Physical Appearance Research Articles

Cockayne Syndrome Linked to Elevated R-Loops Induced by Stalled RNA Polymerase II during Transcription Elongation

Mutations in the Cockayne Syndrome group B (CSB) gene cause cancer in mice, but premature aging and severe neurodevelopmental defects in humans. CSB, a member of the SWI/SNF family of chromatin remodelers, plays diverse roles in regulating gene expression and transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER); however, these functions do not explain the distinct phenotypic differences observed between CSB-deficient mice and humans. During investigating Cockayne Syndrome-associated genome instability, we uncover an intrinsic mechanism that involves elongating RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) undergoing transient pauses at internal T-runs where CSB is required to propel RNAPII forward. Consequently, CSB deficiency retards RNAPII elongation in these regions, and when coupled with G-rich sequences upstream, exacerbates genome instability by promoting R-loop formation. These R-loop prone motifs are notably abundant in relatively long genes related to neuronal functions in the human genome, but less prevalent in the mouse genome. These findings provide mechanistic insights into differential impacts of CSB deficiency on mice versus humans and suggest that the manifestation of the Cockayne Syndrome phenotype in humans results from the progressive evolution of mammalian genomes.

Colour Choice as a Strategic Instrument in Neuromarketing

Social relationships have been and are the basis for achieving objectives of all kinds, whether altruistic or lucrative. Among the aspects that make up non-verbal communication are physical appearance in general, clothing, and, in particular, colour combinations. In this article, we analyse whether colour combinations can be established in individuals’ clothing that maximise their chances of success for a specifically established social objective. To measure this objective, we use multivalent logics, which are characterised by their great flexibility and adaptability. Within the framework of fuzzy logic, we extract evaluations for various colours based on the judgements of experts, provided by recognised authors in the literature, and compare these with the results obtained in a survey conducted by the authors. For the purposes of contrast, we employ two instruments with accredited validity: Similarity by Direct Computation (SDC) and the Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS multicriteria method).

Image of "Host" in Infotainment Broadcast "SILET"

This research is entitled Citra "Host" in the Infotainment Show "SILET" (Roland Barthes Semiotics Analysis). This research aims to determine the meaning of denotation, connotation, image and myth contained in a host in the infotainment show Silet that airs on RCTI. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative and uses the semiotic theory of Roland Barthes, which presents the concept of connotation and denotation as the key to the analysis. This study's results discuss that many meanings are implied in a host when presenting infotainment shows. According to Thamrin Amal Tomagola, from the five images above, everything is related to the physical appearance that can be seen. This is included in one of the elements of the 5-p image (pigura, pillar, pinggan, peraduan, perga). Since the formation of image and meaning is born from a perception, each person will interpret something from a different point of view. The above explanation indicates that the female host is a professional when presenting an infotainment show.

Determination of vat-photopolymerization parameters for microneedles fabrication and characterization of HPMC/PVP K90 dissolving microneedles utilizing 3D-printed mold

Three-dimensional (3D) printing serves as an alternative method for fabricating microneedle (MN) patches with a high object resolution. In this investigation, four distinct needle shapes: pyramid mounted over a long cube (shape A), cone mounted over a cylinder (shape B), pyramidal shape (shape C), and conical shape (shape D) were designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software with compensated bases of 350, 450 and 550 µm. Polylactic acid (PLA) biophotopolymer resin from eSun and stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer from Anycubic technology were used to print MN patches. The 3D-printed MN patches were employed to construct MN molds, and those molds were used to produce hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) K90 dissolving microneedles (DMNs). Various printing parameters, such as curing time, printing angle, and anti-aliasing (AA), were varied to evaluate suitable printing conditions for each shape. Furthermore, physical appearance, mechanical property, and skin insertion ability of HPMC/PVP K90 DMNs were examined. The results showed that for shape A and C, the suitable curing time and printing angle were 1.5 s and 30° while for shapes B and D, they were 2.0 s and 45°, respectively. All four shapes required AA to eliminate their stair-stepped edges. Additionally, it was demonstrated that all twelve designs of 3D-printed MN patches could be employed for fabricating MN molds. HPMC/PVP K90 DMNs with the needles of shape A and B exhibited better physicochemical properties compared to those of shape C and D. Particularly, both sample 9 and 10 displayed sharp needle without bent tips, coupled with minimal height reduction (< 10%) and a high percentage of blue dots (approximately 100%). As a result, 3D printing can be utilized to custom construct 3D-printed MN patches for producing MN molds, and HPMC/PVP K90 DMNs manufactured by those molds showed excellent physicochemical properties.

