bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of biosurfactants by P. aeruginosa gi |KP163922| on waste engine oil in a free and immobilized cells system
Authors: Jujaru Mohan , Pradhan Kajol , Gaur Shailee , Jain Amit , Kumar Sushil
Published: July 2024

This study investigated biosurfactant production by the bacterial strain of P. aeruginosa gi |KP 163922| for a free and immobilized cells system using waste engine oil (WEO) as a substrate. The polyurethane foam (PUF) cubes (1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm) were used as carriers for the immobilization. The batch experiments were performed in Erlenmeyer flasks and monitored at every 24‐h interval for both cell systems. The microbial population was counted using the plate count method, and the hydrocarbon degradation percentage was calculated to evaluate the bacterial activity. Surface tension was measured at regular intervals to ensure the presence of biosurfactants. The maximum reduction was 37 and 35 mN/m in a free and immobilized cells system. Immobilization of cells using PUF was found to be efficient in supporting bacterial growth, and after 48 h of incubation, the growth was 2.5 (±0.58) × 1011 CFU/mL. The chemical characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the obtained product as rhamnolipid. Crude biosurfactant yield was found to be maximum in the case of the immobilized system, which was approximately 18 g/L. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the used PUF cubes showed the strong adherence of biofilm to the cube surface and the potential of its reuse in multiple cycles. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis confirms that the immobilized strain of P. aeruginosa exhibited superior biodegradation capabilities compared to free cells. Specifically, it was capable of reducing the concentration of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and converting more significant aliphatic compounds into metabolic byproducts such as alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes, and carbonyl groups.
Clinicopathologic Dissociation: Robust Lafora Body Accumulation in Malin KO Mice Without Observable Changes in Home‐Cage Behavior
Authors: Krishnan Vaishnav , Wu Jun , Mazumder Arindam Ghosh , Kamen Jessica L. , Schirmer Catharina , Adhyapak Nandani , Bass John Samuel , Lee Samuel C. , Maheshwari Atul , Molinaro Gemma , Gibson Jay R. , Huber Kimberly M. , Minassian Berge A.
Published: July 2024

Lafora disease (LD) is a syndrome of progressive myoclonic epilepsy and cumulative neurocognitive deterioration caused by recessively inherited genetic lesions of EPM2A (laforin) or NHLRC1 (malin). Neuropsychiatric symptomatology in LD is thought to be directly downstream of neuronal and astrocytic polyglucosan aggregates, termed Lafora bodies (LBs), which faithfully accumulate in an age‐dependent manner in all mouse models of LD. In this study, we applied home‐cage monitoring to examine the extent of neurobehavioral deterioration in a model of malin‐deficient LD as a means to identify robust preclinical endpoints that may guide the selection of novel genetic treatments. At 6 weeks, ∼6–7 months, and ∼12 months of age, malin‐deficient mice (“KO”) and wild‐type (WT) littermates underwent a standardized home‐cage behavioral assessment designed to non‐obtrusively appraise features of rest/arousal, consumptive behaviors, risk aversion, and voluntary wheel‐running. At all timepoints, and over a range of metrics that we report transparently, WT and KO mice were essentially indistinguishable. In contrast, within WT mice compared across the same timepoints, we identified age‐related nocturnal hypoactivity, diminished sucrose preference, and reduced wheel‐running. Neuropathological examinations in subsets of the same mice revealed expected age‐dependent LB accumulation, gliosis, and microglial activation in cortical and subcortical brain regions. At 12 months of age, despite the burden of neocortical LBs, we did not identify spontaneous seizures during an electroencephalographic (EEG) survey, and KO and WT mice exhibited similar spectral EEG features. However, in an in vitro assay of neocortical function, paroxysmal bursts of network activity (UP states) in KO slices were more prolonged at 3 and 6 months of age, but similar to WT at 12 months. KO mice displayed a distinct response to pentylenetetrazole, with a greater incidence of clonic seizures and a more pronounced postictal suppression of movement, feeding, and drinking behavior. Together, these results highlight the clinicopathologic dissociation in a mouse model of LD, where the accrual of LBs may latently modify cortical circuit function and seizure threshold without clinically meaningful changes in home‐cage behavior. Our findings allude to a delay between LB accumulation and neurobehavioral decline in LD: one that may provide a window for treatment, and whose precise duration may be difficult to ascertain within the typical lifespan of a laboratory mouse.
Identifying Oncogenic Missense Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Human SAT1 Gene Using Computational Algorithms and Molecular Dynamics Tools
Authors: Mozibullah Md. , Khatun Marina , Sikder Md. Asaduzzaman , Islam Mohammod Johirul , Sharmin Mehbuba
Published: July 2024

Background

The human SAT1 gene encodes spermidine/spermine N1‐acetyltransferase 1 (SSAT1), a regulatory biological catalyst of polyamine catabolism. Numerous essential biological processes, such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival, depend on polyamines like spermidine and spermine. Thus, SSAT1 is involved in key cellular activities such as proliferation and survival of cells and mediates various diseases including cancer. A plethora of studies established the involvement of missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in numerous pathological conditions due to their ability to adversely affect the structure and subsequent function of the protein.

