Ion channel traffic jams: the significance of trafficking deficiency in long QT syndrome.

A well-balanced ion channel trafficking machinery is paramount for the normal electromechanical function of the heart. Ion channel variants and many drugs can alter the cardiac action potential and lead to arrhythmias by interfering with mechanisms like ion channel synthesis, trafficking, gating, permeation, and recycling. A case in point is the Long QT syndrome (LQTS), a highly arrhythmogenic disease characterized by an abnormally prolonged QT interval on ECG produced by variants and drugs that interfere with the action potential.

CDK4 inactivation inhibits apoptosis via mitochondria-ER contact remodeling in triple-negative breast cancer.

The energetic demands of proliferating cells during tumorigenesis require close coordination between the cell cycle and metabolism. While CDK4 is known for its role in cell proliferation, its metabolic function in cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), remains unclear. Our study, using genetic and pharmacological approaches, reveals that CDK4 inactivation only modestly impacts TNBC cell proliferation and tumor formation.

Hyperedge overlap drives explosive transitions in systems with higher-order interactions.

Recent studies have shown that novel collective behaviors emerge in complex systems due to the presence of higher-order interactions. However, how the collective behavior of a system is influenced by the microscopic organization of its higher-order interactions is not fully understood. In this work, we introduce a way to quantify the overlap among the hyperedges of a higher-order network, and we show that real-world systems exhibit different levels of intra-order hyperedge overlap.

Gas-phase conformational landscape and ring-puckered structure of 1-aminoindane.

Indane-based molecules are effective scaffolds for different pharmaceutical products, so it is relevant to analyze the relation between structure and functionality in indane derivatives. Here, we have characterized the conformational landscape and molecular structure of 1-aminoindane in the gas phase using chirped-excitation Fourier-transform microwave spectroscopy and computational methods. The rotational spectrum confirmed the presence of two conformers, which were identified based on their rotational constants and 14N nuclear quadrupole coupling tensor elements.

Structure-Reactivity Relationship of Zeolite-Confined Rh Catalysts for Hydroformylation of Linear α-Olefins.

Substituting the molecular metal complexes used in the industrial olefin hydroformylation process is of great significance in fundamental research and practical application. One of the major difficulties in replacing the classic molecular metal catalysts with supported metal catalysts is the low chemoselectivity and regioselectivity of the supported metal catalysts because of the lack of a well-defined coordination environment of the metal active sites. In this work, we have systematically studied the influences of key factors (crystallinity, alkali promoters, etc.

Blending deep-learning and observers for improved state of charge estimation in vanadium flow batteries.

This paper presents the design and implementation of a deep-learning-based observer for accurately estimating the State of Charge (SoC) of a vanadium flow battery. The novelty of the proposal lies in its direct use of terminal voltage and the application of a machine learning algorithm to model the battery's overpotentials, leading to greater accuracy and reduced complexity compared to classical models. The overpotentials model consists of a neural network trained using data generated by a classical observer that estimates species concentration using a physical electrochemical model and the open-circuit voltage measurement.

Diversity and composition of ocular microbiota in contact lens wearers: Efficacy of liposomal ozonated oil.

Purpose: To characterize the ocular surface microbiota in regular contact lens wearers with dry eyes and assess the effectiveness of reducing bacterial load using a liposomal ozonated oil solution.

Methods: This prospective, longitudinal, controlled study randomized subjects into two groups. Group A (45 subjects) received hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, Artific®), while Group B (41 subjects) received ozonated sunflower seed oil with soybean phospholipids (OSSO, Ozonest®).

Liver Transplantation for Polycystic Disease: Experience and Results of a Single-Center Series.

Polycystic liver disease (PLD) is a hereditary condition, and its symptoms are due to the growth of cysts. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only curative treatment. A retrospective single-center analysis was conducted on the 10 LTs performed for PLD between 2004 and 2023.

Usefulness of Portable Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Hepatic Steatosis and Degree of Agreement With Macroscopic and Microscopic Findings of the Hepatic Graft Accepted for Transplantation.

Background: The viability of the liver pre-transplant depends on the type of donor, age, medical history, circumstances of death, result of analytics, and complementary exploration of the abdominal cavity. Abdominal ultrasound is the initial option for the assessment of previously unknown liver disease, such as the qualitative determination of hepatic steatosis . The presence of hepatic steatosis is considered a risk factor for graft failure after liver transplantation, therefore, at the time of clinical assessment of the donor or its presence in the macroscopic assessment in the operating room can be cause for rejection of the organ by the transplant teams.

