Virus-free CRISPR knock-in of a chimeric antigen receptor into KLRC1 generates potent GD2-specific natural killer cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells are an appealing off-the-shelf, allogeneic cellular therapy due to their cytotoxic profile. However, their activity against solid tumors remains suboptimal in part due to the upregulation of NK-inhibitory ligands, such as HLA-E, within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we utilize CRISPR-Cas9 to disrupt the KLRC1 gene (encoding the HLA-E-binding NKG2A receptor) and perform non-viral insertion of a GD2-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) within NK cells isolated from human peripheral blood.

Enhancing Aqueous Stability of Anionic Surfactants in High Salinity and Temperature Conditions with SiO Nanoparticles.

In chemical-enhanced oil recovery (cEOR), surfactants are widely used but face significant stability challenges in high-salinity brine, where they often degrade or precipitate. Existing methods, such as adding cosurfactants, offer limited compatibility with anionic surfactants and raise economic concerns, creating a need for more robust solutions. This study introduces a novel approach to enhance the stability of anionic surfactants in extreme salinity conditions by incorporating silicon dioxide (SiO) nanoparticles (NPs).

Efficacy and safety of oral versus vaginal misoprostol for medical management of first trimester missed abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Missed abortion in the first trimester is characterized by the cessation of embryonic or fetal development while the cervix remains closed, often resulting in little to no bleeding. Ultrasound examinations typically reveal an empty gestational sac or an embryo/fetus that lacks cardiac activity. Misoprostol is the primary medication used to manage early pregnancy loss.

Investigating the triple-frequency ultrasound-assisted fermented rice lees: Impact on physicochemical, structural, morphological, and metabolic properties.

This study examined the effect of triple-frequency ultrasound treatment (TFUT)-assisted lactic acid bacteria (LAB-L. plantarum and L. helveticus fermentation for 24-h and 48-h) on the chemical, structural, morphological, metabolic, and sensory properties of rice lees (RL).

Systematic review of cognitive impairment in drivers through mental workload using physiological measures of heart rate variability.

The intricate interplay between driver cognitive dysfunction, mental workload (MWL), and heart rate variability (HRV) provides a captivating avenue for investigation within the domain of transportation safety studies. This article provides a systematic review and examines cognitive hindrance stemming from mental workload and heart rate variability. It scrutinizes the mental workload experienced by drivers by leveraging data gleaned from prior studies that employed heart rate monitoring systems and eye tracking technology, thereby illuminating the correlation between cognitive impairment, mental workload, and physiological indicators such as heart rate and ocular movements.

Multi-frequency sono-fermentation with mono and co-cultures of LAB synergistically enhance mulberry juice: Evidence from metabolic, micromorphological, sensorial, and computational approaches.

The effect of multi-frequency ultrasound-assisted (20/28/40 KHz) lactic acid bacteria (LAB- Lacticaseibacillus casei, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus helveticus) fermentation (mono and co-cultures) on the metabolic, structural, micromorphological, and sensorial properties of mulberry juice were evaluated. Results indicated that multi-frequency ultrasound-assisted fermentation significantly modified the microstructure of mulberry juice powder, resulting in more porous and rougher surfaces with irregular indentations. Total phenolic content in the best-performing sample (S10) increased to 365.

Layered MOF supported on 2D delaminated MXene (MoTiC) nanosheets boosted water splitting.

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have a porous structure, high surface area, and high charge transfer, and they have been regarded as model electrocatalysts. Optimization of the electrocatalytic activity of MOFs is challenging, and an effective strategy for this optimization is the construction of a well-defined interfacial bond bridge. In this work, an approach of composite synthesis is reported for MOF (CoNiNHBDC) with MXenes (MoTiC), as the electrocatalytic properties of MOF can be greatly enhanced with the incorporation of the conductive material MXene.

Response to "Postoperative Outcomes of Fontan Operation in a Multicenter Italian Study".

The article "Postoperative Outcomes of Fontan Operation in a Multicenter Italian Study" by Irene Cao et al. provides valuable insights into early outcomes of the Fontan procedure. However, it highlights significant limitations, including the lack of long-term follow-up, restricting understanding of lasting patient health effects.

Response to "Effect of Bedside Ultrasound‑Guided Versus Fluoroscopy‑Guided Transvenous Cardiac Temporary Pacing in Children with Bradyarrhythmia".

The article "Effect of Bedside Ultrasound‑Guided Versus Fluoroscopy‑Guided Transvenous Cardiac Temporary Pacing in Children with Bradyarrhythmia" offers valuable insights into comparative short-term pacing strategies for pediatric bradyarrhythmias. This letter commends the study for its relevance and potential to improve patient care but highlights several limitations. Notably, the study overlooks the impact of genetic factors on bradyarrhythmias and treatment outcomes, lacks detailed information on the influence of medications, and does not address the cost-effectiveness of the pacing techniques.

Application of Endothermic Fluids to Lower the Breakdown Pressure of Unconventional Reservoirs: Implications for Hydraulic Fracturing.

Unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs are challenging media to exploit and develop for energy due to very low permeability. As such, unconventional means, such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, are typically practiced. During hydraulic fracturing, the formation breakdown pressure is of great importance and determines the fluid pumping cost.

Diving deep into healing: the promising role of fish skin in wound recovery.

Fish skin has emerged as a potential candidate for improving wound healing due to its notable results in human trials, in which it has been directly applied as a dressing on wounds. The current review explores the mechanisms by which fish skin can boost the wound healing process. The natural wound healing process involves inflammation at the wound site to initiate tissue repair.

Letter to the editor: Role of extracorporeal life support for traumatic hemopericardium: A single level I trauma center review.

While this study sheds light on the valuable clinical outcomes regarding the use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in managing traumatic hemopericardium, I would like to emphasize a few critical areas that would improve the study's findings.