Aims

To date, an in silico study to identify the pathogenic missense SNPs of the human SAT1 gene has not been accomplished yet. This study aimed to filter the missense SNPs that were functionally detrimental and pathogenic.

Methods and Results

The rs757435207 (I21N) was ascertained to be the most deleterious and pathogenic by all algorithmic tools. Stability and evolutionary conservation analysis tools also stated that I21N variant decreased the stability and was located in the highly conserved residue. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that I21N caused substantial alterations in the conformational stability and dynamics of the SSAT1 protein. Consequently, the I21N variant could disrupt the native functional roles of the SSAT1 enzyme.

Conclusion

Therefore, the I21N variant was identified and concluded to be an oncogenic missense variant of the human SAT1 gene. Overall, the findings of this study would be a great directory of future experimental research to develop personalized medicine.
A Novel Amino Acid‐Related Gene Signature Predicts Overall Survival in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Shuyi , Huang Hong , Hu Xingwang , Xiao Meifang , Yang Kaili , Bu Haiyan , Jiang Yupeng , Huang Zebing
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extremely harmful malignant tumor in the world. Since the energy metabolism and biosynthesis of HCC cells are closely related to amino acids, it is necessary to further explore the relationship between amino acid‐related genes and the prognosis of HCC to achieve individualized treatment. We herein aimed to develop a prognostic model for HCC based on amino acid genes.

Methods

In this study, RNA‐sequencing data of HCC patients were downloaded from the TCGA‐LIHC cohort as the training cohort and the GSE14520 cohort as the validation cohort. Amino acid‐related genes were derived from the Molecular Signatures Database. Univariate Cox and Lasso regression analysis were used to construct an amino acid‐related signature (AARS). The predictive value of this risk score was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier (K–M) curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and immune characteristics evaluation were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. Finally, a nomogram was established to help the personalized prognosis assessment of patients with HCC.

Results

The AARS comprises 14 amino acid‐related genes to predict overall survival (OS) in HCC patients. HCC patients were divided into AARS‐high group and AARS‐low group according to the AARS scores. The K–M curve, ROC curve, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis verified the good prediction efficiency of the risk score. Using GSVA, we found that AARS variants were concentrated in four pathways, including cholesterol metabolism, delayed estrogen response, fatty acid metabolism, and myogenesis metabolism.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the AARS as a prognostic model based on amino acid‐related genes is of great value in the prediction of survival of HCC, and can help improve the individualized treatment of patients with HCC.
Alveolar Ridge Preservation With Fibro‐Gide or Connective Tissue Graft: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Soft and Hard Tissue Changes
Authors: Ibrahim Ammar , Saymeh Rowaida
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel biomaterial (FG) for alveolar ridge preservation compared to CTG in terms of soft tissue thickness and bone dimensional changes.

Materials and Methods

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients who required extraction of 30 hopeless mandibular posterior teeth. All patients went through atraumatic tooth extraction, and then, they were randomly allocated to either a CTG, an FG, or a spontaneous healing (SH) group (1:1:1). All patients received a dental implant placed 6 months postoperatively. The soft tissue thickness and bone dimensional changes were measured before and 6 months after the procedure.

Results

The study's analysis revealed statistically significant differences in buccal gingival thickness and dimensional bone changes across the three examined groups after 6 months (p < 0.05). The SH group had lower gingival thickness (1.31 ± 0.65 mm) and higher vertical resorption (−1.46 ± 1.67 mm at the buccal aspect) compared with the CTG and FG groups. The CTG and FG groups had similar gingival thickness (2.42 ± 0.70 and 3.00 ± 0.71 mm, respectively) and bone width reduction (+0.86 ± 2.31 and +0.93 ± 2.38 mm, respectively), whereas the CTG group had lower vertical bone loss (−0.30 ± 1.09 mm at the buccal aspect) than the FG group (−0.47 ± 2.30 mm at the buccal aspect).

Conclusion

FG and CTG demonstrate equivalent soft tissue thickness and comparable horizontal bone dimension outcomes in ARP.
Instrumental Occlusal Analysis in Migraine Patients: A Quantitative Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Nikolaos Zokaris , Marcus Greven , Dimitrios Naoumis , Michail Tzakis , Dimitrios Mitsikostas Dimos , Vasileios Psarras
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate possible differences of functional occlusal variables between a group of migraine patients (MG) and a control group (CG).

