Immobilization of Chromium by Iron Oxides in Nickel-Cobalt Laterite Mine Tailings.

Mine tailings generated from hydrometallurgical processing of nickel-cobalt laterite deposits contain high levels of chromium (Cr), with the hexavalent species being a toxic pollutant and carcinogen. However, the partitioning, speciation, and local bonding environment of Cr in the mine tailings remain largely unknown, hindering our ability to predict its toxicity and long-term behavior. Coupling detailed mineralogical, spectroscopic, and geochemical characterization with sequential extraction of tailings from active and rehabilitated dams, we show that Cr is present in its least toxic form, Cr(III), and largely immobilized by recalcitrant minerals.

Associations between Functional Disability and Chronic Conditions with Depressive Symptoms in Vietnamese-Origin Older Refugees.

Previous studies have found a strong association between activities of daily living (ADL)/instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability, chronic conditions, and depressive symptoms, and these associations with specific disability and diseases varied by racial/ethnic groups. However, information is unavailable on these associations, especially with the older generation of refugee populations. Authors examined the association and explored which disability and chronic diseases might be associated with depressive symptoms among 208 Vietnamese-origin older adults (≥65 years) from the Vietnamese Aging and Care Survey (VACS) in the United States.

Exploring simultaneous production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and exopolysaccharides in cyanobacteria-rich microbiomes.

The aim of this study was to explore the viability of the dual production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) by seven microbiomes rich in cyanobacteria. Our initial experiments involved to screen for EPS-producing candidates and examine the impact of salinity and acetate on EPS synthesis. Salinity's known influence on EPS production and acetate's role in enhancing PHB production guided our parameter selection.

Development and Validation of a Combined RT-LAMP Assay for the Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Dengue Virus in Clinical Samples from Colombia.

: Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a significant public health concern in several tropical and subtropical regions, where early and rapid detection is crucial for effective patient management and controlling the spread of the disease. Particularly in resource-limited, rural healthcare settings where dengue is endemic, there exists a need for diagnostic methods that are both easy to perform and highly sensitive. : This study focuses on the development and validation of a single-tube reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification termed TURN-RT-loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of DENV.

Near-Peer Mentorship in a Medical-Student Led Oncology and Regenerative Medicine Research Education Program Increases STEM Interest in Underrepresented High School Students.

Students from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to pursue careers in healthcare and research. Despite the existence of many pipeline programs to reduce this disparity, there is still a need to effectively increase the diversity of the STEM workforce. Our research education program for underrepresented high school students attempts to bridge this gap by implementing the near-peer mentorship strategy by incorporating medical students in roles as program leaders and mentors.