Active Moss Biomonitoring of Mercury in the Mine-Polluted Area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Mt. Amiata, Central Italy).

Active biomonitoring of mercury (Hg) using non-indigenous moss bags was performed for the first time within and around the former Hg mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Mt. Amiata, central Italy). The purpose was to discern the Hg spatial distribution, identify the most polluted areas, and evaluate the impacts of dry and wet deposition on mosses.

Effectiveness and Impact of Transcript Analysis in Clinical Genetics Daily Practice.

Broad-spectrum genetic tests often lead to the identification of variants of uncertain significance (VUS), a major issue in modern clinical genetics. A fair proportion of VUS may alter the splicing processes, but their interpretation is challenging. This study aimed at providing a classification approach for VUS potentially-affecting splicing by integrating transcript analysis from peripheral blood mRNA into routine diagnostics.

Thermodynamic Langevin equations.

The physical significance of the stochastic processes associated to the generalized Gibbs ensembles is scrutinized here with special attention to the thermodynamic fluctuations of small systems. Differently from the so-called stochastic thermodynamics, which starts from stochastic versions of the first and second law of thermodynamics and associates thermodynamic quantities to microscopic variables, here we consider stochastic variability directly in the macroscopic variables. By recognizing the potential structure of the Gibbs ensembles, when expressed as a function of the potential entropy generation, we obtain exact nonlinear thermodynamic Langevin equations (TLEs) for macroscopic variables, with drift expressed in terms of entropic forces.

Updated Survival Follow-Up for Phase Ib Trial of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor Abexinostat With Pazopanib in Patients With Solid Tumor Malignancies.

Purpose: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition downregulates hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and modulates multiple metabolomic pathways relevant in cancer. Here we report a potential novel biomarker to predict exceptional responders (>3 years) in patients receiving HDAC and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition.

Patients And Methods: Patients with solid tumor malignancies were enrolled in this phase Ib trial of abexinostat (4/7 ×21 days) and pazopanib (28/28 days), with a dose expansion in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Use of Low-Cost Sensors to Study Atmospheric Particulate Matter Concentrations: Limitations and Benefits Discussed through the Analysis of Three Case Studies in Palermo, Sicily.

The paper discusses the results of the concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter, in the PM and PM fractions, acquired by two low-cost sensors. The research was carried out from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024, in Palermo, Sicily. The results obtained from two systems equipped with the same sensor model were compared.

Treatment strategies with electrochemotherapy for limb in-transit melanoma: Real-world outcomes from a European, retrospective, cohort study.

Background: This study analysed treatment strategies with electrochemotherapy (ECT) in melanoma with limb in-transit metastases (ITM).

Methods: We audited AJCC v.8 stage IIIB-IIID patients treated across 22 centres (2006-2020) within the International Network for Sharing Practices of ECT (InspECT).

Acceptability of Doxycycline Prophylaxis, Prior Antibiotic Use, and Knowledge of Antimicrobial Resistance Among Australian Gay and Bisexual Men and Nonbinary People.

Background: There is growing interest in novel sexually transmissible infection (STI) prevention strategies, including doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP). We assessed interest in doxy-PEP and other STI prevention strategies among gay and bisexual men and nonbinary people in Australia, as well as prior antibiotic use for STI prevention, and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Methods: We conducted a national, online survey in June to July 2023.

Generic Reporter Sets for Colorimetric Multiplex dPCR Demonstrated with 6-Plex SNP Quantification Panels.

Digital PCR (dPCR) is a powerful method for highly sensitive and precise quantification of nucleic acids. However, designing and optimizing new multiplex dPCR assays using target sequence specific probes remains cumbersome, since fluorescent signals must be optimized for every new target panel. As a solution, we established a generic fluorogenic 6-plex reporter set, based on mediator probe technology, that decouples target detection from signal generation.

Breast reconstruction with TiLOOP® Bra: Another arrow in plastic surgeons' quiver?

Background: The use of lower-pole sling products has made immediate breast reconstruction a feasible option in women undergoing skin-nipple sparing and skin-reducing mastectomies. To date, available data on the comparative efficacy of biological and synthetic meshes regarding postoperative complications are scattered and limited.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed to screen three different databases (PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Embase) using the following keywords: "breast reconstruction" AND "TiLOOP®" OR "Titanium-Coated Polypropylene Mesh" OR "TCPM".

Messaging About HIV Transmission Risk When Viral Load Is Undetectable: Reactions and Perceived Accuracy Among US Sexual Minority Men.

Background: Scientific evidence indicates that HIV viral suppression to an undetectable level eliminates sexual transmission risk ("Undetectable=Untransmittable" or "U=U"). However, U=U messaging has been met with skepticism among sexual minority men (SMM) and others. In this survey-based experiment, we manipulated messaging about HIV risk and examined reactions and perceived message accuracy among US SMM.

Corrigendum: Does sedation with AQUI-S mitigate transport stress and post transport mortality in ballan wrasse ()?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.

AI-assisted systematic review on remediation of contaminated soils with PAHs and heavy metals.