Materials and Methods

Each group included 50 individuals. Instrumental functional analysis and digital occlusal analysis were performed. Variables examined were condylar displacement from a reference position to maximum intercuspation; angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the contra‐lateral canine guidance; and angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the ipsilateral central incisor guidance and occlusal plane inclination. Self‐reported grinding and occlusal index were also investigated.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in the extent of retral condylar displacement assessed both clinically [MG: 0.49 mm (SD 0.67 mm), CG: 0.29 mm (SD 0.27 mm), p = 0.012] and digital‐mechanically [MG: 1.53 mm (SD 0.95 mm), CG: 0.9 mm (SD 0.66 mm), p = 0.001], the angular difference between the steepness of the articular eminence and the contra‐lateral canine guidance [MG: 13.11° (SD 8.33°), CG: 9.47° (SD 7.08°), p = 0.021 and MG: 12.94° (SD 8.71°), CG: 9.44° (SD 8.70°), p = 0.017], and the occlusal plane inclination [MG: 11.16° (SD 4.66°), CG: 9.09° (SD 4.37°), p = 0.024]. Self‐reported grinding (MG: 39/50, CG: 12/50, p < 0.001) and occlusal index [MG: 1.92 (SD 0.46), CG: 0.21 (SD 0.66), p < 0.001] were also significantly higher in migraineurs.

Conclusions

Articular and occlusal structures could play a role in migraine and thus should be considered in an interdisciplinary approach.
Detection of thyroid hormones in urine by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Martinez Brito Dayamin , Leogrande Patrizia , de la Torre Xavier , Botrè Francesco
Published: July 2024

Recently, the trend of thyroid hormones (TH) consumption in the sports community has been published. It is known the capacity of the exogenously administered TH to enhance metabolism, being an attractive feature for athletes, who search for weight control and increased caloric expenditure. This paper aimed the validation of a method to measure TH and related compounds in urine by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The method was applied to urine samples collected before and after the administration of a diiodothyronine (3,5‐T2) supplement. A method to detect nine TH included an enzymatic hydrolysis, liquid–liquid extraction, and solid‐phase extraction. The extracts were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. Validated parameters showed good results for accuracy (85%–104%), precision (3%–16%), LOD (10–40 pg/mL, except for thyronacetic acids that was 200 pg/mL), and the combined uncertainty (2.2%–22%). Maximum concentration of 3,5‐T2 in pre‐administration samples was 0.71 ng/mL, and after 30 h of the last administration, concentrations returned to pre‐administration values. Maximum values of ratios between the analyte and thyronine, T3, and T4 were 0.09, 0.19, and 0.12, respectively, and after 30 h of the last administration, the ratios reached back the basal values. Acidic or basic metabolites were not found in urine at least at the method LOD. A proposed method to assess TH in urine was validated, and as a proof of concept, its efficacy was demonstrated with an excretion study of 3,5‐diiodothyronine. The consumption of 3,5‐T2 was detected in urine measuring the analyte concentration and ratios between the analyte and thyronine, T3, and T4.
Evaluation of underground hard rock mine pillar stability using gene expression programming and decision tree‐support vector machine models
Authors: Kadkhodaei Mohammad H. , Ghasemi Ebrahim , Zhou Jian , Zahraei Melika
Published: July 2024

Assessing the stability of pillars in underground mines (especially in deep underground mines) is a critical concern during both the design and the operational phases of a project. This study mainly focuses on developing two practical models to predict pillar stability status. For this purpose, two robust models were developed using a database including 236 case histories from seven underground hard rock mines, based on gene expression programming (GEP) and decision tree‐support vector machine (DT‐SVM) hybrid algorithms. The performance of the developed models was evaluated based on four common statistical criteria (sensitivity, specificity, Matthews correlation coefficient, and accuracy), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and testing data sets. The results showed that the GEP and DT‐SVM models performed exceptionally well in assessing pillar stability, showing a high level of accuracy. The DT‐SVM model, in particular, outperformed the GEP model (accuracy of 0.914, sensitivity of 0.842, specificity of 0.929, Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.767, and area under the ROC of 0.897 for the test data set). Furthermore, upon comparing the developed models with the previous ones, it was revealed that both models can effectively determine the condition of pillar stability with low uncertainty and acceptable accuracy. This suggests that these models could serve as dependable tools for project managers, aiding in the evaluation of pillar stability during the design and operational phases of mining projects, despite the inherent challenges in this domain.
Correlated responses to selection across diverse environments during experimental evolution of Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Tarkington Jason , Zufall Rebecca A.
Published: July 2024

Correlated responses to selection have long been observed and studied; however, it remains unclear when they will arise, and in what direction. To contribute to a growing understanding of correlated responses to selection, we used experimental evolution of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila to study direct and correlated responses in a variety of different environmental conditions. One experiment focused on adaptation to two different temperatures and the correlated responses across temperatures. Another experiment used inhibitory concentrations of a variety of compounds to test direct and correlated responses to selection. We found that all populations adapted to the environments in which they evolved. We also found many cases of correlated evolution across environments; few conditions resulted in trade‐offs and many resulted in a positive correlated response. Surprisingly, in many instances, the correlated response was of a larger magnitude than the direct response. We find that ancestral fitness predicts the extent of adaptation, consistent with diminishing returns epistasis. Unexpectedly, we also find that this pattern of diminishing returns holds across environments regardless of the environment in which evolution occurs. We also found that the correlated response is asymmetric across environments, that is, the fitness of a population evolved in one environment and assayed in a second was inversely related to the fitness of a population evolved in the second environment and assayed in the first. These results support the notion that positive correlated responses to selection across environments are frequent, and worth further study.
Estimating Octanol–Water Partition Coefficients of Novel Brominated Flame Retardants by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Computational Models
Authors: Sigman-Lowery Anthony J. , Di Toro Dominic M. , Chin Yu-Ping
Published: July 2024

