Neutralizing antibody correlate of protection against severe-critical COVID-19 in the ENSEMBLE single-dose Ad26.COV2.S vaccine efficacy trial.

Assessment of immune correlates of severe COVID-19 has been hampered by the low numbers of severe cases in COVID-19 vaccine efficacy (VE) trials. We assess neutralizing and binding antibody levels at 4 weeks post-Ad26.COV2.

Genomics of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the ocular surface of dry eye disease sufferers.

Ocular surface inflammatory disorders, such as dry eye, are becoming increasingly prevalent. Developing new treatment strategies targeting harmful bacteria could provide significant therapeutic benefits. The purpose of this study was to characterize the common ocular pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and the rarer endophthalmitis-associated species Enterococcus faecalis isolated from the ocular surface of dry eye disease patients in Norway.

Adversarial Training Based Domain Adaptation of Skin Cancer Images.

Skin lesion datasets used in the research are highly imbalanced; Generative Adversarial Networks can generate synthetic skin lesion images to solve the class imbalance problem, but it can result in bias and domain shift. Domain shifts in skin lesion datasets can also occur if different instruments or imaging resolutions are used to capture skin lesion images. The deep learning models may not perform well in the presence of bias and domain shift in skin lesion datasets.

Activity restriction and risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Background: Activity restriction is a common recommendation given to patients during pregnancy for various indications, despite lack of definitive data showing improvements in pregnancy outcomes.

Objective: To determine if activity restriction (AR) in pregnancy is associated with decreased odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).

Study Design: Secondary analysis of the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-Be (nuMoM2b) prospective cohort.

Antifibrotic therapy in progressive pulmonary fibrosis: a review of recent advances.

Introduction: Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) is a manifestation of a heterogenous group of underlying interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnoses, defined as non-idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) progressive fibrotic ILD meeting at least two of the following criteria in the previous 12 months: worsening respiratory symptoms, absolute decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) more than or equal to 5% and/or absolute decline in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) more than or equal to 10% and/or radiological progression.

Areas Covered: The authors subjectively reviewed a synthesis of literature from PubMed to identify recent advances in the diagnosis and characterisation of PPF, treatment recommendations, and management challenges. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances and highlights future directions for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of PPF.

Decoding LY6G6D in colorectal cancer: Unraveling biomarker potential and therapeutic insights.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigates the role of LY6G6D, a member of the LY6/uPAR superfamily, in CRC. Employing a bioinformatic approach, we analyzed LY6G6D expression across different cancer types, compared it with known oncogenes in CRC, explored the involved genomic alterations, and assessed associated clinicopathological characteristics.

Influence of point mutations on PR65 conformational adaptability: Insights from molecular simulations and nanoaperture optical tweezers.

PR65 is the HEAT repeat scaffold subunit of the heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and an archetypal tandem repeat protein. Its conformational mechanics plays a crucial role in PP2A function by opening/closing substrate binding/catalysis interface. Using in silico saturation mutagenesis, we identified PR65 "hinge" residues whose substitutions could alter its conformational adaptability and thereby PP2A function, and selected six mutations that were verified to be expressed and soluble.

The diagnosis and management of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease-related interstitial lung disease: British Society for Rheumatology guideline scope.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a significant complication of many systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), although the clinical presentation, severity and outlook may vary widely between individuals. Despite the prevalence, there are no specific guidelines addressing the issue of screening, diagnosis and management of ILD across this diverse group. Guidelines from the ACR and EULAR are expected, but there is a need for UK-specific guidelines that consider the framework of the UK National Health Service, local licensing and funding strategies.

From scraps to purification: innovative use of food waste-derived hydrochar in eradicating pharmaceutical pollutants.

Chemical products (CPs) such as carbamazepine and naproxen, present in aquatic environments, pose significant risks to both aquatic life and human health. This study investigated the use of hydrothermally carbonized food waste-derived hydrochar (AC-HTC) at three distinct temperatures (200, 250, and 300 °C) as an adsorbent to remove these CPs from water. Our research focused on the impact of hydrothermal carbonization temperature on hydrochar properties and the effects of chemical activation with phosphoric acid on adsorption capacity.

Culture- and non-culture-based approaches reveal unique features of the ocular microbiome in dry eye patients.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ocular microbiome in individuals with dry eye disease and to identify features of their ocular microbiome of possible health and diagnostic significance.

Methods: Conjunctival samples were collected from both eyes in duplicate from 91 individuals (61 dry eye, 30 healthy) and used for both culture-dependent and culture-independent analyses. Samples were either analysed using next generation sequencing (V3-V4 16S rDNA) or inoculated on a wide range of agar types and grown under a broad range of conditions to maximize recovery.

Poly-γ-glutamylation of biomolecules.

Poly-γ-glutamate tails are a distinctive feature of archaeal, bacterial, and eukaryotic cofactors, including the folates and F. Despite decades of research, key mechanistic questions remain as to how enzymes successively add glutamates to poly-γ-glutamate chains while maintaining cofactor specificity. Here, we show how poly-γ-glutamylation of folate and F by folylpolyglutamate synthases and γ-glutamyl ligases, non-homologous enzymes, occurs via processive addition of L-glutamate onto growing γ-glutamyl chain termini.

Modulation by of stress-induced anxiogenesis and airway inflammation in rats.

Objectives: Stress is an aversive stimulus which disrupts the biological milieu of the organism and a variety of emotional and environmental stressors are known to influence allergic and immunological disorders like bronchial asthma but the pharmacological basis of such interactions is not clearly defined. (ashwagandha) is a potent anti-stress agent used widely in Indian traditional medicine and the present experimental study evaluated the effects of extract (WSE) on chronic stress-induced neurobehavioral and immunological responses in an experimental model of allergic asthma in rats.