Examining the experiences of vulnerably housed patients visiting Kingston, Ontario’s emergency departments: a qualitative analysis

IntroductionVulnerably housed individuals access emergency departments (EDs) more frequently than the general population. Despite Canada’s universal public health care system, vulnerably housed persons face structural barriers to care and experience discrimination from healthcare providers. This study examines how vulnerably housed persons perceive their experience of care in the ED and Urgent Care Center (UCC) in Kingston, Ontario and aims to develop strategies for improving care for this group.MethodsAs part of a larger mixed-methods study, narratives were collected from participants attending the ED/UCC as well as community-based partner organizations, asking them to describe an experience of a recent ED visit (< 24 months). Participants could identify as members of up to three equity-deserving groups (EDGs) (for example homeless, part of an ethnic minority, having a disability, experiencing mental health issues). Coding and thematic analysis were completed for the experiences of participants who identified as being vulnerably housed (n = 171). Results were presented back to individuals with lived experience and service providers working with clients with unstable housing.ResultsParticipants reported judgement related to a past or presumed history of mental health or substance use and based on physical appearance. They also often felt unheard and that they were treated as less than human by healthcare providers. Lack of effective communication about the ED process, wait times, diagnosis, and treatment led to negative care experiences. Participants reported positive experiences when their autonomy in care-decision making was respected. Furthermore, having a patient-centered approach to care and addressing specific patient needs, identities and priorities led to positive care experiences.ConclusionsThe ED care experiences of vulnerably housed persons may be improved through healthcare provider training related to trauma-informed and patient-centered care and communication strategies in the ED. Another potential strategy to improve care is to have advocates accompany vulnerably housed persons to the ED. Finally, improving access to primary care may lead to reduced ED visits and better longitudinal care for vulnerably housed persons.

The Continuing Challenges of Studying Parallel Behaviours in Humans and Animal Models.

The use of animal models continues to be essential for carrying out research into clinical phenomena, including addiction. However, the complexity of the clinical condition inevitably means that even the best animal models are inadequate, and this may go some way to account for the apparent failures of discoveries from animal models, including the identification of potential novel therapies, to translate to the clinic. We argue here that it is overambitious and misguided in the first place to attempt to model complex, multifacetted human disorders such as addiction in animals, and especially in rodents, and that all too frequently "validity" of such models is limited to superficial similarities, referred to as "face validity", that reflect quite different underlying phenomena and biological processes from the clinical situation. Instead, a more profitable approach is to identify (a) well-defined intermediate human behavioural phenotypes that reflect defined, limited aspects of, or contributors to, the human clinical disorder, and (b) to develop animal models that are homologous with those discrete human behavioural phenotypes in terms of psychological processes, and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Examples of past and continuing weaknesses and suggestions for more limited approaches that may allow better homology between the test animal and human condition are made.

