Students practiced more on the box model (14.8 ± 0.8 mins.) than on the fruit (8.5 ± 2.2 mins.). At evaluation, students who had practiced on the box had more puncturing accuracy than those who had practiced on the fruit. Still, no differences in OSCE pass rates existed. Simulation models thus were effective for learning FNA, but the box simulator seemed to be more successful than the fruit in terms of deliberate practice. This appears to have a positive effect on students' puncturing accuracy, which has clinical relevance.Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play an important role in the pathophysiology of asthma via the robust production of type 2 cytokines. Recent studies have demonstrated that Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) signaling skews toward a type 1 inflammatory response in asthma, which may lead to the development of novel treatment strategies. However, the effect of TLR7 signaling on ILC2-dependent non-allergic eosinophilic inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of R848, a TLR7 agonist, in a mouse model of IL-33-induced eosinophilic airway inflammation. Intranasal administration of R848 decreased infiltration of airway eosinophils and ILC2s, mucus production in epithelial cells, and type 2 cytokine production. Flow cytometric analysis identified an increased number of interstitial macrophages (IMs) expressing a high level of TLR7 in the lung upon IL-33 stimulation. IL-33-induced IMs also expressed high levels of M2-type genes and chemokines (CCL17 and CCL24). However, R848 stimulation modified these gene expressions and elicited the production of interleukin 27 (IL-27). Co-culture experiments revealed that IL-33-induced IMs directly suppressed ILC2 activation in response to R848. In addition, the inhibitory effects of R848 on ILC2-induced type 2 inflammation were defective in WSX-1-deficient mice lacking the IL-27 receptor. Taken together, these findings indicate that R848 stimulates IL-33-induced IMs to suppress ILC2-mediated type 2 airway inflammation via IL-27. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of TLR7 agonists and/or IL-27 cascades in non-allergic asthma.Aims To examine psychometric properties of the Daily Drinking Questionnaire (DDQ) in a Mediterranean "wet" drinking culture.Methods Three studies were conducted using random samples drawn from a representative sample of Italian young adults (N = 5,955; females = 62%; mean age = 27) Study 1 explored the factorial structure of weekly alcohol consumption; in Study 2 multi-group confirmatory factor analysis tested measurement invariance across gender; Study 3 applied item response theory analysis to a) assess how each item discriminated between different alcohol consumption levels; and b) determine if drink propensity on a given day of the week varied according to individual characteristics.Results In Study 1, a one-factor solution with no clear differentiation between weekdays and weekend alcohol use was found. Study 2 confirmed measurement invariance of the one-factor solution across gender. Results of Study 3 indicated that alcohol use on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) provided more information on overall alcohol consumption than alcohol use on weekends (Friday to Sunday).Discussion Cultural differences of alcohol use are reflected in relatively simple alcohol measures, such as the DDQ. In contrast with peers from "dry" drinking cultures, Italian young women and men do not clearly differentiate between weekdays and weekend drinking. In Italy, the DDQ best captures participants' average alcohol consumption levels rather than light or heavy, and should be used in national epidemiological research accordingly.Mitragynine is a major psychoactive alkaloid in leaves of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.). To understand its disposition in organs, this study aimed to develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model that predicts mitragynine concentrations in plasma and organ of interests in rats and humans. The PBPK model consisted of six organ compartments (i.e. lung, brain, liver, fat, slowly perfused tissues, and rapidly perfused tissue). From systematic searching, three pharmacokinetic studies of mitragynine (two studies in rats and 1 study in humans) were retrieved from the literature. Berkeley Madonna Software (version 8.3.18) was used for model development and model simulation. The developed PBPK model consisted of biologically relevant features following involvement of (i) breast cancer-resistant protein (BCRP) in brain, (ii) a hepatic cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4)-mediated metabolism in the liver, and (iii) a diffusion-limited transport in fat. The simulations adequately describe simulated and observed data in the two species with different dosing regimens. PBPK models of mitragynine in rats and humans were successfully developed. The models may be used to guide optimal mitragynine dosing regimens.Being able to appropriately perform fine needle aspiration (FNA) collecting techniques and sample preparation is essential in obtaining a diagnostic sample, which is a critical skill for veterinary practitioners. Collection and preparation of cytologic samples are skills gained through practice. Experience leads to refinement of technique and improved diagnostic quality. Using live patients for mass skills training is not feasible; therefore, an aspiration simulation model and laboratory session was developed to reinforce physical exam skills, appropriate selection of sample collection supplies, and collection technique. Materials for the models include Ping-Pong balls, silicone, instant vanilla pudding mix, water, and stuffed animals. KIF18A-IN-6 purchase The laboratory session allows veterinary students to practice lesion identification, isolation, aspiration, and successful preparation. Subsequent submission of the collected sample involves being able to expel and spread the sample on a slide and proper labeling. While the simulation experience was initially developed for a short course with 12 students, it has recently been incorporated into the required clinical pathology clinical year rotation for up to 100 fourth-year veterinary students. The model is inexpensive and efficient and allows for technique development and immediate instructor assessment and feedback.