Machine learning-enhanced detection of chlorpyrifos using molecularly imprinted polymer-coated optical fibers.

This paper explores the use of large core declad optical fibers coated with molecularly imprinted polymers for chlorpyrifos detection, a key marker of organophosphate pesticides. The performance of sensor is evaluated using artificial neural networks and principal component analysis. By varying the declad length, the performance of molecularly imprinted polymer-coated fibers is compared to uncoated fibers, and both are used to identify commercial and pure samples of chlorpyrifos pesticides.

Case studies in heritable vascular disease: Proceedings of the UTHealth Houston Multidisciplinary Aortic Conference.

Heritable thoracic aortic disease is caused by dominantly inherited mutations in more than a dozen genes, including mutations that cause Loeys-Dietz syndrome. McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston convenes a regular conference that includes cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, cardiologists, geneticists, radiologists, and pathologists to formulate multidisciplinary approaches for the management of complex heritable thoracic aortic disease cases. In this report, we highlight the unique management of individuals with distinct presentations of Loeys-Dietz syndrome owing to mutations.

Effect of low-level laser therapy on proliferation and cytotoxicity of mouse fibroblasts and human fibroblasts: An study.

Background: Diode laser is known for its biostimulatory effects on various cell populations such as osteoblasts and fibroblasts. The usage of low-level laser therapy for photobiomodulation depends on its type, emission wavelength, and energy selected. Previously performed studies have determined its effect on cell proliferation and cytotoxicity; however, the results were inconsistent.

The impact of Asian-Indian criteria for higher body mass index and preservative solutions on haemolysis of stored red blood cells: A prospective observational study.

Introduction: The quality of packed red blood cells (PRBC) is influenced by various factors such as the collection and processing method, storage conditions, type of bag materials used, anticoagulant properties, and donor characteristics. Studies have indicated that haemolysis in stored RBC bags is linked to male sex, older age, high haemoglobin count, and increased body mass index (BMI). The study's primary objective was to investigate whether a high BMI, as per Asian Pacific criteria among donors, is associated with an elevated haemolysis rate in stored RBC.

The Association of Race With Outcomes in Hospitalised Patients With Hepatorenal Syndrome: Nationwide Cohort Study.

Introduction: Racial/ethnic disparities have been previously reported in renal and hepatic disease care; however, acute kidney injury (AKI) in the setting of cirrhosis (hepatorenal syndrome [HRS]-AKI) despite its complexity requiring a multidisciplinary approach, remains understudied.

Methods: To identify unique associations of clinical and sociodemographic factors with mortality and length of stay (LOS) among patients hospitalised with HRS-AKI, hierarchical regression analysis was conducted, along with a mediation analysis to estimate how race-related differences in in-hospital mortality were influenced by payer type, area household income, and clinical severity.

Results: Black patients demonstrated a significantly higher odds of in-hospital mortality, compared to their white counterparts, adjusting for (1) sex and age, (2) sex, age, payer type, and area household income and (3) sex, age, and clinical severity [OR 1.

Formulation of Polymer-Augmented Surfactant-Based Oil-Water Microemulsions for Application in Enhanced Oil Recovery.

This research explores the development of engineered oil-water microemulsions stabilized by a synergistic combination of polymer and surfactant to enhance stability and interfacial properties for improved enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Conventional surfactant-stabilized emulsions often suffer from phase instability and limited wettability alteration during water flooding and chemical injection, hindering the EOR efficiency. In contrast, our formulations incorporating polymers significantly increase the emulsion viscosity and resilience to temperature fluctuations, resulting in enhanced phase stability.

Patterns and predictors of multiple sclerosis phenotype transition.

Currently, there are limited therapeutic options for patients with non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Therefore, real-world studies have investigated differences between patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Here, we explore patterns and predictors of transitioning between these phenotypes.

Development, and evaluation of film forming solutions for transdermal drug delivery of Zaltoprofen.

Zaltoprofen (ZAL) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with a short half-life (∼2.8 h) due to extensive first pass metabolism. In this context, 16 different polymeric film forming solutions (PFFS) of ZAL were developed using different grades of Eudragits, Polyvinylpyrrolidones, Kollicoat MAE 100 P and Hydroxypropyl cellulose as film formers, and polyethylene glycol 400 as a plasticizer in equal parts of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol used as solvents.

Benchmarking a dual-scale hybrid simulation framework for small globular proteins combining the CHARMM36 and Martini2 models.

Multi-scale models in which varying resolutions are considered in a single molecular dynamics simulation setup are gaining importance in integrative modeling. However, combining atomistic and coarse-grain resolutions, especially for coarse-grain force fields derived from top-down approaches, have not been well explored. In this study, we have implemented and tested a dual-resolution simulation approach to model globular proteins in atomistic detail (represented by the CHARMM36 model) with the surrounding solvent in Martini2 coarse-grain detail.

Salmonella Typhimurium effector SseI regulates host peroxisomal dynamics to acquire lysosomal cholesterol.