Innate responses to numerousness reveal neural activation in different brain regions in newly-hatched visually naïve chicks

Whether non-symbolic encoding of quantity is predisposed at birth with dedicated hard-wired neural circuits is debated. Here we presented newly-hatched visually naive chicks with stimuli (flashing dots) of either identical or different numerousness (with a ratio 1:3) with their continuous physical appearance (size, contour length, density, convex hull) randomly changing. Chicks spontaneously tell apart the stimuli on the basis of the number of elements. Upon presentation of either fixed or changing numerousness chicks showed different expression of early gene c-fos in the visual Wulst, the hippocampal formation, the intermediate medial mesopallium, and the caudal part of the nidopallium caudolaterale. The results support the hypothesis that the ability to discriminate quantities does not require any specific instructive experience and involves a neural network with several populations of number-selective neurons. Evidence for innateness of non-symbolic numerical cognition have implications for both neurobiology and philosophy of mathematics.

Genetic Factors Contributing to Respiratory Disorders in Brachycephalic Dog Breeds in Uganda

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the genetic factors contributing to respiratory disorders in brachycephalic dog breeds. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Genetic factors are primary contributors to respiratory disorders in brachycephalic dog breeds, known for their flattened facial structure. Breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs exhibit narrowed nostrils, elongated soft palates, and other airway obstructions due to selective breeding for these distinctive traits. These anatomical abnormalities restrict airflow, leading to symptoms such as noisy breathing and exercise intolerance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Genetic inheritance theory, evolutionary genetics theory &amp; genotype-environment interaction theory may be used to anchor future studies on genetic factors contributing to respiratory disorders in brachycephalic dog breeds. Implement breeding programs that prioritize genetic health over physical appearance. Establish and enforce regulatory standards for breeding brachycephalic dogs that include mandatory genetic testing for respiratory disorder markers.

Formulation Development of Meloxicam Binary Ethosomal Hydrogel for Topical Delivery: In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment

The article aimed to formulate an MLX binary ethosome hydrogel for topical delivery to escalate MLX solubility, facilitate dermal permeation, avoid systemic adverse events, and compare the permeation flux and efficacy with the classical type. MLX ethosomes were prepared using the hot method according to the Box–Behnken experimental design. The formulation was implemented according to 16 design formulas with four center points. Independent variables were (soya lecithin, ethanol, and propylene glycol concentrations) and dependent variables (vesicle size, dispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and zeta potential). The design suggested the optimized formula (MLX−Ethos−OF) with the highest desirability to perform the best responses formulated and validated. It demonstrates a 169 nm vesicle size, 0.2 dispersity index, 83.1 EE%, and −42.76 mV good zeta potential. MLX−Ethos−OF shows an amorphous form in PXRD and a high in vitro drug release of &gt;90% over 7 h by diffusion and erosion mechanism. MLX−Ethos−OF hyaluronic acid hydrogel was fabricated and assessed. It shows an elegant physical appearance, shear thinning system rheological behavior, good spreadability, and skin-applicable pH value. The ex vivo permeation profile shows a flux rate of 70.45 μg/cm2/h over 12 h. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect was 53.2% ± 1.3 over 5 h. compared with a 10.42 flux rate and 43% inflammatory inhibition of the classical ethosomal type. The conclusion is that binary ethosome is highly efficient for MLX local delivery rather than classical type.

The Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on Quality of Life: The Importance of Research on Youth.

Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) plays a significant role in the medical care of transgender individuals, helping to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. While numerous studies have investigated the impact of GAHT on adults, research focusing on its effects on the quality of life (QoL) of transgender youth is limited. In this opinion paper, we aim to address selected challenges associated with gender-affirming medical care, such as (1) the necessity for evidence-based youth gender-affirming medical care, (2) the urge to explore different approaches to gender-affirming medical care diversely in transgender youth research, and (3) understanding the challenges of the detransition process (which refers to stopping or reversing gender-affirming medical or surgical treatments), as well as suggest possible solutions for meaningful progress. Notably, the available evidence underlines a positive impact of GAHT on various aspects of QoL of transgender youth, such as mental health and social functioning, by alleviating gender dysphoria, improving body satisfaction, and facilitating appearance congruence (the degree to which an individual's physical appearance represents their gender identity). However, challenges related to methodological limitations, as well as ethical considerations, and several sociocultural factors highlight the need for further research to better understand the long-term effects of GAHT on the QoL of transgender youth. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring informed consent and weighing potential benefits against risks, are pivotal in guiding healthcare decisions. Additionally, navigating these ethical responsibilities amid sociocultural contexts is crucial for providing inclusive and respectful care to transgender youth. Addressing these research gaps is, therefore, crucial to developing successful healthcare programmes, raising awareness, and promoting the holistic well-being of transgender youth through comprehensive and affirming care.

