NutriClay Zn Potentiates Both Zinc Oxide and Antioxidant Supplements, Inhibiting Multidrug‐Resistant Salmonella and Anaerobic Clostridium

ABSTRACT Salmonella and Clostridium represent foodborne pathogens that infect livestock, as well as cause gastroenteritis in humans consuming tainted pork and poultry products. Free chemical zinc oxide (ZnO), at doses much higher than nutritional zinc requirements, has been routinely added to livestock feed in order to suppress infections and promote animal growth; however, unabsorbed zinc (excreted in feces) may accumulate in the environment and/or foster antimicrobial resistant (AMR) strains of bacteria. Here, NutriClay Zn is described as an analog of montmorillonite clay (MMT) that suppresses growth of multidrug‐resistant Salmonella enterica and single‐drug resistant Clostridium perfringens . Zinc amended to the interlayer of MMT was found to be the active constituent of NutriClay Zn , and release of zinc from NutriClay Zn was quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Two‐log growth suppression of Salmonella enterica by NutriClay Zn was significantly ( p  < 0.05) better than the mere one‐log inhibition by concurrent equimolar (1.4 mM) free chemical ZnO positive controls. Moreover, the magnitude of NutriClay Zn efficacy was significantly ( p  < 0.05) enhanced by subtherapeutic doses of antioxidants, while NutriClay Zn administered alone prevented growth of Clostridium perfringens . These findings suggest that NutriClay Zn could be developed as an alternative to free chemical ZnO for control of enterotoxigenic AMR bacteria that threaten the safety of key dietary protein sources for humans.

Plasma Biomarkers of Senescence in Cholestatic Liver Disease: A Signature of Risk Stratification and Progression

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Cellular senescence is a hallmark of several liver diseases, including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Senescent cholangiocytes exhibit a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), characterized by profibroinflammatory mediator release. Current cost‐effective biomarkers predicting disease progression, particularly for PSC, are limited and often lack mechanistic relevance. We sought to define a plasma biomarker signature for PSC and PBC. Methods Plasma from early‐ and late‐stage PSC and PBC, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, and healthy controls was analyzed. Seventy‐one analytes were quantified using Luminex Multiplex Immunoassay or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Principal component analysis (PCA) identified key patterns. Findings from the PSC cohort were then applied to additional cohorts. Results Second principal component (PC2) (17 analytes, 17.1% variability) best separated PSC from controls. ANOVA showed significant differences in PC2 between early PSC vs. controls ( p  = 0.0001), late PSC vs. controls ( p  < 0.0001), and early vs. late PSC ( p  < 0.0001). PC2 analytes also distinguished early PBC vs. controls ( p  < 0.0332), late PBC ( p  < 0.0001), and ALD ( p  < 0.0001), and early vs. late PBC ( p  < 0.0001), but not IBD vs. controls ( p  = 0.119). Logistic regression using PC2 demonstrated strong discrimination of early‐ and late‐stage PSC (AUC = 0.86) and control vs. early‐stage PSC (AUC = 0.83). Conclusion This is the first study to define a plasma SASP biomarker signature associated with cholestatic liver disease. These analytes track disease stage and represent both mechanistic indicators and potential clinical trial endpoints.

Effectiveness of a Telephonic Aging Brain Care Model for Medicaid Home and Community Services for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers

ABSTRACT Objectives The primary purpose of the present study was the implementation and evaluation of the ABC Community program, a community‐based and telephonically administered version of the Aging Brain Care model delivered by Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) staff. Design This study employed a prospective pre‐post implementation design with pre‐specified effectiveness and fidelity goals, with the main outcome measure being the total score of the Health Aging Brain Care (HABC) Monitor at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. The HABC Monitor has demonstrated excellent reliability and validity in monitoring and measuring the burden of dementia symptoms and the quality of life and stress of the informal caregivers. Results The program served 422 Medicaid Home and Community‐Based Services participants living with dementia and their caregivers. Participants' mean age was 78 years, with 67% identifying as female and 30% as belonging to minority groups, including 6% Hispanic or Latino and 28% Black or African American. In comparison to baseline, the total score of the HABC Monitor decreased from 24.6 to 15.4 at 6 months, representing a 37% reduction with an effect size of 0.64 standard deviation ( p value < 0.001). Approximately 46% of informal caregivers who had at least mild burden at baseline had no such burden at 6 months, and 92% of those who had no stress at baseline remained burden‐free at 6 months. Conclusion The ABC community program might be a scalable collaborative dementia care model targeting socially vulnerable people living with dementia.

