A Global Collaborative Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Antigenicity Across 15 Laboratories.

Setting up a global SARS-CoV-2 surveillance system requires an understanding of how virus isolation and propagation practices, use of animal or human sera, and different neutralisation assay platforms influence assessment of SARS-CoV-2 antigenicity. In this study, with the contribution of 15 independent laboratories across all WHO regions, we carried out a controlled analysis of neutralisation assay platforms using the first WHO International Standard for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (source: NIBSC). Live virus isolates (source: WHO BioHub or individual labs) or spike plasmids (individual labs) for pseudovirus production were used to perform neutralisation assays using the same serum panels.

A 6.7 μW Low-Noise, Compact PLL with an Input MEMS-Based Reference Oscillator Featuring a High-Resolution Dead/Blind Zone-Free PFD.

This article reports a 110.2 MHz ultra-low-power phase-locked loop (PLL) for MEMS timing/frequency reference oscillator applications. It utilizes a 6.

A Petri Net and LSTM Hybrid Approach for Intrusion Detection Systems in Enterprise Networks.

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) are a crucial component of modern corporate firewalls. The ability of IDS to identify malicious traffic is a powerful tool to prevent potential attacks and keep a corporate network secure. In this context, Machine Learning (ML)-based methods have proven to be very effective for attack identification.

Newly Designed PCL-Wrapped Cryogel-Based Conduit Activated with IKVAV Peptide Derivative for Peripheral Nerve Repair.

The combination of macroporous cryogels with synthetic peptide factors represents a promising but poorly explored strategy for the development of extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking scaffolds for peripheral nerve (PN) repair. In this study, IKVAV peptide was functionalized with terminal lysine residues to allow its in situ cross-linking with gelatin macromer, resulting in the formation of IKVAV-containing proteinaceous cryogels. The controllable inclusion and distribution of the peptide molecules within the scaffold was verified using a fluorescently labelled peptide counterpart.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Modified with Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Microfibrillated Cellulose: Hydrolytic Degradation and Thermal and Mechanical Properties.

Blending poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) with other polymers could be a rapid and accessible solution to overcome some of its drawbacks. In this work, PHB was modified with microfibrillated cellulose (MC) and a thermoplastic polyurethane containing biodegradable segments (PU) by two routes, using a masterbatch and by direct mixing. The PU and MC modifiers improved the thermal stability of PHB by up to 13 °C and slightly decreased its melt viscosity and crystallinity, thus improving the melt processability.

The Catalytic Degradation of Waste PU and the Preparation of Recycled Materials.

In this paper, we investigated the efficient metal-free phosphorus-nitrogen (PN) catalyst and used the PN catalyst to degrade waste PU with two-component binary mixed alcohols as the alcohol solvent. We examined the effects of reaction temperature, time, and other factors on the hydroxyl value and viscosity of the degradation products; focused on the changing rules of the hydroxyl value, viscosity, and molecular weight of polyols recovered from degradation products with different dosages of the metal-free PN catalyst; and determined the optimal experimental conditions of reaction temperature 180 °C, reaction time 3 h, and PN dosage 0.08%.

Inkjet-Printed Graphene-PEDOT:PSS Decorated with Sparked ZnO Nanoparticles for Application in Acetone Detection at Room Temperature.

This work presents a simple process for the development of flexible acetone gas sensors based on zinc oxide/graphene/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate). The gas sensors were prepared by inkjet printing, which was followed by a metal sparking process involving different sparking times. The successful decoration of ZnO nanoparticles (average size ~19.

One-Off Irrigation Combined Subsoiling and Nitrogen Management Enhances Wheat Grain Yield by Optimizing Physiological Characteristics in Leaves in Dryland Regions.

Irrigation practice, tillage method, and nitrogen (N) management are the three most important agronomic measures for wheat ( L.) production, but the combined effects on grain yield and wheat physiological characteristics are still poorly understood. We conducted a three-year split-split field experiment at the junction of the Loess Plateau and Huang-Huai-Hai Plain in China.

Clonal Integration Promotes the Photosynthesis of Clonal Plant Under Heterogeneous Pb and/or Pyrene Stress.