Formulation Development of Meloxicam Binary Ethosomal Hydrogel for Topical Delivery: In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment

The article aimed to formulate an MLX binary ethosome hydrogel for topical delivery to escalate MLX solubility, facilitate dermal permeation, avoid systemic adverse events, and compare the permeation flux and efficacy with the classical type. MLX ethosomes were prepared using the hot method according to the Box–Behnken experimental design. The formulation was implemented according to 16 design formulas with four center points. Independent variables were (soya lecithin, ethanol, and propylene glycol concentrations) and dependent variables (vesicle size, dispersity index, encapsulation efficiency, and zeta potential). The design suggested the optimized formula (MLX−Ethos−OF) with the highest desirability to perform the best responses formulated and validated. It demonstrates a 169 nm vesicle size, 0.2 dispersity index, 83.1 EE%, and −42.76 mV good zeta potential. MLX−Ethos−OF shows an amorphous form in PXRD and a high in vitro drug release of &gt;90% over 7 h by diffusion and erosion mechanism. MLX−Ethos−OF hyaluronic acid hydrogel was fabricated and assessed. It shows an elegant physical appearance, shear thinning system rheological behavior, good spreadability, and skin-applicable pH value. The ex vivo permeation profile shows a flux rate of 70.45 μg/cm2/h over 12 h. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect was 53.2% ± 1.3 over 5 h. compared with a 10.42 flux rate and 43% inflammatory inhibition of the classical ethosomal type. The conclusion is that binary ethosome is highly efficient for MLX local delivery rather than classical type.

P-571 Mutations in FOXO3 mutation cause human premature ovarian insufficiency

Abstract Study question Do variants in front fork transcription factor 3 (FOXO3) account for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in humans? Is there is a potential treatment for POI caused by FOXO3 mutations? Summary answer Heterozygous variants in FOXO3 cause human female infertility owing to POI by inducing oocyte apoptosis. What is known already Front fork transcription factor 3 (FOXO3) is a member of the forkhead box family of transcription factors. Previous study had reported that FOXO3 encodes an evolutionarily conserved primary regulator and an effective inhibitor of primordial follicle activation. The null mutants of Foxo3 or its ortholog in multiple organisms displayed POI owing to deficiencies in maintaining the ovarian reserve. However, whether FOXO3 variants can underline POI phenotype in humans were unclear, and the causal relationship has not yet been established with functional evidence. Study design, size, duration 107 primary infertility families with POI were recruited for pathogenic variants screening. The proband with and her parents were verified for FOXO3 variants. Participants/materials, setting, methods All the patients were diagnosed with POI were confirmed by clinical analyses. Exome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatic analyses were performed to screen for candidate pathogenic variants. The pathogenicity of identified variants was assessed and studied in vivo in mice carrying the equivalent mutations. Main results and the role of chance Novel heterozygous variant in FOXO3 was identified in the patient with POI. Mice modeling the Foxo3 variant identified in patients recapitulated the ovarian reserve defects of patients, confirming the pathogenicity of the identified variants. The mutation caused constitutive activation of FOXO3 lead to POI by inducing oocyte apoptosis, which will facilitate the genetic diagnosis of POI in patients and provide a potential therapeutic target for female fertility. Limitations, reasons for caution A limitation of the current study is the small sample size. More primary infertility patients with POI should be screened to enrich the pathogenetic mutations of FOXO3. Wider implications of the findings FOXO3 was detected as a novel gene underlie human POI, thus providing new targets for the molecular diagnosis and treatment. Trial registration number the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (Grant number:82302083)