Pollution Permits and Financing Costs

Abstract Effective environmental policy should consider how the financiers of polluting firms behave. We study phase III of the EU Emission Trading System. Loan spreads for cap‐and‐trade participants are a function of compliance costs, permit market features, and firms’ strategic actions. In contrast with the program intentions, we find that loan spreads fall by approximately 25%. We show that this decrease is almost entirely driven by low permit prices, the firms’ proactiveness to store permits, and imperfect foresight of market conditions in phase III. The drop in spreads cannot be explained by the decline in energy prices and/or other confounding factors.

Confinement effects on the self–assembly behaviour of an amphiphilic quinonoid zwitterion at the liquid–solid interface

Abstract Supramolecular self‐assembly on surfaces enables tailored interfaces with applications in nanotechnology. While factors like temperature and solute concentration influence self‐assembled molecular networks (SAMNs), the role of spatial confinement remains less explored. Here, we investigate the self‐assembly of an alkylated quinonoid zwitterion (QZ‐C16) at the liquid–solid interface using scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), both in in situ as well as ex situ nanocorrals. Engineered nanocorrals not only provide a confined environment for molecular assembly, but also serve as platforms for probing the impact of geometric constraints on self‐assembly behaviour. Understanding the intricate dynamics of self‐assembly at the nanoscale, particularly the mechanisms by which confinement influences structural organisation, can inform strategies for achieving desired molecular architectures.

Injecting nerves with radiological contrast as a novel method of studying the peripheral nervous system

Abstract The peripheral nervous system has been the subject of various studies on topics ranging from the innervation of tissues and organs to central nervous system clearance and neuropathies. Because research methods are mainly based on dissection techniques accompanied by histological studies, they inevitably lead to the destruction of the tissue under study. Our team has developed a method consisting of injecting peripheral nerves with barium contrast that can be visualized with computed tomography (CT) scans. We infused unfixed specimens of the vertebral column with contrast agent, subsequently scanned them via a CT system, and finally created three‐dimensional models, which included the spinal nerves (including the ganglia, the communicating branches, and the rami of the spinal nerve), the intercostal nerves, the plexuses (brachial, lumbar, and sacral) and the sympathetic trunk. The obtained spatial models are characterized by high didactic values and can be used for academic and postgraduate purposes (e.g., teaching medical students, planning peripheral nerve blocks, analysis of zygapophysial joints innervation). The method leaves the samples intact and facilitates further analyses by allowing noninvasive selection of areas of interest (e.g., targeted dissection, histological studies, and micro‐CT). We provide a step‐by‐step description of this method, including injecting the peripheral nerves and subsequently obtaining three‐dimensional models.

Round Table Discussion: Aesthetic Treatment Considerations for the Perimenopausal & Menopausal Patient

ABSTRACT Background Menopause is a normal feature of the female aging process that commonly occurs during the 6th decade of life. During perimenopause, many negative effects begin to occur affecting the skin that are associated with decreasing production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Estrogen supports the extracellular matrix, collagen production, and dermal blood supply, while progesterone promotes extracellular matrix formation, dermal blood supply, and dermal water retention. Decreased testosterone impacts cutaneous blood supply and sebum production, causing skin dryness. Aims The primary objective of the following consensus roundtable was to discuss best practices for aesthetic providers when treating patients with perimenopausal and menopause‐related skin conditions. Patients/Methods A roundtable discussion was held by several notable experts in their field during a special edition of the Thriving in Diversity webinar series on Friday, June 13, 2025. The discussion included a gynecologist, a plastic surgeon, and two dermatologists who provided their clinical experience and consensus recommendations for treating perimenopausal and menopausal patients. Results Numerous therapies are available to treat patients with perimenopausal and menopause‐related skin conditions. These include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), topical estrogen therapy, topical retinoids, topical cosmeceuticals (moisturizers, signal peptides, growth factors, exosomes), dermal injectables and biostimulators, and energy‐based treatments, each with varying beneficial effects. The experts in this panel find that hormone replacement therapy, topical estrogen, injectable poly‐L‐lactic acid, injectable hyaluronic acid, and carbon dioxide laser resurfacing are the most effective interventions for treating hormone‐related skin changes. Conclusions Although menopause ultimately affects all women and is likely to produce unwanted effects including undesirable aesthetic changes, numerous treatments are available to treat or mitigate these effects.