This systematic review addresses soil contamination by crude oil, a pressing global environmental issue, by exploring effective treatment strategies for sites co-contaminated with heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Our study aims to answer pivotal research questions: (1) What are the interaction mechanisms between heavy metals and PAHs in contaminated soils, and how do these affect the efficacy of different remediation methods? (2) What are the challenges and limitations of combined remediation techniques for co-contaminated soils compared to single-treatment methods in terms of efficiency, stability, and specificity? (3) How do various factors influence the effectiveness of biological, chemical, and physical remediation methods, both individually and combined, in co-contaminated soils, and what role do specific agents play in the degradation, immobilization, or removal of heavy metals and PAHs under diverse environmental conditions? (4) Do AI-powered search tools offer a superior alternative to conventional search methodologies for executing an exhaustive systematic review? Utilizing big-data analytics and AI tools such as Litmaps.co, ResearchRabbit, and MAXQDA, this study conducts a thorough analysis of remediation techniques for soils co-contaminated with heavy metals and PAHs.

The Implications of PrEP Use, Condom Use, and Partner Viral Load Status for Openness to Serodifferent Partnering Among US Sexual Minority Men (SMM).

PrEP has been reported to facilitate openness to serodifferent sexual partnerships among sexual minority men (SMM). However, other aspects of a sexual scenario likely come into play, including whether or not condoms are used and whether or not the partner living with HIV has an undetectable viral load. This online survey study evaluated the association between PrEP status and openness to serodifferent partnering, as well as the effects of various sexual scenario variables (condom use and partner's viral load) among 268 HIV-negative SMM in the US.

Does sedation with AQUI-S mitigate transport stress and post transport mortality in ballan wrasse (e)?

Ballan wrasse () are commonly used as cleaner fish in salmon farms as a biological treatment to mitigate sea lice infestation. Improved welfare for cleaner fish both during production of these fish and when in sea-cages with salmon is crucial for the industry's development. A common operational procedure in ballan wrasse production is transporting juveniles from one land-based farm to another for further on-growing.

The Potential Role of Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) in Reducing HIV Stigma among Sexual Minority Men in the US.

The Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) message and its scientific underpinnings have been widely suggested to reduce HIV stigma. However, misunderstanding and skepticism about U = U may prevent this destigmatizing potential from being fully realized. This cross-sectional study examined associations between U = U belief (belief that someone with a sustained undetectable viral load has zero risk of sexually transmitting HIV) and HIV stigma among US sexual minority men.

Social and structural factors associated with interest in HIV preexposure prophylaxis among Black women in the United States.

In a nationwide sample of cisgender Black women in the US, we assessed the associations between social and structural factors and interest in using HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Among 315 respondents, 62.2% were interested in PrEP if it were provided for free.

Reporter emission multiplexing in digital PCRs (REM-dPCRs): direct quantification of multiple target sequences per detection channel by population specific reporters.

Digital PCRs (dPCRs) are widely used methods for the detection and quantification of rare abundant sequences relevant to fields such as liquid biopsy or oncology. In order to increase the information content and save valuable sample materials, there is a significant need for digital multiplexing methods that are easy to establish, analyse, and interpret, and ideally allow the usage of existing lab equipment. Herein, we present a novel reporter emission multiplexing approach for the digital PCR method (REM-dPCR), which meets these requirements.

: Familiarity with, perceived accuracy of, and willingness to rely on Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) among gay and bisexual men in Australia: results of a national cross-sectional survey.

Background: The Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) message has been promoted since it was demonstrated that viral suppression through HIV treatment prevents sexual transmission between serodiscordant partners (HIV treatment as prevention). Our study assessed familiarity with, perceived accuracy of, and willingness to rely on U=U in a national sample of gay and bisexual men in Australia.

Methods: We conducted a national, online cross-sectional survey in April-June 2021.

Hellenic karst waters: geogenic and anthropogenic processes affecting their geochemistry and quality.

Karst hydrosystems represent one of the largest global drinking water resources, but they are extremely vulnerable to pollution. Climate change, high population density, intensive industrial, and agricultural activities are the principal causes of deterioration, both in terms of quality and quantity, of these resources. Samples from 172 natural karst springs were collected in the whole territory of Greece.

Acceptability and Effectiveness of a One-Hour Healthcare Provider Intervention Integrating HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and Cultural Competence Training.

Enhanced provider training could improve PrEP access and equity. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial comparing (a) a one-hour, group-based provider intervention integrating PrEP and Cultural Competence (PCC) training with (b) a standard HIV continuing medical education session (n = 56). PCC participants favorably rated the intervention and reported increased PrEP knowledge.

Familiarity with, perceived accuracy of, and willingness to rely on Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) among gay and bisexual men in Australia: results of a national cross-sectional survey.

Background: The Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U) message has been promoted since it was demonstrated that viral suppression through HIV treatment prevents sexual transmission between serodiscordant partners (HIV treatment as prevention). Our study assessed familiarity with, perceived accuracy of, and willingness to rely on U=U in a national sample of gay and bisexual men in Australia.

Methods: We conducted a national, online cross-sectional survey in April-June 2021.

Characterization of trace elements in thermal and mineral waters of Greece.

Natural thermal and mineral waters are widely distributed along the Hellenic region and are related to the geodynamic regime of the country. The diverse lithological and tectonic settings they are found in reflect the great variability in their chemical and isotopic composition. The current study presents 276 (published and unpublished) trace element water data and discusses the sources and processes affecting the water by taking into consideration the framework of their geographic distribution.