Arman Hajikarim-Hamedani

Background: Currently, more than 55 million people have dementia worldwide, and by 2050, an estimated 135 million people will suffer from dementia. On the other hand, In recent years, life has digitalized daily, with high levels of technical revolution and global publication of information and communication technology (ICT). Digital care services, ICT applications and mobile devices provide a plenty of benefits to reduce cognitive dysfunctions, However, accessing technology is not equal in different countries since many developing countries have lots of obstacles and limitations in using the internet, online resources, social media, and high‐cost assistive technologies; therefore, elderlies in low and middle‐income countries such as Iran, cannot access the benefits that digital technologies are offered, also due to the globally digitalization of researches besides lower digital familiarity among older adults in these countries, the knowledge around this area is remained unclear. This paper aims to evaluate and highlight the impacts of affordable and available technologies, that can be accessed in developing countries, on cognitive impairment. Method: Following PRISMA guidelines, studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo (1991‐2025) were reviewed. Data were extracted using EndNote 21, focusing on demographics, study characteristics, population details, behavioral symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. Methodological quality was assessed using modified Cochrane and Effective Public Health Practice Project tools. Result: We found using low‐cost technology and digital tools can enhance the quality of life in cognitive impairment, for instance health and social care online services, social media which causing connection and reducing loneliness, GPS tracking that helps with wayfinding and safe walking, applications that designed to improve memory, assessing cognitive impairment in early‐stages, helping caregivers access information online, setting reminders for medications and other therapies, overall these technologies will higher the confidence and independence in daily living activities of patients with cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Using digital technologies and medical apps for a relatively low cost showed multiple beneficial effects in preserving cognition in older adults and patients with dementia from low‐ to mid‐income countries.

Repeated exposure to abused drugs leads to reorganizing synaptic connections in the brain, playing a pivotal role in the relapse process. Additionally, recent research has highlighted the impact of parental drug exposure before gestation on subsequent generations. This study aimed to explore the influence of parental morphine exposure 10 days prior to pregnancy on drug‐induced locomotor sensitization. Adult male and female Wistar rats were categorized into morphine‐exposed and control groups. Ten days after their last treatment, they were mated, and their male offspring underwent morphine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and nicotine‐induced locomotor sensitization tests. The results indicated increased locomotor activity in both groups after drug exposure, although the changes were attenuated in morphine and cocaine sensitization among the offspring of morphine‐exposed parents (MEPs). Western blotting analysis revealed altered levels of D2 dopamine receptors (D2DRs) in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of the offspring from MEPs. Remarkably, despite not having direct in utero drug exposure, these offspring exhibited molecular alterations affecting morphine and cocaine‐induced sensitization. The diminished sensitization to morphine and cocaine suggested the development of a tolerance phenotype in these offspring. The changes in D2DR levels in the brain might play a role in these adaptations.

Background Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a neuroimmunological skin disease. Severe itching is the most challenging symptom which affects patients’ quality of life. T helper 2-derived cytokines, such as interleukin-31 and oncostatin M (OSM), play a crucial role in PN pathogenesis. Nemolizumab and vixarelimab are two biologics acting as IL-31 inhibitors. Vixarelimab also suppresses the OSM activity. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of nemolizumab and vixarelimab in PN management. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science up to September 17th, 2023. Clinical trials and cohort studies published in English were included. Results Among a total of 96 relevant records, five were included. The results of four studies with 452 patients using nemolizumab showed that a significantly higher percentage of patients treated with nemolizumab demonstrated a reduction in peak pruritus numerical rating scale (PP-NRS) and investigator’s global assessment along with improved sleep disturbance (SD) and quality of life than the placebo group. Moreover, one study administered vixarelimab to 49 PN patients, and their finding illustrated a higher rate of subjects who received vixarelimab experienced ≥ 4-point diminution in worst itch NRS, visual analog scale, healing of representative lesions, and SD quality compared to the placebo group. Conclusions IL-31 inhibitors suggest distinct advantages in improving pruritus, sleep quality, and overall quality of life in subjects with moderate-to-severe PN. Further clinical studies are recommended to compare the effectiveness of these biologics to other therapeutic choices.

While DNA serves as the fundamental genetic blueprint for an organism, it is not a static entity. Gene expression, the process by which genetic information is utilized to create functional products like proteins, can be modulated by a diverse range of environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, play a pivotal role in mediating the intricate interplay between the environment and gene expression. Intriguingly, alterations in the epigenome have the potential to be inherited across generations. Ethanol abuse poses significant health issues worldwide. Ethanol has the capability to induce changes in the epigenome, which can be inherited by offspring, thus impacting them even in the absence of direct ethanol exposure. This review article reviewed the alterations caused by ethanol on the epigenome. We thoroughly gathered all relevant papers investigating the behavioral and molecular consequences of parental ethanol exposure on their offspring. In conclusion, the comprehensive analysis of the literature supports the notion that ethanol exposure induces lasting epigenetic alterations, which can influence the behavior and health of future generations. This knowledge emphasizes the significance of addressing the potential transgenerational effects of ethanol and highlights the importance of preventive measures to minimize the adverse impact on offspring.