Managing Aesthetic Needs in Prescription Medication‐Driven Rapid Weight Loss Patients: Results of an International Consensus. The Clinician Perspective

ABSTRACT Introduction The global prevalence of obesity has continued to increase at alarming rates. More recently, there has been an exponential increase in the usage of GLP1 agonists in both clinically obese patients and those seeking weight loss. As a result, there has been an influx of patients who are noticing substantial weight loss and changes to their bodies. Given this surge, it is of utmost importance to have homogeneity in clinical guidelines. A consensus panel was created to discuss clinical scenarios, definitions, and set the stage for the appropriate treatment of patients who have undergone massive weight loss. Methods To set standards for nonsurgical rejuvenation of patients at different ages, weight loss patterns, and genders, a consensus panel of 10 panelists was created with advanced expertise and knowledge on this patient population. Each panelist filled out a survey that addressed panelist demographics, including practice patterns and patient demographics, as well as treatment guidelines in both male and female patients. Following the survey, the panelists met to discuss preliminary results and obtain qualitative data to support their conclusions on the criteria. Results All 10 respondents (100%) were able to complete the survey in its entirety. The panel demonstrates the need to assess and address each treatment region individually in these patients. It also emphasizes the need to consider the appropriate range of volumization based on factors such as age, gender, and the degree of weight loss. While the consensus suggests initiating biostimulator treatment concurrently with weight loss to mitigate fat pad deflation and skin laxity, uncertainties remain regarding the optimal timing and dosing. Conclusion In conclusion, this consensus panel represents the first international effort to provide clinical guidance specifically for patients experiencing medication‐derived weight loss (MDWL). When creating a treatment plan for the MDWL patient, following them throughout the weight loss journey is essential to understand the more global volume changes that they may be observing.

Injectables and Facelifts: Can We Coexist? A Retrospective Chart Review Assessing Injectable Treatments Preceding and Following Rhytidectomy

ABSTRACT Background Facelift surgery is a cornerstone of facial rejuvenation, yet it may not fully address volume loss, skin quality, or other age‐related changes. Minimally invasive procedures—such as injectables and energy‐based devices—are increasingly utilized before and after facelift surgery, though their impact on surgical outcomes remains uncertain. Objective The objective of this single‐center retrospective pilot study is to describe patterns of minimally invasive procedures among patients undergoing facelift surgery in a real‐world clinical setting and identify areas for future investigations regarding their potential influence on surgical outcomes. Methods We analyzed data from 20 patients who underwent facelift surgery and had a documented history of neurotoxin, filler, biostimulator, or energy‐based device treatment. Data included patient demographics, treatment history, surgical details, and post‐operative satisfaction. Given the limited sample size and retrospective design, the analyses done were descriptive and exploratory in nature. Results All patients received neurotoxin prior to facelift, 90% received hyaluronic‐acid filler, and 55% received poly‐L‐lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. Following surgery, all patients resumed neurotoxin use, and 60% received filler treatments within the first post‐operative year. No reported significant surgical complications occurred because of prior filler or biostimulator treatments, and patient satisfaction was high for facelift outcomes. Conclusion Within our small, retrospective cohort, prior injectable or energy‐based device use was not associated with an increased risk of observable adverse surgical outcomes; however, the limited sample size precludes definitive assessment of safety or risk. Larger, prospectively designed studies are warranted to validate these early observations and optimally define best practices for combining surgical and nonsurgical rejuvenation.

Risk of rhabdomyolysis with concomitant use of statins and SGLT2 inhibitors: A population‐based cohort study