Use of Psychoactive Substances Before Incarceration Among Prison Inmates With Drug Abuse or Dependence: Data From the OPPIDUM Program

ABSTRACT Background The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dependence and abuse of psychoactive substances (PAS) among prison inmates, using data from the OPPIDUM program between 2013 and 2022. Methods OPPIDUM is an annual, cross‐sectional national program, conducted among users consulting in specialised addiction centres. Prison inmates were questioned about their PAS use during the week preceding their incarceration. Two groups of participants were compared: prison inmates who reported simple use of PAS and those with abuse/dependence problems. Results A total of 2626 individuals responded to the program (men, 91.6%; mean age, 34.4 ± 9.30 years), reporting 5352 PAS. The main PAS consumed were cannabis (52.8%), cocaine/crack (28.6%), benzodiazepines (23.1%) and heroin (14.8%). Opioid substitution treatment (OST) was reported by 54.9% of participants. Several variables were associated with a significantly increased odds of abuse/dependence: intravenous use (OR, 4.608; 95% CI, 1.44–14.69; p  = 0.01), PAS illegal acquisition (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 2.19–6.58; p  < 0.0001), heroin/speedball use (OR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.16–15.48; p  = 0.029) and cocaine/crack use (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.47–7.39; p  = 0.004). Conversely, being on OST protocol was associated with a lower odds of abuse/dependence (OR, 0.511; 95% CI, 0.28–0.93; p  = 0.028). Limitations and Conclusion The main limitations of the study include self‐reported PAS use without objective diagnoses, sometimes incomplete data on PAS use and incarceration and a sample biased toward inmates linked to substance abuse services, which likely overestimates the prevalence of PAS use. However, these results highlight the importance of assessing factors associated with substance abuse and dependence for appropriate prevention and management among prison inmates.

Efficacy of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Combined With Cryotherapy Compared to Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Alone in Treating Limited Patchy Alopecia Areata of the Scalp and Face: A Prospective, Randomized, Within‐Subject Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Background Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by non‐scarring hair loss. The disease occurs in both sexes, with no racial or age‐related predilection. Many patients experience spontaneous improvement and regrowth of hair, while some patients are resistant to common therapies and others progress to more severe forms of alopecia. The primary treatment for patchy and limited alopecia of the scalp and face is intralesional triamcinolone injection. Previous studies have also reported the efficacy of cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), which promotes hair regrowth through mechanisms such as local vasodilation and targeting keratinocyte antigens. Aims Since both modalities have been used independently, we aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of both treatments in combination and compare it with triamcinolone injection alone. Methods In this prospective, randomized, within‐subject controlled trial, 22 participants with limited patchy alopecia affecting the scalp and face were enrolled. Each patient had symmetrical patches randomly assigned to two treatment modalities: one side received a combination of cryotherapy followed by an intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide (8 mg/mL for scalp and 4 mg/mL for face), while the contralateral side received intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alone. Treatments were administered in four consecutive sessions at 4‐week intervals. The primary outcome was the assessment of hair loss severity using the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score for the scalp and the ALBAS score for the facial area, measured at each visit. Adverse events were evaluated throughout the treatment period. Results Both treatment methods demonstrated a statistically significant difference in within‐group analysis ( p  < 0.001). However, a comparison of the two treatments did not reveal any statistically significant superiority between the methods ( p  > 0.05). Additionally, no major adverse effects were observed. Conclusion This study demonstrated that both combination therapy and triamcinolone injection are equally effective in treating alopecia. However, future research with a larger sample size, extended follow‐up, and comparisons of trichoscopic findings is warranted.

