Analysis Of Samples Research Articles

Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalate esters, alkylphenols and alkyphenol ethoxylates in sediment using simultaneous focused ultrasound solid–liquid extraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up followed by liquid chromatography

The study presents a simple and non-laborious method for the determination of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 2 phthalate esters (PEs), 2 alkylphenols (APs) and 4 alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) in sediment. The method employs sample preparation combining focused ultrasound solid–liquid extraction (FUSLE) and in situ clean-up followed by liquid chromatography with fluorescence and ultraviolet detection. Extraction of 0.5 g sediment samples with 7 mL acetone in the presence of activated silica (0.5 g) and powdered copper (0.2 g) using an ultrasonic probe for 1 min resulted in recoveries of target analytes ≥ 78 %. The analytical method was classified as “acceptable green analysis” by the analytical Eco-Scale assessment (AESA) and scored 0.54 in the AGREEprep greenness assessment for sample preparation. Matrix-matched calibration was used to quantify analytes with a linear range for PAHs 2–1000 ng g–1, for PEs 100–5000 ng g–1 and for APs and APEOs 40–2000 ng g–1 dry weight. The reached limits of quantification (LOQ) for PAHs ranged from 1.1 to 3.1 ng g−1, for PEs from 122 to 124 ng g−1, for APs from 40 to 51 ng g−1 and for APEOs from 36 to 53 ng g−1. The applicability of the method was demonstrated by the analysis of real sediment samples and natural matrix certified reference material.

Evaluation of the Performance of Wastewater Treatment Plant at Steel Mill Karachi, Pakistan

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well Steel Mill Karachi's wastewater treatment system works. Wastewater treatment facilities employ the activated sludge technique. Several influent and effluent locations allowed for the collection of influent and effluent samples. A number of physicochemical parameters, such as total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), electric conductivity (EC), pH, and other metals, such as potassium (K), iron (Fe), sulphate (SO4-2), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg), were measured in order to evaluate the effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants. In a lab environment, the sample's analysis findings were compared to Sindh Environmental Quality Standards (SEQS) for Pakistan. EC, BOD5, COD, SO4-2, Ca, Mg, Na, K, TDS, TSS, EC, BOD5, COD, SO4-2, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, and Zn were removed to different degrees: 42.93%, 60.33%, 43.63%, 51.53%, 40.5%, 35.56%, 26.33%, 22.12%, 34.09%, 20.75%, 55.87%, 22.12%, and 76.10%. Only two metrics, the COD and Zn concentrations, were over the SEQS limits, keeping other effluent results parameters within the limits. Additionally, it is advised that proper maintenance be carried out to increase the effectiveness of wastewater treatment plants.

The effect of potassium levels on electrocardiographic data in calves with neonatal diarrhea

Objective: The objective of the current study was to assess the potassium levels and electrocardiographic (ECG) data in a cohort of 40 calves (age < 30 days) diagnosed with newborn diarrhea, originating from dairy farms located in Ankara, Turkey.
 Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on a dairy farm located in Ankara, involving a population of 500 dairy animals. The calves were divided into two groups: one group with normal potassium levels (n=24) and another group with hyperkalemia (n=16) due to neonatal diarrhea. After the initial clinical examination was conducted on the farm, electrocardiographic investigations were carried out utilizing an ECG equipment. The biochemical analysis of blood samples that were collected in red and dry collecting tubes was carried out with the assistance of an automated analyzing machine 
 Results: The findings indicate that there were no statistically significant differences observed across all ECG variables between the two groups.
 Conclusion: Acidemia and metabolic acidosis are commonly observed in calves suffering from hyperkalemic diarrhea, as documented in previous investigations, often accompanied by heart rhythm problems. In contrast, the current investigation revealed that neonatal calves with diarrhea and hyperkalemia had just a deepening of the T wave, without any additional abnormalities. Nevertheless, it is important to note that acidemia and metabolic acidosis were not of a severe nature. The implementation of Holter monitoring is indicated for calves experiencing hyperkalemia in conjunction with diarrhea.

A Cone Beam CT Bronchoscopy Study of the Ultrathin Cryoprobe for Biopsy of Peripheral Lung Lesions.