Methods: Wistar rats (200-250 g) were immunized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) and exposed to restraint stress (RS) and WSE treatments for 15 days.

Real-world experience of nintedanib for progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease in the UK.

Background: Nintedanib slows progression of lung function decline in patients with progressive fibrosing (PF) interstitial lung disease (ILD) and was recommended for this indication within the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service in Scotland in June 2021 and in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in November 2021. To date, there has been no national evaluation of the use of nintedanib for PF-ILD in a real-world setting.

Methods: 26 UK centres were invited to take part in a national service evaluation between 17 November 2021 and 30 September 2022.

Sustainability assessment of biofuel and value-added product from organic fraction of municipal solid waste.

The current study aims to examine the techno-economic and environmental assessment of biorefinery development within a circular bioeconomy context by using an organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) by extraction of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins with 98, 51 and 62 % by mass of conversion efficiency and yield recovery, and value-added fractions production as well. Fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) and glycerol (biofuel) were produced by applying transesterification process, and the remaining biomass was converted into biocrude oil by thermal liquefication. The biorefinery using 613 kg of OFMSW produced biodiesel, glycerol, and bioethanol with 126 litter, 14.

Empirical analysis of cost-effective and equitable solid waste management systems: Environmental and economic perspectives.

The solid waste management (SWM) system is in a transitional phase in developing economies, and local municipalities and waste management companies are stepping toward integrating a waste treatment approach in the scheme of waste handling. However, there is an urgent need to explore cost-effective techniques, models, and potential revenue streams to sustain the state-run waste sector self-sufficiently. The proposed SWM model aims to support the local waste sector in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, with 100% service area coverage to attain environmental and economic sustainability by defining dedicated waste collection streams to ensure quality material recovery under a cost-effective approach and modality.

Antibody predictors of mortality and lung function trends in myositis spectrum interstitial lung disease.

Objectives: The impact of autoantibody profiles on the prognosis for idiopathic inflammatory myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (IIM-ILD) and myositis spectrum ILD with myositis-specific antibodies (MSAs) remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study examined whether serological profiles were associated with mortality or longitudinal lung function change.

Methods: The baseline clinical/demographic characteristics and follow-up lung function data of consecutive adult patients with IIM-ILD or interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) positive for MSAs (IPAF-MSA) were extracted from three hospitals.

Green loops and clean skies: Optimizing municipal solid waste management using data science for a circular economy.

The interplay between Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management and data science unveils a panorama of opportunities and challenges, set against the backdrop of rising global waste and evolving technological landscapes. This article threads through the multifaceted aspects of incorporating data science into MSW management, unearthing key findings, novel knowledge, and instigating a call to action for stakeholders (e.g.

Influence of Point Mutations on PR65 Conformational Adaptability: Insights from Nanoaperture Optical Tweezer Experiments and Molecular Simulations.

PR65 is the HEAT-repeat scaffold subunit of the heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and an archetypal tandem-repeat protein, forming a spring-like architecture. PR65 conformational mechanics play a crucial role in PP2A function by opening/closing the substrate-binding/catalysis interface. Using saturation mutagenesis we identified "hinge" residues of PR65, whose substitutions are predicted to restrict its conformational adaptability and thereby disrupt PP2A function.

Unveiling Scapular Pseudo-winging: A Case Report on Ventral Osteochondroma of the Scapula in a 21-year-old.

Introduction: Scapular pseudo-winging caused by ventral osteochondromas is a rare condition that has been reported in only a handful of cases. This case report describes a 21-year-old male patient with scapular pseudo-winging due to ventral osteochondromas of the scapula. This report adds to the limited literature on this topic and highlights the importance of considering ventral osteochondromas as a possible cause of scapular pseudo-winging.

Association between acceptance of routine pregnancy vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccine uptake in pregnant patients.

Objective: COVID-19 vaccination is a key approach to reduce morbidity and mortality in pregnant patients and their newborns. Anti-vaccine sentiment has recently increased with unclear impact on pregnant patients. We examined the association between acceptance of tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) and influenza vaccines, considered to be routine pregnancy vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Patient perspectives on home-spirometry in interstitial lung disease: a qualitative co-designed study.

Background: Opportunities for home-monitoring are increasing exponentially. Home- spirometry is reproducible and reliable in interstitial lung disease (ILD), yet patients' experiences are not reported. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with ILDs, maintaining health-related quality-of-life is vital.

Aluminum-Based Heterogeneous Surface for Efficient Solar Desalination and Fog Harvesting Processed by a Picosecond Laser.

Solar desalination and fog harvesting are two common ways to obtain fresh water, and both are promising methods to solve the water shortage problem. However, through either the fabrication of interfacial evaporators for solar desalination or the preparation of superwetting surfaces for fog harvesting, current methods suffer from long preparation times, high costs, and low efficiency. Herein, we report an efficient and simple method to process heterogeneous surfaces (HSs) on aluminum (Al) by picosecond laser processing combined with chemical treatment used for fog harvesting and seawater desalination.

Risk of Preterm Delivery in Very Advanced Maternal Age Parturients Utilizing In Vitro Fertilization.

Objective: Among patients ≥45 years, the birth rate in the United States continues to increase. As fertility declines with age, this cohort often utilizes assisted reproductive technology, specifically in vitro fertilization (IVF). While both advancing maternal age and IVF are independently associated with adverse maternal outcomes, data regarding their additive effect are scant.