Legacy brominated flame retardants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been classified as persistent organic pollutants and replaced with novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs). The octanol–water partition coefficients (log KOW) of NBFRs have been computationally estimated, but the log KOW values provided by these methods can differ by 1 to 3 orders of magnitude. Given the importance of this parameter in fate and toxicity models, we indirectly measured the log KOW values of eight NBFRs by their capacity factor (k′) on a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) C18 column by isocratic elution and compared these measured values with those estimated by nine computational models. Log KOW values were obtained for the NBFRs 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane, pentabromobenzene, pentabromoethylbenzene, pentabromotoluene, 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate, allyl 2,4,6-tribromophenylether, 2,3-dibromopropyl-2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate. A training set of phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, PBDEs, and halogenated benzenes were chosen to obtain the log k′–log KOW calibration for the NBFRs. The computational models KowWIN, XLogP3, EAS-E Suite, COSMOtherm, DirectML, and Abraham polyparameter linear free energy relationships all predicted the log KOW values of the calibration compounds to within 1 order of magnitude without significant bias. The median of these models predicted log KOW values for the calibration compounds that were close to those known in the literature with root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.224 and for the NBFRs that were close to those measured by HPLC (RMSE = 0.334). Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2105–2114. © 2024 SETAC
Logistical and preference bias in participatory science butterfly data
Authors: Goldstein Benjamin R , Stoudt Sara , Lewthwaite Jayme MM , Shirey Vaughn , Mendoza Eros , Guzman Laura Melissa
Published: July 2024

The volume of and interest in unstructured participatory science data has increased dramatically in recent years. However, unstructured participatory science data contain taxonomic biases—encounters with some species are more likely to be reported than encounters with others. Taxonomic biases are driven by human preferences for different species and by logistical factors that make observing certain species challenging. We investigated taxonomic bias in reports of butterflies by characterizing differences between a dedicated participatory semi‐structured dataset, eButterfly, and a popular unstructured dataset, iNaturalist, in spatiotemporally explicit models. Across 194 butterfly species, we found that 53 species were overreported and 34 species were underreported in opportunistic data. Ease of identification and feature diversity were significantly associated with overreporting in opportunistic sampling, and strong patterns in overreporting by family were also detected. Quantifying taxonomic biases not only helps us understand how humans engage with nature but also is necessary to generate robust inference from unstructured participatory data.
Clinical outcomes and considerations in outpatient with COVID‐19 receiving remdesivir therapy
Authors: Siami Zeinab , Rasooli Aziz , Zebardast Jayran , Jalali Illahay , Jamalimoghadamsiahkali Saeidreza
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This retrospective cross‐sectional study aimed to assess the outcomes of Covid‐19 patients who received remdesivir therapy at the outpatient department of Ziaian Hospital.

Method

A total of 514 eligible patients were included between May and September 2021. Covid‐19 diagnosis was confirmed through positive SARS‐COV‐2 PCR tests or chest CT scans. Due to limited hospital beds, patients received remdesivir on an outpatient basis.

Results

Patients received six daily doses of remdesivir for 5 days. Those referred to a physician within 7 days of symptom onset had similar hospitalization rates compared to later referrals. Lower blood saturation levels were associated with a higher likelihood of hospital admission, indicating that earlier administration of remdesivir may be more effective. Patients with over 50% lung involvement had higher rates of disease progression despite treatment. Corticosteroids did not significantly improve outcomes in patients with saturation above 90%. Discontinuation of remdesivir due to side effects was rare, with only 1% experiencing increased liver enzymes, 1.2% facial redness and tremors, and 1.5% allergies. After 1 week of treatment, patients commonly reported symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, body pain, lethargy, and anorexia, particularly among hospitalized patients.

Discussion

Patients generally preferred outpatient treatment over hospitalization. Body mass index (BMI) did not significantly impact hospitalization rates, although average weight tended to be higher among inpatients. The study confirmed the effectiveness of remdesivir therapy with a low occurrence of side effects.