Compared with the standard cryoprobe, the novel ultrathin 1.1mm cryoprobe (UTCP) has improved ergonomics, shape memory, and flexibility. The performance of UTCP has demonstrated promising results in several small trials. In this single-center, retrospective review, we examine 200 (N=200) consecutive patients referred for cone beam CT bronchoscopic biopsy of peripheral lung lesions. We utilized an extended multimodality approach, including transbronchial needle aspirate, brush, traditional forces biopsies, UTCP biopsies, and BAL. We analyzed tool in lesion, tool touch lesion, center strike rates, and diagnostic yield. We assessed for molecular adequacy and analyzed safety. A total of 222 lesions were biopsied. We achieved a tool in lesion or tool touch lesion confirmation for all biopsy attempts (100%) and a center strike rate of 68%. AQuIRE diagnostic yield was 90%, with 60% malignant, 30% benign lung nodules, and 10% nondiagnostic. UTCP was diagnostic in 3.6 % of peripheral lung lesions biopsies when all other modalities were nondiagnostic; thus, raising our overall diagnostic yield from 86.4% to 90.1%. Our analysis demonstrates superior adequacy for molecular analysis for histologic samples (TBBX or UTCP) versus cytologic samples (FNA) ( P <0.001). Three patients (1.5%) had a pneumothorax, and 1 patient (0.5%) had moderate bleeding. UTCP was diagnostic in 3.6% of peripheral lung lesions when all other modalities were nondiagnostic. In the setting of CBCT guidance, UTCP has a similar safety profile to standard biopsy tools. Future trials are warranted to assess UTCP and its impact on peripheral lung lesion biopsies.

Characteristic Features of Kolludere Valley (Bitlis-Hizan) Honey

This study was carried out to reveal the characteristic features of honey produced in the Kolludere Valley, which is located within the borders of the Hizan district of Bitlis province. This area is isolated as there are no seasonal migratory beekeepers. In 2022, a flora study was carried out in the area and 133 plant taxa belonging to 19 families from which bees receive nectar or pollen were identified. 23 of these taxa are endemic. Content analysis of honey samples taken from the study area was carried out. Proline value, which is an important parameter of honey quality, was determined as 809.41 mg kg-1, diastase number 28.9, HMF 2.9 mg kg-1, and sucrose 0.2 g/100g. All other parameters (humidity, acidity, pH, fructose+glucose, fructose/glucose, saccharose, maltose, electrical conductivity) were also met standart according to the values of the Food Codex Honey Communiqué and European Union Standards. In addition, pollen analysis of honey samples was made and the data were compared with the flora. In honey samples, pollen is generally minor or rare, and pollen of a dominant taxon was found in only one sample. For this reason, most of the honey produced in the Kolludere Valley was evaluated as flower honey.

Rostrupomyces, a new genus to accommodate Xerocomussisongkhramensis, and a new Hemileccinum species (Xerocomoideae, Boletaceae) from Thailand.

A new genus, Rostrupomyces is established to accommodate Xerocomussisongkhramensis based on multiple protein-coding genes (atp6, cox3, tef1, and rpb2) analyses of a wide taxon sampling of Boletaceae. In our phylogeny, the new genus was sister to Rubinosporus in subfamily Xerocomoideae, phylogenetically distant from Xerocomus, which was highly supported as sister to Phylloporus in the same subfamily Xerocomoideae. Rostrupomyces is different from other genera in Boletaceae by the following combination of characters: rugulose to subrugulose pileus surface, white pores when young becoming pale yellow in age, subscabrous stipe surface scattered with granulose squamules, white basal mycelium, unchanging color in any parts, yellowish brown spore print, and broadly ellipsoid to ellipsoid, smooth basidiospores. In addition, Hemileccinuminferius, also from subfamily Xerocomoideae, is newly described. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the new genus and new species are presented.