The environmental impact of inhalers: a framework for sustainable prescription practices in Spain.

Background: The healthcare sector contributes significantly to global greenhouse emissions, with inhalers being major contributors.

Objective: To develop a framework for reducing the environmental footprint of inhalers in Spain by implementing greener prescription practices.

Methods: A multidisciplinary working group was formed, including hospital pharmacists, pulmonologists, and environmental experts.

Single cell combined with laser ablation ICP-MS to study cisplatinum (IV) loaded nanoparticles penetration pathways in osteosarcoma spheroids.

Background: 3D cellular structures have been considered the following step in the evaluation of drugs penetration after 2D cultures since they are more physiologically representative in cancer cell biology. Here the penetration capabilities of Pt (IV)-loaded ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles in 143B osteosarcoma multicellular spheroids of different sizes is conducted by a multidimensional quantitative approach. Single cell (SC) and imaging techniques (laser ablation, LA) coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are used to visualize their penetration pathways and distribution in comparison to those of cisplatin.

Feasible band boundaries computation in bilinear matrix decomposition using essential data.

Background: Multivariate curve resolution methods are usually confronted with non-unique pure component factors. This rotational ambiguity can be represented by ranges of feasible profiles, which are equally compatible with the imposed constraints. Sensor-wise N-BANDS is an effective algorithm for the calculation of the bounds of feasible profiles in the presence of noise, but suffers from high computational cost.

Comorbidity of migraine and fibromyalgia in patients with cluster headache: psychological burden and healthcare resource utilization. A cross-sectional study.

The aim was to describe the comorbidity and impact of fibromyalgia and/or migraine on patients with cluster headache. Comorbid diseases can exacerbate the physical and psychological burden experienced by patients. The comorbidities of cluster headache have been scarcely investigated, with the exception of migraine, which is well-known to coexist with cluster headache.

Magneto-Photochemically Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer for Underwater Actuation.

The quest for small-scale, remotely controlled soft robots has led to the exploration of magnetic and optical fields for inducing shape morphing in soft materials. Magnetic stimulus excels when navigation in confined or optically opaque environments is required. Optical stimulus, in turn, boasts superior spatial precision and individual control over multiple objects.

Drivers of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales colonization among residents of long-term health care facilities: a European multicentric prospective cohort study.

Background: ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) are highly prevalent in long-term healthcare (LTCF) settings. In order to estimate the acquisition rate of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in LTCF settings and identify clinical and environmental risk factors, a multicentric, prospective cohort study was conducted in six LTCFs in Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.

Methods: Longitudinal screening of residents was performed over 32 weeks, collecting epidemiological and clinical data and environmental samples.

First Metatarsal Osteotomy with an Intramedullary Locking Plate is a Good Alternative for the Reintervention of Recurrent Hallux Valgus.

This study describes the results of first metatarsal (M1) distal osteotomy with an intramedullary locking plate in persistent/recurrent painful hallux valgus (HV) deformity (without advanced degenerative changes) after primary surgery. Outcomes included postoperative incidences of HV angle (HVA)<16°, intermetatarsal angle (IMA)<9°, proximal articular set angle (PASA)<10°, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Data normality was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test, and preoperative vs.

Coenzyme Q deficiency disrupts lipid metabolism by altering cholesterol homeostasis in neurons.

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a critical component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. CoQ deficiencies often cause a variety of clinical syndromes, often involving encephalopathies. The heterogeneity of clinical manifestations implies different pathomechanisms, reflecting CoQ involvement in several biological processes.

Cannabinoid type-1 receptors in CaMKII neurons drive impulsivity in pathological eating behavior.

Overconsumption of palatable food and energy accumulation are evolutionary mechanisms of survival when food is scarce. This innate mechanism becomes detrimental in obesogenic environment promoting obesity and related comorbidities, including mood disorders. The endocannabinoid system favors energy accumulation and regulates reward circuits.

Harnessing Nature's Palette: Exploring Photosynthetic Pigments for Sustainable Biotechnology.

Photosynthetic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, microalgae, and anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (APB) have emerged as sustainable and economic biotechnology platforms due to their ability to transform energy from light into chemicals through photosynthesis. The light is absorbed by photosynthetic pigment-protein antenna complexes which are composed of pigments such as bacteriochlorophylls (BChl) and carotenoids in APB, and chlorophylls (Chl), phycobiliproteins (PBP), and carotenoids in cyanobacteria and microalgae. These photosynthetic pigments are essential in the physiology of photosynthetic microorganisms and offer significant health benefits due to their potent antioxidant activity, with properties that include anticancer, antiaging, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.