Conclusion

This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of Covid‐19 patients receiving remdesivir at an outpatient department. Early administration of remdesivir showed better outcomes, while corticosteroids had limited benefits. Outpatient treatment was favored, and BMI did not significantly influence hospitalization rates. Remdesivir demonstrated efficacy with a low incidence of side effects.
The prevalence of depression and anxiety in premenopausal and menopausal women: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vaziri‐harami Roya , Kazemi Seyyedeh Neda , Vaziri‐harami Saharnaz , Hazari Vajiheh , Farokh Parisa , Valadbeigi Tanaz
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims

Targeted research on physiological and psychological changes during menopause is crucial. Most studies have prioritized the investigation of psychological disorders during menopause, with a limited comparison of mental health among women in the various stages surrounding menopause. This study aims to explore the difference in depression and anxiety prevalence between women in premenopausal and menopause.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 242 female participants referred to Imam Hossein (AS) Educational and Therapeutic Hospital affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. These 242 individuals were selected through accessible sampling. 122 individuals were placed in the menopausal group and 120 individuals in the premenopausal group. First, the medical history of all participants was taken, and then the Beck questionnaire was administered to examine the levels of depression and anxiety. The association between the occurrence and severity of depression and anxiety in menopausal and premenopausal groups was statistically analyzed.

Results

In this study, the age range of the participants was 45−70, the overall prevalence of depression was estimated to be 33.5% and the overall prevalence of anxiety was estimated to be 54.2%. The prevalence of depression was 30.2% and 36.6% in the menopausal and premenopausal groups, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety was estimated to be 52.5% and 55.7% in the menopausal and premenopausal groups, respectively. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the occurrence and severity of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

our study found a higher incidence of depression during premenopause compared to menopause, possibly due to greater hormonal fluctuations. Despite this, there wasn't a significant confirmation of this hypothesis compared to other groups. Nonetheless, there's a higher prevalence of depression and anxiety among premenopausal women, emphasizing the need for screening and intervention, such as hormone therapy, to prevent severe outcomes.
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Authors: Wang Jian , Hu Hongfei , Jia Lujie , Zhang Jing , Zhuang Quan , Li Linge , Zhang Yongzheng , Wang Dong , Guan Qinghua , Hu Huimin , Liu Meinan , Zhan Liang , Adenusi Henry , Passerini Stefano , Lin Hongzhen
Published: July 2024

Delocalized electron engineering of layer‐structured V2O5 cathode is proposed to facilitate free Zn2+ formation and diffusion under low temperature.

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Removal of carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole and aspirin at municipal wastewater treatment plant of Astana, Kazakhstan: paths to increase the efficiency of the treatment process
Authors: Kamal Arailym , Kanafin Yerkanat N , Satayeva Aliya , Kim Jong , Poulopoulos Stavros G , Arkhangelsky Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Medical substances are utilized around the world, and their accumulation in nature is a global concern. This work aimed to identify three priority pharmaceuticals discharged into the domestic sewage stream of Astana city (Kazakhstan). Samples of municipal wastewater were taken before and after the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) over a period of 13 months. The performed experiments demonstrated that there are seasonal variations in the priority pharmaceuticals – carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and aspirin (ASP) – identified in the wastewaters.

RESULTS

The non‐conventional WWTP of Astana city, which includes a sequence of treatment processes, showed 2–100% removal of these compounds with the following influent concentrations from the entering stream: 12.5–185.6 ppb (μg L−1) for CBZ, 2.6–51.2 ppb for SMX and 1.9–199.8 ppb for ASP. Laboratory‐scale experiments revealed that the application of the membrane separation technique, i.e. ultrafiltration, is able to provide improved removal of these pharmaceuticals. The removal of ASP, CBZ and SMX by phase inversion polyethersulfone and track etch (TE) polycarbonate membranes was investigated. Filtration with TE membrane demonstrated 39–97% removal of the primary pharmaceuticals from the wastewater.

CONCLUSION

Filtration with TE membrane was recognized as an affordable and efficient supplementary treatment step. The addition of the TE separation process in the Astana WWTP could potentially improve the removal of the studied pharmaceuticals along with other medical substances. The reported results hold substantial significance, particularly for rapidly expanding urban centers and developing nations. This is especially crucial as there is a scarcity of data regarding the treatment of pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater for these regions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Extracellular vesicle‐packaged lncRNA from cancer‐associated fibroblasts promotes immune evasion by downregulating HLA‐A in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yao Hanming , Huang Chengzhi , Zou Jinmao , Liang Weiling , Zhao Yue , Yang Kege , Zhong Ziyi , Zhou Shurui , Li Jiajia , Li Yaqing , Xu Lishu , Huang Kaihong , Lian Guoda
Published: July 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by immune evasion that contribute to poor prognosis. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating the PDAC tumour microenvironment. We investigated the role of CAF‐derived extracellular vesicle (EV)‐packaged long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in immune evasion and explored gene therapy using engineered EVs loading small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as a potential therapeutic strategy. Our findings highlight the significance of EV‐packaged lncRNA RP11‐161H23.5 from CAF in promoting PDAC immune evasion by downregulating HLA‐A expression, a key component of antigen presentation. Mechanistically, RP11‐161H23.5 forms a complex with CNOT4, a subunit of the mRNA deadenylase CCR4‐NOT complex, enhancing the degradation of HLA‐A mRNA by shortening its poly(A) tail. This immune evasion mechanism compromises the anti‐tumour immune response. To combat this, we propose an innovative approach utilising engineered EVs as natural and biocompatible nanocarriers for siRNA‐based gene therapy and this strategy holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in PDAC. Overall, our study sheds light on the critical role of CAF‐derived EV‐packaged lncRNA RP11‐161H23.5/CNOT4/HLA‐A axis in PDAC immune evasion and presents a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention.
A qualitative exploration of experiences of gender identity and gender questioning among adults with Klinefelter syndrome/XXY
Authors: Harkin Claire , Elander James
Published: July 2024