Dental manifestations of antitumor therapy: literature review and practical recommendations

Cancer therapy is accompanied by a wide range of systemic manifestations, including dental ones, including xerostomia, mucositis, muscle trism, osteoradionecrosis, caries, opportunistic infections, dysphagia, hypogeusia, dysgeusia and hyposalivation. The dentist is the most qualified specialist in the field of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity, as well as preventive measures to monitor its condition in cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. The purpose of the review is to analyze the domestic and foreign literature on the main dental consequences that may arise as a result of cancer therapy, emphasizing the importance of dental care to improve the quality of life of such patients, as well as to provide practical recommendations for eliminating these consequences. The primary sources were searched in the electronic databases PubMed, eLibrary and Google Scholar. In the end, 55 primary sources were included in this review. Damage to the oral cavity during antitumor therapy, which includes conditions such as mucositis, infections, hyposalivation, taste changes and pain, can be significant. These manifestations are potentially capable of disrupting many aspects of the functioning of the oral cavity and oropharynx, affecting taste sensations, causing dry mouth, difficulty chewing and swallowing and, as a result, affecting nutrition. Moreover, they can negatively affect speech function, the ability to maintain oral hygiene, dental prosthetics and a person's appearance, which can affect oral health, social and emotional well-being. These side effects can also affect adherence to planned anticancer therapy, potentially affecting the outcome of treatment, overall health, and cost of treatment. When examining cancer patients, the dentist should take into account the therapy received by the patient, it is also important to pay attention to possible long-term effects similar to those that may occur in patients receiving bisphosphonates. Thus, the cancer patient will not stop receiving proper medical care, and any new problem will be diagnosed at an early stage.

Efficient Digital Workflow to Replace a Missing Denture Tooth for Complete Denture Repair.

Debonded denture teeth is a common complication on a fixed or removable dental prosthesis when denture teeth are fabricated separately from the denture base and bonded together. Missing denture teeth can alter a person's appearance, speech, or ability to eat. Traditionally, denture teeth repair can be a challenge for clinicians or dental laboratory technicians to find the identical tooth mould to meet esthetic and functional demands. This case report describes a digital workflow to scan, design, and mill a well-fitting and esthetic denture tooth to expedite treatment, improve patient satisfaction, and increase troop readiness when traditional methods may not be feasible.

‘An amazing gang of women crooks and blackmailers’: women, organized crime, and the ‘Forty Elephants’ gang in inter-war Britain

Abstract Women’s participation in organized crime has been overlooked within historical research, with studies typically relegating their roles to that of auxiliaries to male gangsters. This article explores the activities and portrayals of women involved in organized crime during the British inter-war period, focusing specifically on one of Britain’s only known all-female criminal organizations (the ‘Forty Elephants’). Examining coverage from local, regional, and national newspapers, it argues that the Forty Elephants captivated the inter-war press, with depictions of gang members reflecting the stereotypical ‘devil in disguise’; according to the media, the female gangster was a dangerous and ‘professional’ criminal who hid behind a façade of good looks, fashionable clothing, and high social status. Furthermore, the article demonstrates how portrayals of the gang resonated with contemporary discussions around the emerging ‘modern woman’, reflecting concerns over women’s growing participation in social, political, and economic life.