Clonal plants can support the growth of their ramets in heterogeneous environments through clonal integration between the ramets. However, the role of clonal integration in modulating ramet photosynthesis under toxic stress, especially combined stress, is unclear. This study examines the impact of clonal integration on under three heterogeneous stresses (Pb, pyrene, and Pb+Pyrene) with two stolon connection conditions (connected and disconnected).

The First Report of -1-Carrying , Isolated from a Clinical Sample in the North-East of Romania.

Colistin resistance poses a significant clinical challenge, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria. This study investigates the occurrence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance among isolates (, , and spp.) and non-fermentative rods ( and ).

Liposomal and Nanostructured Lipid Nanoformulations of a Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Birch Bark Extract: Structural Characterization and In Vitro Effects on Melanoma B16-F10 and Walker 256 Tumor Cells Apoptosis.

: Pentacyclic triterpenoids are increasingly studied as anticancer agents with many advantages compared to synthetic chemotherapeutics. The aim of this study was to prepare liposomal and nanostructured lipid formulations including a standardized extract of silver birch () outer bark (TTs) and to evaluate their potential as anticancer agents in vitro, using Melanoma B16-F10 and Walker carcinoma cells. : Appropriate solvents were selected for efficient TTs extraction, and original recipes were used to obtain Pegylated liposomes and nanolipid complexes with entrapped TTs, comparative to pure standards (betulinic acid and doxorubicin) in similar conditions.

Reaction of Lactone-Containing Poly(benzofuran--arylacetic acid) with Diamines to Cross-Linked Products of Improved Thermal Conductivity.

The recently developed phenoplast-related polymer, poly(benzofuran--arylacetic acid), presents a versatile molecular structure containing lactone and carboxylic acid functionalities that offer significant flexibility in creating cured materials with tailored properties for diverse applications, wherein also the thermal conductivity is an important factor. This study analyses the possibility of forming amide moieties of poly(benzofuran--arylacetic acid) with diamines resulting in cross-linked products in order to control its thermal properties. The cross-linking process is achieved by utilizing three distinct diamines, 1,6-diaminohexane, -xylylenediamine, and 4,7,10-trioxa-1,13-tridecanediamine, each possessing different degrees of polarity, flexibility, and reactivity.

Characterization of Al-Containing Industrial Residues in the ESEE Region Supporting Circular Economy and the EU Green Deal.

The increase in industrial waste generation presents a global problem that is a consequence of the needs of modern society. To achieve the goals of the EU Green Deal and to promote the concept of circular economy (CE), the valorization of industrial residues as secondary raw materials offers a pathway to economic, environmental, energetic, and social sustainability. In this respect, Al-containing industrial residues from alumina processing (red mud), thermal power plants (fly ash and bottom ash), and metallurgy (slag), as well as other industries, present a valuable mineral resource which can be considered as secondary raw materials (SRMs) with the potential to be used in construction, supporting the concept of circular economy.

Closing the Loop: Solid Oxide Fuel and Electrolysis Cells Materials for a Net-Zero Economy.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs) represent a promising clean energy solution. In the case of SOFCs, they offer efficiency and minimal to zero CO emissions when used to convert chemical energy into electricity. When SOFC systems are operated in regenerative mode for water electrolysis, the SOFCs become solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOECs).

Band Alignment of Stacked Crystalline Si/GaN pn Heterostructures Interfaced with an Amorphous Region Using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy.

The energy band alignment of a stacked Si/GaN heterostructure was investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profiling, highlighting the influence of the amorphous interface region on the electronic properties. The crystalline Si/GaN pn heterostructure was formed by stacking a Si nanomembrane onto a GaN epi-substrate. The amorphous layer formed at the stacked Si/GaN interface altered the energy band of the stacked heterostructure and affected the injection of charge carriers across the junction interface region.

Evaluating the Appropriateness of Selected Foundry Sands for the Casting of Reactor Housings: A Study Based on Physicochemical Characterization Outcomes.

In the case of desulfurization and spheroization of cast iron using the in-mold method, in which the treated cast iron is poured into the reaction chamber and placed in the casting mold, the mineral raw material of the mold should support these processes. Therefore, it is important to know the physicochemical properties of the materials selected for the production of casting molds and to learn about the phenomena occurring during their pouring. The research presented in this paper was carried out on quartz, magnesite, chromite, and olivine sands.