People with Klinefelter syndrome (KS/XXY) may be at higher risk of gender dysphoria than the general population and gender diversity needs greater recognition and consideration in services for people affected. This study aimed to give systematic insights into experiences of gender diversity among people with KS/XXY, which could inform more person‐centered care for people with KS/XXY and contribute to practical guidance for healthcare professionals. We conducted individual, semi‐structured interviews with 11 adults with diagnosed KS/XXY. The verbatim interview transcripts were analyzed using experiential reflexive thematic analysis, which identified four themes: (1) Experience of gender, which described participants' experiences of exploring and negotiating their gender identity; (2) Navigating expectations, which described how participants' gender uncertainty was associated with confusion, isolation, and shame, and how fears about other people's reactions caused participants to keep their gender identity secret; (3) Testosterone assumptions, which described how participants needed more discussion and counseling before testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and how some benefited from treatment with alternative hormones to testosterone; and (4) A different approach, which described participants' experiences of care at gender identity clinics. The findings give new insights into the gender identity journeys of people with KS/XXY, from early attempts to understand and make sense of gender, through dealing with social pressures, the development of gender identities more congruent with feelings, and experiences with hormone replacement therapy. The practice implications include that there should be improved consideration of gender identity in care for KS/XXY, better psychological support for those affected by gender diversity, and more consideration given to alternatives to testosterone‐based therapies. Future research could explore the experiences of gender identity among different groups of people with KS/XXY, the development of gender identity over time, the effects of TRT on gender identity, and healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes about gender identity and KS/XXY.
Genetic counselors' awareness and attitudes regarding gene therapies
Authors: Walsh Chelsey , Durst Andrea L. , Ortiz Damara , Miller Rachel G. , Alabek Michelle
Published: July 2024

There are 10 gene therapies (GTs) for hereditary conditions that are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While prior research demonstrates that the majority of healthcare providers lack knowledge regarding GTs, this has not been explored within the genetic counseling profession. The authors hypothesize that the availability of GTs impacts the genetic counseling profession and that there is variable awareness on this topic among genetic counselors (GCs). We conducted a survey to assess GCs' familiarity with, comfort with, and frequency of discussing FDA‐approved GTs at the time of the survey, as well as GCs' perceived impact of and educational experiences related to GT. The survey was distributed through listservs and word of mouth from January through March 2021. One hundred of the 109 responses met eligibility criteria. Respondents were more familiar with onasemnogene abeparvovec‐xioi (ZOLGENSMA; Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Durham, NC, USA) than voretigene neparvovec‐rzyl (LUXTURNA; Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA; p < 0.001). Familiarity with, comfort with, and frequency of discussing both GTs varied by specialty but not by years of experience. Fifty‐nine percent of respondents (58/98) reported that GTs impact their work, with differences by specialty but not by years of experience. The majority of respondents (93%; 90/97) felt that GCs should be comfortable discussing GTs with patients, and most respondents (83%; 79/95) were interested in additional GT training. Only 38% of respondents (36/95) recalled GT being included in their genetic counseling training program's curriculum, which may be skewed by recent growth of this field. Our results suggest that GCs feel that GTs impact their practice, have discrepant awareness and comfort in this area, and desire additional training on this topic. Further investigation into the actual impact and models for addressing training is warranted and will be critical as the number of approved GTs increases.
Potential synthesis of nitrated products from 2,6,8,12‐tetraacetyl‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane derivatives with linear substituents
Authors: Kulagina Daria A. , Sysolyatin Sergey V. , Balakhnin Yuri A. , Eremina Valeria V. , Alekseeva Natalia A.
Published: July 2024

The compact, nitrogen‐rich structure of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitanes calls attention among researchers worldwide. These compounds have found the greatest utility as substrates for nitration to obtain the caged polynitramine, 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane, which possesses a high‐energy performance. All new derivatives of hexaazaisowurtzitane are nitratable. The present study examined the nitration process of 2,6,8,12‐tetraacetyl‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane derivatives obtained through the condensation reaction with aldehydes under various conditions to yield CL‐20. The yield of CL‐20, a well‐known nitration product of hexaazaisowurtzitane compounds, was found to depend on the substrate structure and the nitrating mixture composition. The revealed dependence of the synthesis of various nitrated compounds on the holding time enables the synthesis of products with different physicochemical properties in a single process.
Bee morphology: A skeletomuscular anatomy of Thyreus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Meira Odair M. , Beutel Rolf G. , Pohl Hans , van de Kamp Thomas , Almeida Eduardo A. B. , Boudinot Brendon E.
Published: July 2024

