Long-term evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis activity with erythrocyte methotrexate-polyglutamate 3.

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), yet 30%-50% of RA patients develop resistance to MTX, which can manifest several years after treatment initiation.

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between erythrocyte methotrexate polyglutamates (MTX-PGs) subtype concentrations and clinical disease activity in RA patients undergoing long-term MTX treatment.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients on a stable dose of subcutaneous MTX for several years were included.

Genome-scale metabolic modelling reveals interactions and key roles of symbiont clades in a sponge holobiont.

Sponges harbour complex microbiomes and as ancient metazoans and important ecosystem players are emerging as powerful models to understand the evolution and ecology of symbiotic interactions. Metagenomic studies have previously described the functional features of sponge symbionts, however, little is known about the metabolic interactions and processes that occur under different environmental conditions. To address this issue, we construct here constraint-based, genome-scale metabolic networks for the microbiome of the sponge Stylissa sp.

Assessing Trauma and Training Needs of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Across the United States.

Background: Much of the research on sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) focuses on program outcomes rather than the individual experiences of SANEs. The present research therefore sought to examine the individual experiences of SANEs regarding trauma, support, training needs, and challenges.

Methods: A national sample of SANEs participated in an online survey.

Fracture Dynamics in Silicon Anode Solid-State Batteries.

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) with silicon anodes could enable improved safety and energy density compared to lithium-ion batteries. However, degradation arising from the massive volumetric changes of silicon anodes during cycling is not well understood in solid-state systems. Here, we use X-ray computed microtomography to reveal micro- to macro-scale chemo-mechanical degradation processes of silicon anodes in SSBs.

Characterization of Spirulina-derived extracellular vesicles and their potential as a vaccine adjuvant.

Spirulina is an edible cyanobacterium that increasingly gaining recognition for it untapped potential in the biomanufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Despite the rapidly accumulating information on extracellular vesicles (EVs) from most other bacteria, nothing is known about Spirulina extracellular vesicles (SPEVs). This study reports the successful isolation, characterization and visualization of SPEVs for the first time and it further investigates the potential therapeutic benefits of SPEVs using a mouse model.