Assessment of Wound Healing Potential of Simvastatin Emulgel in Rat Excision Wound Model

Background: Microorganisms can infect wounds and disrupt healing by causing inflammation and tissue injury Objective: Simvastatin (SIM) is reported to have antibacterial activity; therefore, this research is designed to evaluate the efficacy of simvastatin emulgel in wound healing. Methods: The simvastatin emulgel was assessed for physical appearance, rheological behaviour, spreadability, pH, ex vivo drug release and in vivo activity. The wound-healing activity was assessed by percent wound contraction, hydroxyproline estimation and histopathological evidence in wound-induced albino rats. Results: The simvastatin emulgel exhibited viscosity and spreadability of 6875 ± 531.21 mPa.s and 10.15 ± 0.31 g.cm/sec, respectively. The simvastatin emulgel exhibited wound contraction in wound healing studies compared to the reference product (p &lt; 0.05). This activity was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) in comparison to the control. The hydroxyproline content supported the wound-healing promoting effect of simvastatin emulgel, and marked improvements in the skin histological architecture were seen in the histopathological study. Conclusion: The study manifested the promising potential of simvastatin emulgel in speeding the healing of rat wounds with epithelization. Therefore, the designed simvastatin emulgel can be used as an option for the conventional topical dosage form.

Dans la peau d’un aveugle – l’étrange cécité de John Howard Griffin. Première partie : devenir, être aveugle

John Howard Griffin (1920–1980) achieved fame after publishing his best-selling Black Like Me. In that book, he recounts how in late 1959 he deliberately changed his physical appearance in order pass as an African-American and travel in the segregated South. Prior to this deliberate simulation, Griffin was blind for a decade. We will review his own account of his blindness, including its causes (a wartime injury) and its course over time, but also challenge it in light of various records, including his military discharge papers, his journal and his correspondence. A dubious episode of regressive of spinal cord paraplegia is also noted.

Appearance Dissatisfaction and Body Dysmorphic Disorder in the Dermatology Patient.

Dermatologists routinely see patients with inflammatory skin conditions and aesthetic concerns that involve substantial psychological comorbidity. However, most dermatologists do not receive formal training in this area, and many are unsure how to best help treat certain patients holistically. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a common and distressing psychiatric condition that disproportionately impacts dermatology patients, including patients living with chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and atopic dermatitis. BDD is characterized by preoccupation with nonexistent or minimally noticeable flaws in physical appearance that cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning. Adolescent populations may be particularly vulnerable to clinically significant body image dissatisfaction, including BDD, due to the high prevalence of acne and the pervasive role of social media platforms. The rise of social media may exacerbate body image issues through repetitive exposure to idealized and often unrealistic beauty standards. Though screening questionnaires can assist dermatologists in recognizing BDD, dermatologists must collaborate with mental health providers to provide comprehensive care to vulnerable patients, including adolescents.J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(7):545-550.&nbsp; doi:10.36849/JDD.8156.

:What’s Wrong with Lookism? Personal Appearance, Discrimination, and Disadvantage

:<i>What’s Wrong with Lookism? Personal Appearance, Discrimination, and Disadvantage</i>

Characterisation of an Adult Zebrafish Model for SDHB-Associated Phaeochromocytomas and Paragangliomas.

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours arising from chromaffin cells. Pathogenic variants in the gene succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) are associated with malignancy and poor prognosis. When metastases arise, limited treatment options are available. The pathomechanism of SDHB-associated PPGL remains largely unknown, and the lack of suitable models hinders therapy development. Germline heterozygous SDHB pathogenic variants predispose to developing PPGLs with a life-long penetrance of around 50%. To mimic the human disease phenotype, we characterised adult heterozygous sdhb mutant zebrafish as a potential model to study SDHB-related PPGLs. Adult sdhb mutant zebrafish did not develop an obvious tumour phenotype and were anatomically and histologically like their wild-type siblings. However, sdhb mutants showed significantly increased succinate levels, a major hallmark of SDHB-related PPGLs. While basal activity was increased during day periods in mutants, mitochondrial complex activity and catecholamine metabolite levels were not significantly different. In conclusion, we characterised an adult in vivo zebrafish model, genetically resembling human carriers. Adult heterozygous sdhb mutants mimicked their human counterparts, showing systemic elevation of succinate levels despite the absence of a tumour phenotype. This model forms a promising basis for developing a full tumour phenotype and gaining knowledge of the pathomechanism behind SDHB-related PPGLs.