Although the knowledge of the skeletal morphology of bees has progressed enormously, a corresponding advance has not happened for the muscular system. Most of the knowledge about bee musculature was generated over 50 years ago, well before the digital revolution for anatomical imaging, including the application of microcomputed tomography. This technique, in particular, has made it possible to dissect small insects digitally, document anatomy efficiently and in detail, and visualize these data three dimensionally. In this study, we document the skeletomuscular system of a cuckoo bee, Thyreus albomaculatus and, with that, we provide a 3D atlas of bee skeletomuscular anatomy. The results obtained for Thyreus are compared with representatives of two other bee families (Andrenidae and Halictidae), to evaluate the generality of our morphological conclusions. Besides documenting 199 specific muscles in terms of origin, insertion, and structure, we update the interpretation of complex homologies in the maxillolabial complex of bee mouthparts. We also clarify the complicated 3D structure of the cephalic endoskeleton, identifying the tentorial, hypostomal, and postgenal structures and their connecting regions. We describe the anatomy of the medial elevator muscles of the head, precisely identifying their origins and insertions as well as their homologs in other groups of Hymenoptera. We reject the hypothesis that the synapomorphic propodeal triangle of Apoidea is homologous with the metapostnotum, and instead recognize that this is a modification of the third phragma. We recognize two previously undocumented metasomal muscle groups in bees, clarifying the serial skeletomusculature of the metasoma and revealing shortcomings of Snodgrass' “internal–external” terminological system for the abdomen. Finally, we elucidate the muscular structure of the sting apparatus, resolving previously unclear interpretations. The work conducted herein not only provides new insights into bee morphology but also represents a source for future phenomic research on Hymenoptera.
Transistor modeling based onLM‐BPNNandCG‐BPNNfor theGaAs pHEMT
Authors: Lin Qian , Yang Shuyue , Yang Ruilan , Wu Haifeng
Published: July 2024

In order to address the challenges of complex process and low precision in traditional device modeling, double hidden layer back propagation neural network (BPNN) are trained using the conjugate gradient (CG) algorithm and the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm, the CG‐BPNN and LM‐BPNN models of small signal for gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) are obtained and analyzed here. At first, the scattering parameters (S‐parameters) of GaAs pHEMT are divided into training set and test set randomly. Experimental results show that the CG‐BPNN model is better than another S‐parameters when predicting ImS12with mean square error (MSE) of 7.6632e‐06, while LM‐BPNN model predicts ImS12with MSE of 2.4672e‐06. Meanwhile, the MSE of CG‐BPNN model is higher than LM‐BPNN model when predicting all the S‐parameters. In addition, it shows a smaller fluctuation range for the error curve of LM‐BPNN model, which is more stable than the CG‐BPNN model. Therefore, the double hidden layer LM‐BPNN model is the better choice to characterize the small signal of GaAs pHEMT.
Travel for health as a type of niche tourism and economic growth: A cross‐country panel data analysis
Authors: Ağazade Seymur
Published: July 2024

Although the potential of the health tourism to support economic growth can be based on strong theoretical foundations, it is also argued that this tourism type may hinder economic growth by weakening labor productivity. On this basis, the present study aims to examine the effect of health tourism on economic growth. The study uses panel data fixed effects method with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors and dataset of 72 countries. The findings strongly supported that health tourism boosts economic growth. To be more precise, it was estimated that a one‐point increase in health tourism revenues, expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) of personal health travel exports, causes an increase of 4.9345 in GDP growth rate and 4.2558 in per capita GDP growth rate. Furthermore, the negative growth effect of health tourism through labor productivity, which is theoretically proposed and expressed as crowding‐out effect, was not supported by the findings.
Design of a highly efficient reconfigurable C/X dual‐band 15W GaN MMIC power amplifier using amplifier‐switch fusion technique
Authors: Zhang Wei , Tao Hongqi , Tao Haiyang , Meng Hongfu
Published: July 2024