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium (Salmonella) resides and multiplies intracellularly in cholesterol-rich compartments called Salmonella-containing vacuoles (SCVs) with actin-rich tubular extensions known as Salmonella-induced filaments (SIFs). SCV maturation depends on host-derived cholesterol, but the transport mechanism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-derived cholesterol to SCVs remains unclear. Here we find that peroxisomes are recruited to SCVs and function as pro-bacterial organelle.

Impact of Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Viral Shedding on COVID-19 Disease Outcome and Viral Dynamics.

This article aimed to review the current literature on the impact of continuous shedding of the COVID-19 virus in infected patients in relation to disease outcome variables and viral dynamics. Electronic databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and MedlinePlus were searched using relevant keywords, restricting the selection to thirty-two peer-reviewed articles and four gray literatures from the WHO websites. Findings from this study showed that several variables such as sex, age, immune status, treatments, and vaccines were found to affect the outcomes associated with the COVID-19 virus shedding.

Effect of tea polyphenols on the quality of Mackerel puree () during refrigerated storage: Color, oxidative stability and microstructure.

This study investigated the impact of adding tea polyphenols (TP) on the quality of mackerel puree during refrigerated storage. The study used whole mackerel fish and analyzed the sensory characteristics, physicochemical properties, and microstructure of the puree. As storage time increased, significant changes occurred in the puree, including increased levels of thiobarbituric acid value, protein carbonyl, and free radicals.

Controlling the Reaction Pathways of Mixed NOH Reactants in Plasma-Electrochemical Ammonia Synthesis.

Electrochemical activation of dinitrogen (N) is notoriously challenging, typically yielding very low ammonia (NH) production rates. In this study, we present a continuous flow plasma-electrochemical reactor system for the direct conversion of nitrogen from air into ammonia. In our system, nitrogen molecules are first converted into a mixture of NO species in the plasma reactor, which are then fed into an electrochemical reactor.

Cardiovascular disease in adults with osteogenesis imperfecta: Clinical characteristics, care recommendations and research priorities identified using a modified Delphi technique.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a multisystem disorder most often caused by pathogenic variants in genes that encode type I collagen. Type I collagen is abundant not only in bone but also in multiple tissues including skin, tendons, cornea, blood vessels and heart. Thus, OI can be expected to affect cardiovascular system, and there are numerous reports of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with OI.

Contribution of rare chromosome 22q11.2 copy number variants to non-syndromic bicuspid aortic valve.

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect in adults, often leading to complications such as thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic stenosis. While BAV is frequently associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.

Preparation of composite film based on corn starch and soybean fiber composites blended in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride.

Background: To overcome the deficiency of pure starch in film-forming performance, ionic liquids (ILs) have been introduced when preparing a homogeneous blend of starch and fiber. It is essential to select the appropriate ratio of starch to fiber and evaluate the film-forming property of the resulted composites. In the present study, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl) was used to prepare composites of soybean fiber (SF) and corn starch (CS) at various ratios.

Chronic Inflammation and Cancer: Key Pathways and Targeted Therapies.

Recent research has underscored the pivotal role of chronic inflammation in cancer development. Investigations have elucidated key molecular mechanisms underpinning inflammation-related cancer. Extrinsic pathway, driven by inflammatory conditions and intrinsic pathway, propelled by genetic events, emerged as critical links between inflammation and carcinogenesis.

Links between single maltodextrin particles properties and powder functionality.

Maltodextrins are extensively used in the food industry to shape the physicochemical properties of food products. This multiscale study investigates three different Dextrose Equivalent (DE) maltodextrins as model matrices to elucidate the relationship between techno-functional behaviors and single particle surface properties. It was evidenced that environmental variations and glass transition influence single particle properties, significantly impacting the powder bulk behavior.

Barriers and facilitators for the use of telehealth by healthcare providers in India-A systematic review.

It is widely assumed that telehealth tools like mHealth (mobile health), telemedicine, and tele-education can supplement the efficiency of Healthcare Providers (HCPs). We conducted a systematic review of evidence on the barriers and facilitators associated with the use of telehealth by HCPs in India. A systematic literature search following a pre-registered protocol (https://doi.

Isolation of an exopolysaccharide-producing Weissella confusa strain from lettuce and exploring its application as a texture modifying adjunct culture in a soy milk alternative.

Consumers often seek healthier options but still desire the familiar eating experience of traditional dairy. Incorporating exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing cultures into fermented plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs) offers a promising approach to improving the textural quality of these products. For this, it is essential that the EPS-producing cultures are able to produce EPS in the plant-based substrate.

Drug Discovery in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Transformative Target-Based Approaches.

The complexities inherent in drug development are multi-faceted and often hamper accuracy, speed and efficiency, thereby limiting success. This review explores how recent developments in machine learning (ML) are significantly impacting target-based drug discovery, particularly in small-molecule approaches. The Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES), which translates a chemical compound's three-dimensional structure into a string of symbols, is now widely used in drug design, mining, and repurposing.