Evaluation of a novel anti‐mycotoxin agent specific for aquatic species in mitigating aflatoxin B1 ‐induced changes in Nile tilapia: A comprehensive study

Abstract Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of aquaculture feed poses serious health risks to fish and consumers. In this study, the efficacy of a novel anti‐mycotoxin agent specific for aquatic species (AM‐AQ) containing bentonite, sepiolite, and orange peel meal ( Citrus Sinensis ) in alleviating AFB1 toxicity in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) was evaluated. Fish were fed a basal diet as a control group and diets containing AFB1 (50 μg/kg), AM‐AQ (3 g/kg), or a combination of both for 6 weeks. AFB1 exposure significantly reduced growth, altered hematological parameters, protein profile, and digestive enzyme activities ( p  < 0.05), and suppressed respiratory burst activity ( p  < 0.001). It also altered the expression of liver and kidney function enzymes, lysozyme, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines and generated oxidative stress ( p  < 0.05, p  < 0.01). AM‐AQ supplementation effectively counteracted these adverse effects by restoring these parameters to control levels. Notably, AM‐AQ reduced AFB1 residues in the musculature by 99.6% after 6 weeks ( p  < 0.001). Histopathological analysis revealed severe liver, spleen, and intestinal damage in the group exposed to AFB1, which was markedly ameliorated by AM‐AQ treatment ( p  < 0.05). These results demonstrate that the AM‐AQ is a promising feed additive for protecting Nile tilapia against AFB1 toxicity and for reducing AFB1 transfer to edible tissues. Further research is required to optimize its application in aquaculture.

Vaccines at the Heart of Hepatitis Elimination: Insights From the ESCMID Study Group for Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH)

ABSTRACT The global elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 remains an ambitious goal that hinges not only on diagnostics and therapeutics but fundamentally on the strategic use and continued innovation of vaccines. The ESCMID Study Group for Viral Hepatitis (ESGVH) convened to examine the role of vaccination as the cornerstone of hepatitis prevention, from long‐established immunisation programs to emerging opportunities and unmet needs. This review explores the evolving landscape of hepatitis vaccines against four major hepatotropic viruses. Hepatitis A offers a paradigm of vaccine effectiveness yet shifting epidemiological patterns and immunity gaps in transitional economies call for updated public health approaches. For hepatitis E, the availability of a safe and effective vaccine presents a critical but underutilised opportunity to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations, particularly in endemic regions and among high‐risk groups. The prevention of hepatitis B relies on decades of success with universal childhood vaccination. Albeit rare, breakthrough infections require more insight into immune memory, viral variants, and strategies for the optimization of long‐term protection. Finally, for hepatitis C, the absence of a vaccine underscores the biological and immunological complexities that have thus far impeded progress toward prevention, even as new technological platforms and cross‐virus insights renew optimism. By integrating epidemiological, immunological, and translational perspectives, this article highlights how vaccines remain central to eliminating viral hepatitis.

Commentary on “Efficacy and Safety of Once‐Daily Prolonged‐Release Pregabalin for the Treatment of Patients With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Active, and Placebo‐Controlled Trial”

A Healthier Distance? Spatial Proximity to Everyday Amenities and Self‐Rated Health among Older Adults in the Northern Netherlands

Abstract This study investigates the association between the proximity of home to various everyday life amenities and self‐rated health (SRH) among 7,226 older adults who participated in the Lifelines health survey. Our results show that SRH was significantly higher for participants living farther from grocery shops and closer to healthcare places. We also found that not being female, living alone, having a paid job, having a high level of education (especially in less urban areas) and higher income levels were significantly associated with higher SRH. In conclusion, while proximity to amenities is important for healthy ageing in place, the association between the two is not always positive. Additionally, spatial policies need to pay special attention to the needs of more vulnerable and deprived older groups.