This letter introduces the design of a highly efficient reconfigurable C/X dual‐band power amplifier (PA). Conventional dual‐band designs connect two amplifier branches for each band by a switch, whose transmitting losses will limit the efficiency of the PA. In alternative to the switching solution, the authors propose a novel design method using two branches of output matching networks (OMN) which the 5–6 and 8–12 GHz branch acting as active loads for each other, respectively. The band‐pass OMNs are applied, and parts of the passive matching components are replaced by transistors for channel selection. The proposed design has been simulated, implemented, and measured. The experimental results demonstrate a power added efficiency (PAE) of 45% at a pulsed output power (Pout) of 42 dBm in 5–6 GHz while a PAE greater than 39% at 42 dBm Pout in 8–12 GHz. Moreover, the second and third harmonics of both operating bands are compressed to −35 and −40 dBc, respectively. The proposed design technique addresses the challenges of low‐efficiency and lower‐band harmonic suppression in traditional dual‐band designs, making it suitable for application in next‐generation satellite communication and remote sensing systems.
A novel iterative method for simultaneously conjugate matching of N‐port networks
Authors: Fu Mingye , Dong Ruibing
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a novel iterative method is proposed to find the matching impedances for all‐port simultaneously conjugate matching of N‐port networks. This method takes advantages of the reciprocal and lossless features of the matching network, which leads to the unitary and symmetric properties of its S matrix. As a result, the computing complexity of this proposed method is analyzed and proved to be very efficiently reduced compared to previously reported methods. A two‐port network, two three‐port networks, a ten‐port network, and a four‐port 2 × 2 antenna array are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Noise‐reduction techniques for 1H‐FID‐MRSI at 14.1 T: Monte Carlo validation and in vivo application
Authors: Alves Brayan , Simicic Dunja , Mosso Jessie , Lê Thanh Phong , Briand Guillaume , Bogner Wolfgang , Lanz Bernard , Strasser Bernhard , Klauser Antoine , Cudalbu Cristina
Published: July 2024

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H‐MRSI) is a powerful tool that enables the multidimensional non‐invasive mapping of the neurochemical profile at high resolution over the entire brain. The constant demand for higher spatial resolution in 1H‐MRSI has led to increased interest in post‐processing‐based denoising methods aimed at reducing noise variance. The aim of the present study was to implement two noise‐reduction techniques, Marchenko–Pastur principal component analysis (MP‐PCA) based denoising and low‐rank total generalized variation (LR‐TGV) reconstruction, and to test their potential with and impact on preclinical 14.1 T fast in vivo 1H‐FID‐MRSI datasets. Since there is no known ground truth for in vivo metabolite maps, additional evaluations of the performance of both noise‐reduction strategies were conducted using Monte Carlo simulations. Results showed that both denoising techniques increased the apparent signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) while preserving noise properties in each spectrum for both in vivo and Monte Carlo datasets. Relative metabolite concentrations were not significantly altered by either method and brain regional differences were preserved in both synthetic and in vivo datasets. Increased precision of metabolite estimates was observed for the two methods, with inconsistencies noted for lower‐concentration metabolites. Our study provided a framework for how to evaluate the performance of MP‐PCA and LR‐TGV methods for preclinical 1H‐FID MRSI data at 14.1 T. While gains in apparent SNR and precision were observed, concentration estimations ought to be treated with care, especially for low‐concentration metabolites.
Proteomic biomarkers related to obesity in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and their associations with outcome
Authors: Petersen Teun B. , Suthahar Navin , Asselbergs Folkert W. , de Bakker Marie , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , Constantinescu Alina A. , van Ramshorst Jan , Katsikis Peter D. , van der Spek Peter J. , Umans Victor A. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Boersma Eric , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Kardys Isabella
Published: July 2024

Objective

Heart failure (HF) pathophysiology in patients with obesity may be distinct. To study these features, we identified obesity‐related biomarkers from 4210 circulating proteins in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and examined associations of these proteins with HF prognosis and biological mechanisms.

Methods

In 373 patients with trimonthly blood sampling during a median follow‐up of 2.1 (25th–75th percentile: 1.1–2.6) years, we applied an aptamer‐based multiplex approach measuring 4210 proteins in baseline samples and the last two samples before study end. Associations between obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and baseline protein levels were analyzed. Subsequently, associations of serially measured obesity‐related proteins with biological mechanisms and the primary endpoint (PEP; composite of cardiovascular mortality, HF hospitalization, left ventricular assist device implantation, and heart transplantation) were examined.

Results

Obesity was identified in 26% (96/373) of patients. A total of 30% (112/373) experienced a PEP (with obesity: 26% [25/96] vs. without obesity: 31% [87/277]). A total of 141/4210 proteins were linked to obesity, reflecting mechanisms of neuron projection development, cell adhesion, and muscle cell migration. A total of 50/141 proteins were associated with the PEP, of which 12 proteins related to atherosclerosis or hypertrophy provided prognostic information beyond clinical characteristics, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, and high‐sensitivity troponin T.

Conclusions

Patients with HFrEF and obesity show distinct proteomic profiles compared to patients with HFrEF without obesity. Obesity‐related proteins are independently associated with HF outcome. These proteins carry potential to improve management of obesity‐related HF and could be leads for future research.

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Current surgical approach: Extracranial malignant germ cell tumors
Authors: Rich Barrie S. , Weil Brent R. , Thaker Hatim , Cromeens Barrett P. , Stankovic Zoran B. , Billmire Deborah F. , Dicken Bryan J.
Published: July 2024

Germ cell tumors (GCT) are a complex, heterogeneous collection of tumors that may present in either gonadal or extragonadal sites. They consist of a variety of benign and malignant histologies that can occur at several locations throughout the body. An important component of treatment is surgical resection, and while the key components of resection are site specific, the universal goals of GCT resection include the complete resection of tumor without violating the tumor capsule, while preserving function of surrounding organs, minimizing morbidity, and assessing for regional spread.