised flies.

Contribution of COMT and BDNF Genotype and Expression to the Risk of Transition From Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain.

Objectives: A number of factors, including heritability and the environment, contribute to risk of transition from acute low back pain to chronic low back pain (CLBP). The aim of this study was to (1) compare somatosensory function and pain ratings at low back pain (LBP) onset between the acute low back pain and CLBP conditions and (2) evaluate associations between BDNF and COMT polymorphisms and expression levels at LBP onset to acute and chronic pain burden and risk for transition to the chronic pain state.

Methods: In this longitudinal study, 220 participants were enrolled following recent onset of LBP and data were collected until the LBP resolved or until the end of the study at 6 months.

Effects of Physical Activity on Neurophysiological and Gene Expression Profiles in Chronic Back Pain: Study Protocol.

Background: Despite the emphasis on exercise to reduce pain and improve function among people with chronic low back pain (cLBP), little is known about the underlying mechanism of the impact of exercise on the neurophysiological and gene transcription alterations that characterize cLBP.

Objectives: To present a study protocol to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of Problem-Solving Pain to Enhance Living Well (PROPEL) with the support of nurse consultations and wearable activity-tracking technology on self-management (SM) knowledge, skills, physical activity, and pain and to examine the differential neurophysiological and gene expression profiles in cLBP participants from pre- to post-PROPEL.

Methods: A pretest and posttest study is employed on 40 adults ages 18-60 years with cLBP who do not have serious complications and/or comorbidities that affect sensorimotor function.

Promoting self-management of breast and nipple pain in breastfeeding women: Protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial.

The majority of women experience pain during breastfeeding initiation with few strategies to manage breast and nipple pain. In fact, women cite breast and nipple pain as among the most common reasons for breastfeeding cessation. To address this important issue, we developed a breastfeeding self-management (BSM) intervention, based on the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory Framework.