Incorporating machine learning and PPI networks to identify mitochondrial fission-related immune markers in abdominal aortic aneurysms

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a disease characterised by inflammation and progressive vasodilatation, for novel gene-targeted therapeutic loci. MethodsTo do this, we used weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene analysis on samples from the GEO database. Additionally, we carried out enrichment analysis and determined that the blue module was of interest. Additionally, we performed an investigation of immune infiltration and discovered genes linked to immune evasion and mitochondrial fission. In order to screen for feature genes, we used two PPI network gene selection methods and five machine learning methods. This allowed us to identify the most featrue genes (MFGs). The expression of the MFGs in various cell subgroups was then evaluated by analysis of single cell samples from AAA. Additionally, we looked at the expression levels of the MFGs as well as the levels of inflammatory immune-related markers in cellular and animal models of AAA. Finally, we predicted potential drugs that could be targeted for the treatment of AAA. ResultsOur research identified 1249 up-regulated differential genes and 3653 down-regulated differential genes. Through WGCNA, we also discovered 44 genes in the blue module. By taking the point where several strategies for gene selection overlap, the MFG (ITGAL and SELL) was produced. We discovered through single cell research that the MFG were specifically expressed in T regulatory cells, NK cells, B lineage, and lymphocytes. In both animal and cellular models of AAA, the MFGs' mRNA levels rose. ConclusionWe searched for the AAA novel targeted gene (ITGAL and SELL), which most likely function through lymphocytes of the B lineage, NK cells, T regulatory cells, and B lineage. This analysis gave AAA a brand-new goal to treat or prevent the disease.

Exploring the potential of SrTi0.7Fe0.3O3 perovskite/Chitosan nanosheets for the development of a label-free electrochemical sensing assay for determination of naproxen in human plasma samples

Naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat nonrheumatic inflammation, migraine, and gout. Therefore, the determination of naproxen in pharmaceutical and biological samples is of particular importance. In the present work, SrTi0.7Fe0.3O3 perovskite/Chitosan nanosheets were used to modify the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for highly sensitive determination of naproxen. To ensure the successful synthesis of the perovskite nanosheets, morphological studies including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were carried out. The electrochemical investigations of naproxen on the modified surface of GCE were investigated and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were acquired 0.50 and 1.67 μM, respectively. Additionally, the linear range (LR) of 1.99–130.84 μM was obtained for the oxidation of naproxen. The obtained results have been proved that the mentioned method is simple, sensitive, and specific with a short analysis time. The dominant analytical features of the designed sensor are possessing a low detection limit, excellent stability, repeatability, and high selectivity in the presence of naproxen. For investigation of the applicability of the designed assay in real sample analysis, human plasma samples have been examined and a recovery index was acquired 95%.

Correlation of Geotechnical and Mineralogical Properties of Lithomargic Clays in Uttara Kannada Region of South India

The present study explores the intricate relationship between the geotechnical and mineralogical properties of lithomargic clays in the Uttara Kannada region of south India. Lithomargic clays, characterized by their unique composition of clay minerals and calcareous content, play a crucial role in the geotechnical behavior of soils. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between the mineralogical composition and engineering characteristics of lithomargic clays, shedding light on their suitability for various construction and infrastructure projects. The research methodology involves a systematic analysis of lithomargic clay samples collected from different locations in the Uttara Kannada region. Geotechnical investigations, including particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR) and triaxial tests, are conducted to assess the engineering properties of the clays. Concurrently, mineralogical analyses, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are employed to identify and quantify the clay mineral constituents within the samples. The findings of this study reveal correlations between specific mineralogical features and geotechnical behaviors of lithomargic clays. Understanding these relationships is crucial for predicting the response of these clays to different engineering applications, including slope stability, foundation design and embankment construction. The research contributes valuable insights to the scientific and engineering communities, aiding in the informed utilization of lithomargic clays in geotechnical projects in the Uttara Kannada region and beyond. The outcomes of this investigation, such as the correlation of geotechnical properties with the variation in minerals in various sample locations, enhance our understanding of the complex nature of lithomargic clays, providing a foundation for more sustainable and effective engineering practices in the geologically diverse landscapes of south India.

A Novel Validated GC-MS/MS Method for the Estimation of N-Nitroso Dimethyl Amine and N-Nitroso Diethyl Amine in Zidovudine.