Ketoconazole-Fumaric Acid Pharmaceutical Cocrystal: From Formulation Design for Bioavailability Improvement to Biocompatibility Testing and Antifungal Efficacy Evaluation.

Development of cocrystals through crystal engineering is a viable strategy to formulate poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients as stable crystalline solid forms with enhanced bioavailability. This study presents a controlled cocrystallization process by cooling for the 1:1 cocrystal of Ketoconazole, an antifungal class II drug with the Fumaric acid coformer. This was successfully set up following the meta-stable zone width determination in acetone-water 4:6 (/) and pure ethanol.

Foliar Application of Silicon Influences the Physiological and Epigenetic Responses of Wheat Grown Under Salt Stress.

Soil salinity is considered a serious problem that limits agricultural productivity. Currently, solutions are being sought to mitigate the negative impact of salt on economically important crops. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of silicon (Si) on the physiological and epigenetic responses of wheat grown under salt stress conditions.

Anti-Platelet Therapy with Cangrelor in Cardiogenic Shock Patients: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a proven therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cardiogenic shock (CS). Dual anti-platelet therapy (i.e.

Non-Invasive Cardiac and Vascular Monitoring in Systemic Sclerosis: Impact of Therapy on Subclinical Dysfunction.

: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) causes myocardial and microvascular impairment, with subclinical dysfunction and eventually permanent cardio-vascular damage. The long-term influence of SSc therapies on subclinical cardiovascular dysfunction is insufficiently investigated. We aimed to assess 2D and 4D cardiac ultrasound parameters of heart function in patients with different forms of SSc versus controls and to determine the evolution of cardiac function and arterial stiffness parameters under therapy.

Aerodigestoscopy (ADS): The Feasibility, Safety, and Comfort of a Comprehensive Procedure for the Evaluation of Physiological Disorders of the Aerodigestive Tract.

Limited access to the comprehensive assessment of disorders of the upper aerodigestive tract is a barrier to care in rural health facilities. Assessment of the full aerodigestive tract requires a variety of specialists. The inability to access the necessary specialists can result in misdiagnosis, underdiagnosis, and increased associated mortality.

Polyphenols: From Classification to Therapeutic Potential and Bioavailability.

Though ubiquitous in nature, polyphenols gained scientific prominence only after the pioneering work of researchers like E. Fischer and K. Freudenberg, who demonstrated their potential beyond traditional applications, such as in the leather industry.

Extraction Methods and Characterization of β-Glucans from Yeast Lees of Wines Produced Using Different Technologies.

Wine lees, the second most significant by-product of winemaking after grape pomace, have received relatively little attention regarding their potential for valorization. Despite their rich content in bioactive components such as β-glucans, industrial utilization faces challenges, particularly due to variability in their composition. This inconsistency impacts the reliability and standardization of final products, limiting broader adoption in industrial applications.

A Retrospective Study Reviewing Timing to Onset of Habitual Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures in a Home Video Telemetry Cohort.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the onset time to habitual psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in adults referred to Guy's and St Thomas' Neurophysiology Department for home video telemetry (HVT) with a clinical question of PNES. The primary objective was to determine the optimal time window for HVT recording for patients with suspected PNES to try to improve the allocation of clinical resources. The secondary objective was to explore any potential association between time to habitual PN ES onset and demographic indexes and other clinical, neuro-radiological and semiological findings.

Inhibitory Effects of Cenobamate on Multiple Human Cardiac Ion Channels and Possible Arrhythmogenic Consequences.

Cenobamate is a novel third-generation antiepileptic drug used for the treatment of focal onset seizures and particularly for multi-drug-resistant epilepsy; it acts on multiple targets: GABA receptors (EC 42-194 µM) and persistent neuronal Na currents (IC 59 µM). Side effects include QT interval shortening with >20 ms, but not <300 ms. Our in vitro cardiac safety pharmacology study was performed via whole-cell patch-clamp on HEK293T cells with persistent/inducible expression of human cardiac ion channel isoforms hNav1.