Integrating C-H Information to Improve Machine Learning Classification Models for Microplastic Identification from Raman Spectra.

Research has shown microplastic particles to be pervasive pollutants in the natural environment, but labor-intensive sample preparation, data acquisition, and analysis protocols continue to be necessary to navigate their diverse chemistry. Machine learning (ML) classification models have shown promise for identifying microplastics from their Raman spectra, but all attempts to date have focused on the lower energy "fingerprint" region of the spectrum. We explore strategies to improve ML classification models based on the -nearest-neighbor algorithm by including other regions of the Raman spectra.

Sacubitril/valsartan reduces proteasome activation and cardiomyocyte area in an experimental mouse model of hypertrophy.

Sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) belongs to the group of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors and has been used for the treatment of heart failure (HF) for several years. The mechanisms that mediate the beneficial effects of Sac/Val are not yet fully understood. In this study we investigated whether Sac/Val influences the two proteolytic systems, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP), in a mouse model of pressure overload induced by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) treated with endothelin-1 (ET1) serving as a human cellular model of hypertrophy.

MRI Denoising Using Pixel-Wise Threshold Selection.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a promising technique for non-invasive medical imaging. The primary challenge in MRI is the trade-off between image visual quality and acquisition time. Current MRI image denoising algorithms employ global thresholding to denoise the whole image, which leads to inadequate denoising or image distortion.

Efficient enzyme-free isolation of brain-derived extracellular vesicles.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained significant attention as pathology mediators and potential diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative diseases. However, isolation of brain-derived EVs (BDEVs) from tissue remains challenging, often involving enzymatic digestion steps that may compromise the integrity of EV proteins and overall functionality. Here, we describe that collagenase digestion, commonly used for BDEV isolation, produces undesired protein cleavage of EV-associated proteins in brain tissue homogenates and cell-derived EVs.

Development of Undergraduate Competencies in Caring for People Experiencing Homelessness.

Background: Nurses play a critical role in reducing health inequities in people experiencing homelessness (PEH), a key social determinant of health. Health disparities specific to PEH are exacerbated by numerous factors, including bias, stigma, and a lack of nursing competency in caring for PEH.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to validate registered nurse key competencies; associated knowledge, skills, and attitudes; and concepts, content, and learning activities to serve as an educational framework in providing care for PEH.