A novel method has been developed for the estimation of N-Nitroso dimethyl amine impurities (NDMA) and N-Nitroso diethyl amine (NDEA) in Zidovudine by using Gas chromatograph Triple Quadrupole Mass with Liquid autosampler (GC-MS/MS) and the method is validated as per International Conference on Harmonization recommendations. Sample analysis was executed for Zidovudine by developed method. Both NDMA and NDEA were detected in below quantitation limit for the Zidovudine batches. Efficient chromatographic separation was achieved on a DB-WAX 30m length × 0.25mm internal diameter, 0.5-μm film thickness, Triple quad-8040 GC-MS/MS. Quantification was carried out at Triple quad electron ionization source was at a column flow of 1.5mL/min at a column oven temperature 50°C. The precision was in the range of 0.9-2.5% for NDMA and 0.8-2.3% for NDEA, and regression analysis shows as r value (correlation coefficient) of is >0.99. This method is capable to detect the NDMA and NDEA impurities in Zidovudine at a level of 0.006ppm for limit of detection and 0.018ppm for limit of quantitation with respect to test concentration of 66.66mg/mL.

Abstract 4039: Enhanced anti-cancer efficacy of the AhR Inhibitor DA-4505 in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment: Attenuation of lung metastasis and elimination of tumor

Abstract Background: The Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is one of the most predominant regulators of cancer metabolism. AhR plays a crucial role in inhibiting the activation of immune cells and promoting the growth of tumor cells. Here, we propose that a best-in-class AhR inhibitor, DA-4505, improves anti-tumor efficacy in combination with anti-PD-1. Methods: To explore the anti-tumor effects, DA-4505 was administered at a daily dose of 10 mg/kg either alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 (10 mg/kg) in a syngeneic mouse model. Tumor volume, survival rates, and metastasis were measured, and immune profiles were evaluated using mIHC, flow cytometry, and scRNAseq. Results: The synergistic anti-tumor effects of the DA-4505 and aPD-1 combination therapy were observed across four mouse tumor models (CT26, 4T1, LLC, TC1). The combination group demonstrated a significant improvement in anti-tumor efficacy compared to the monotherapy groups. Despite the moderate response of aPD-1 in the CT26 colon tumor model, the combination group displayed heightened anti-tumor effects through increase in CD8 T cell activity (P&amp;lt;0.05). In the LLC and TC1 lung cancer models, the combination therapy demonstrated improved anti-tumor effects and survival rates (P&amp;lt;0.001). Notably, the LLC model exhibited a significant increase in M1-type macrophages, while the TC1 model showed a significant augmentation in functional markers of CD3+ T cells within the combination group (P&amp;lt;0.05). In both models, there was a significant reduction in the ratio of immunosuppressive M-MDSC and PMN-MDSC in the combination group. Immune depletion assays elucidated that DA-4505 mediated anti-tumor effects by increase in CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and macrophages in the CT26 model. In contrast, the LLC model exhibited the contribution of macrophages and CD4+ T cells to anti-tumor effects in the combination group (P&amp;lt;0.05). To assess the impact on metastasis inhibition, an orthotopic model of 4T1 mouse tumor was established, revealing a significantly increased anti-tumor effects and survival rate in the combination group, accompanied by a reduced lung metastasis ratio. H&amp;E staining confirmed diminished migration of tumor tissue to adjacent areas. scRNAseq analysis of CT26 tumor samples indicated consistent changes at the gene expression level, reflecting a decrease in metastasis-related MMP and VEGF genes in the combination group and an increasing trend in cytotoxicity-related genes following DA-4505 treatment. Conclusion: The AhR inhibitor, DA-4505, has demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor efficacy when administered in combination with anti-PD-1. Furthermore, it not only promoted tumor elimination but also demonstrated significant efficacy in inhibiting metastasis. This study highlights the potential of combining AhR inhibitors with immunotherapies for clinical treatment. Citation Format: Dong Kwon Kim, Sujeong Baek, Seung Min Yang, Young Taek Kim, Joon Yeon Hwang, Seul Lee, Seong-san Kang, Mi hyun Kim, Heekyung Han, Kwangmin Na, Chai Young Lee, Yu Jin Han, Taedong Han, Hyounmie Doh, Jongho Cho, Dajeong Kim, Daewon Cha, Jae Hwan Kim, Youngseon Byeon, Young Seob Kim, Mi Ran Yun, Jii Bum Lee, Min Hee Hong, Sun Min Lim, Kyoung-Ho Pyo, Byoung Chul Cho. Enhanced anti-cancer efficacy of the AhR Inhibitor DA-4505 in combination with anti-PD-1 treatment: Attenuation of lung metastasis and elimination of tumor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4039.