Overview of Ruthenium Thin Films Annealed by Microsecond Scanning UV Pulsed Laser: Structural, Electrical, and Failure Modes Analysis

Ruthenium (Ru) has been identified as a durable and relevant substitute to copper (Cu) to answer the access resistance lowering of the back‐end‐of‐line (BEOL) metal levels, which is a high‐priority concern for future devices. Herein, the nonequilibrium and local properties of pulsed scanning laser annealing (SLA) technique are used to enhance the structural and electrical properties of thin polycrystalline Ru layers (<30 nm). For the best annealing conditions, transmission electron microscopy observations show a substantial grain size enlargement, with large grains (≈80 nm) occupying the whole layer height. It goes with a 53% resistivity reduction, measured by 4‐point probe, confirming the strong grain boundary scattering reduction. A Mayadas–Shatzkes model incorporating temperature‐dependent resistivity measurements allows the extraction of promising reflectivity and specularity coefficients of around 0.58 and 0.98, respectively. Beyond the best conditions, failure modes for devices integration are observed, such as surface wrinkling and local buckling. Given the studied system, a semiquantitative analysis of these phenomena is given and simulations based on the finite element method are used to find further optimal annealing conditions. This study confirms the potential of Ru as a promising BEOL material, but also SLA as a convincing technique for future 3D architectures.

Engineered Nanotopographies Induce Transient Openings in the Nuclear Membrane

Abstract Materials with engineered nano‐scale surface topographies, such as nanopillars, nanoneedles, and nanowires, mimic natural structures like viral spike proteins, enabling them to bypass biological barriers like the plasma membrane. These properties have led to applications in nanoelectronics for intracellular sensing and drug delivery platforms, some of which are already in clinical trials. Here, evidence is present that nanotopographic materials can induce transient openings in the nuclear membranes of various cell types without penetrating the cells, breaching the nucleo‐cytoplasmic barrier, and allowing uncontrolled molecular exchange across the nuclear membrane. These openings, induced by nanoscale curvature, are temporary and repaired through the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport (ESCRT)‐mediated mechanisms. The findings suggest a potential for nano\topographic materials to temporarily breach the nuclear membrane with potential applications in direct nuclear sensing and delivery.

Single‐Atom Catalyst Induced Amorphous Li 2 O 2 Layer Enduring Lithium–Oxygen Batteries with High Capacity

Abstract Aprotic lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs) may deliver exceptionally high energy density but struggle to attain rapid reversibility and substantial capacity simultaneously, due to typical surface or solution‐formed insulating solid Li 2 O 2 . Tuning the structure of Li 2 O 2 to create a large‐area amorphous layer on the cathode is predicted to overcome the multiperformance limitations. Here, an isolated nickel single atom to nitrogen‐doped graphene as a cathode catalyst (Ni─NG SAC) for LOBs is presented via a green click‐trapping strategy. Derived from the maximized exposure of atomic active sites of the cathode, the formation/decomposition mechanisms of Li 2 O 2 are tailored, and a large area of thin Li 2 O 2 amorphous film is achieved. The structure and functions of Ni─NG SAC are explored by theoretical computation and synchrotron radiational investigation. Consequently, the abundant Ni─N 4 sites enhance redox kinetics and stand out to deliver an impressive specific discharge/charge capacity of 24 248/17 656 mAh g −1 at 200 mA g −1 , together with a long cycle life of over 500 cycles. This study contributes helpful insights to achieve high‐capacity LOBs with long lifespans, by constructing unique single‐atom catalysts to optimize the formation of amorphous discharge Li 2 O 2 products.

Engineered Nanotopographies Induce Transient Openings in the Nuclear Membrane (Adv. Funct. Mater. 6/2025)

Engineered Nanotopographies In article number 2410035, Zeinab Jahed and co‐workers show that engineered nanotopographies create transient openings in the nuclear membrane without direct penetration into the cell. The study reveals how these membrane disruptions, caused by nanoscale curvature, are naturally repaired via ESCRT‐mediated mechanisms. These findings offer new opportunities in biomedical technology and targeted therapies by allowing manipulation of the nuclear membrane, with potential applications in nuclear‐targeted delivery and intracellular sensing. Art by the team of INMYWORK Studio.