Cerritos College

Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that cause superficial infections of the skin, hair, and nails. The emergence of recalcitrant infections caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex and T. indotineae, particularly in diabetic patients, has heightened the need for reproducible small-animal models to study disease pathogenesis and test antifungal therapies. Here, we describe a diabetic mouse model of dermatophytosis that faithfully mimics human infection. The protocol details (1) preparation of dermatophyte conidial inocula from laboratory or clinical isolates, (2) pharmacological induction of diabetes or immunosuppression in mice, (3) standardized infection of abraded dorsal skin, and (4) downstream assessments of fungal burden and pathology, including clinical evaluation and scoring, enumeration of colony-forming units, and histopathology. Critical parameters, troubleshooting guidance, and anticipated results are provided to ensure reproducibility. This system has been successfully applied to evaluate conventional and investigational antifungal drugs and can be readily adapted for emerging resistant species such as T. indotineae. By integrating diabetic predisposition with current epidemiological trends, this model provides a clinically relevant and cost-effective platform for dermatophyte research and antifungal development. © 2026 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of dermatophyte inoculum Basic Protocol 2: Establishment of immunosuppressed or diabetic mouse models of dermatophytosis.

Medical monitors (MMs) play a critical and often underrecognized role in ensuring patient safety, regulatory compliance, and scientific integrity during clinical trials. Particularly in early-stage pharma, biotechnology, and medical device development, the MM serves as an independent safeguard against bias and unanticipated risks. This editorial outlines the rationale, responsibilities, and operational value of the MM role, emphasizing its function in document review, real-time safety oversight, and regulatory alignment. Through illustrative case studies and current best practices, we argue that the independence and objectivity of the MM is a strategic business necessity, not merely a regulatory checkbox.

Abstract MG1-1995959 is a short-period (∼0.586 day) eclipsing binary, exhibiting at times an extraordinarily large O’Connell effect (OE), for which this paper reports its discovery, time series photometry, and spectroscopic observation. The photometry is scattered across years 2001–2023, with spectroscopic observations from 2023. Photometric curves exhibit classical OE asymmetries, whereby maxima following primary and secondary eclipses are of different magnitudes. Short time span photometric time series provide static characterizations of OE stars yielding incomplete representations of critical macrobehavior. In contrast, MG1-1995959 photometry is of sufficient duration to indicate pronounced changes in such behavior, suggesting that intense observing programs can provide key benchmark data to better inform complex modeling efforts. Spectra indicate the primary to be K1 Vk(e), and the secondary type is ∼K5 V. PHOEBE modeling of the light curve from 2014 enables estimation of key stellar parameters (primary/secondary): T eff [K] (5110/4260), and, in solar units, mass (0.86/0.68) and radius (0.93/0.65). The inclination of the system was found to be ∼78°. PHOEBE modeling of light curves from 2013, 2022, and 2023 is presented, demonstrating (1) the light curves can be well fit by invoking distributions of star spots, (2) optimal spot sizes and distributions vary dramatically as a function of time, and (3) this is a powerful tool with which to investigate the short term evolution of this star. MG1-1995959 is an accessible star with dynamic and unusual behavior deserving of intensive study to better understand nuances of the OE and the nature of late-type main-sequence stars.

Using a longitudinal nationwide college student dataset along with a quantitative research design, this study examines the link between high school STEM course participation, college STEM major retention, and racial disparities. Specifically, we investigate how high school STEM course participation impacts college STEM major retention and identify racial differences in high school STEM course enrollment and college STEM retention. Our findings show that students who engaged in more rigorous high school STEM coursework, particularly in Physics and Chemistry, are more likely to stay in their STEM majors in college. We also found that this relationship is moderated by students’ racial background. Results show that Asian American students demonstrated the highest retention rates in their STEM majors compared to their White, Latinx, and Black peers. Furthermore, our findings reveal that Asian American and White students tended to complete more years of advanced Physics and Chemistry course in their high school compared to their Black and Latinx counterparts. Overall, this study highlights the need to address racial inequities in STEM education in both high school and college and improve support systems to promote STEM retention across racial groups.

A “consistent character” is subjective. A collection of images may portray the same person for some viewers and different for others. It is easier to create consistency if your character is stylized and has distinct features, such as black hair or red reading glasses.

This chapter dives into Midjourney's prompt language, showing how to communicate effectively with the AI to create images. It explains the role of prompt length, word order, and specific word repetition in influencing image outcomes. The chapter reveals that certain words have "internal weights," affecting the focus of image generation. Short prompts tend to produce more imaginative results. Including artist names or styles in prompts guides the AI toward specific aesthetics. I also cover using multi-prompts and style parameters to refine results and discuss the AI's limitations in accurately depicting complex subjects.

PurposeThis report calls attention to the potential risks of diminished kidney function when administering immune globulin (IG). The goal is to increase awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney function impairment in patients receiving IG and provide recommendations for screening, monitoring, and management to promote risk prevention and mitigation.SummaryHuman IG preparations for intravenous (IVIG) or subcutaneous (SCIG) administration are the mainstay of treatment in patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases. Increasingly, IVIG at high doses (1,000 to 2,400 mg/kg) is also used as a treatment for a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Although some autoinflammatory disorders respond to a single course of IVIG therapy, the majority of patients require long-term, regular infusions, thereby increasing the overall risks. Often, both patients and physicians treating adults with IG are unaware of underlying CKD or kidney function impairment. This lack of awareness constitutes a major risk factor for potential worsening, particularly when using high doses of IVIG. Therefore, screening of all patients for CKD and kidney function impairment before the use of IG is essential. Identification of the cause of kidney impairment is strongly encouraged, as IG therapy may need to be modified.ConclusionAs detailed here, there are potential risks to patients with impaired kidney function with administration of IG, particularly at high doses. Product selection, volume, route of administration, and rate of infusion may impact those with compromised kidney function. Therefore, screening of all patients for CKD and kidney function impairment before the use of IVIG and SCIG, as well as ongoing monitoring and management, is critical. As with all potential adverse drug reactions, the best approach is to prevent them.