Abstract 4920: A nanopore sequencing approach characterizes cell-free DNA methylation-fragmentomics profiles indicative of breast cancer in a large cohort

Abstract The detection of breast cancer from cell-free DNA (cfDNA) offers a new approach with the potential to benefit individual screening and early detection. However, identifying breast cancer from cfDNA remains a major challenge when one uses conventional short-read sequencing. Methylation and DNA fragmentation characteristics provide highly informative biomarkers for detecting and monitoring cancer. To characterize these genomic features from cfDNA, we developed an approach using single molecule Nanopore sequencing. Single cfDNA molecules are sequenced intact with the methylation and fragment size directly extrapolated from Nanopore data. Moreover, our approach requires small amounts of cfDNA to discern specific genomic features from individual molecules. Thus, the use of Nanopore sequencing provides both methylation and fragment size as directly measured from native cfDNA without the use of any chemical processing or other molecular manipulation. We studied an extended breast cancer cohort with in total 1080 of samples, consisting of 440 untreated breast cancer patients and 640 healthy controls. Nanopore sequencing analysis of these cfDNA samples identified a range of 1 to 4 million CpG sites from 1 ml of plasma. Leveraging the cohort, we developed an ensemble classifier for breast cancer detection based on cfDNA methylation and fragmentation. The classifier leveraged a leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) to generate predicted probability. We created nucleosome-specific methylation scores as the input features to the classifier, which scores quantified the similarity of each sample's methylation profile to a training set on a selected set of CpG sites associated with cancers. Furthermore, we also identified DNA fragmentation features, revealing distinct mono-nucleosome and di-nucleosome patterns that distinguish cancers from healthy controls. Aggregating the DNA nucleosome-specific scores and fragmentation features, we built an ensemble LOOCV random forest model. We applied the model to the breast cancer cohort and achieved a detection specificity of 74%, a sensitivity of 71%, and an overall accuracy of approximately 73%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) reached 80%. We validated the classifier with two external independent cohorts. Validation cohort 1 demonstrated as a specificity of 85%, a sensitivity of 80%, and overall accuracy of 83% with AUROC of 90%. Validation cohort 2 without controls demonstrated that the classifier achieved a sensitivity of 94%. Both validation sets confirm that our model can achieve excellent performance for early breast cancer detection. In summary, our findings demonstrate that nanopore sequencing provides cfDNA methylation and fragment profiling that enables breast cancer detection. This approach holds the potential to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Citation Format: Xiangqi Bai, Billy T. Lau, Alison Almada, Sue Grimes, Tianqi Chen, Hojoon Lee, Hanlee P. Ji. A nanopore sequencing approach characterizes cell-free DNA methylation-fragmentomics profiles indicative of breast cancer in a large cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4920.

Abstract 4079: EGL-001 is a novel immunocytokine designed to specifically target and disarm T regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment

Abstract Introduction Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies targeting PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 have greatly improved clinical outcome in many cancers. However, multiple mechanisms of resistance to ICB severely limit the number of patients experiencing long-term survival benefits. Overcoming resistance to ICB represents a significant challenge for drug development. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) prevent effector T cells (Teffs) from mounting a productive immune response and have been implicated in ICB resistance. Novel therapeutic strategies aimed at disarming Tregs in the TME could restore anti-tumor responses and sensitize patients to ICB therapy. Treg survival is dependent on interleukin-2 (IL-2), which signals in Tregs via the high affinity IL-2 receptor (IL-2R). Tumor-associated Tregs differentiate from tumor-associated Teffs and from peripheral Tregs by higher expression of CD25, the IL-2R alpha chain. Tregs in the TME also express higher surface levels of CTLA-4 as compared to peripheral Tregs. Thus, CD25 and CTLA-4 overexpression could allow preferential targeting of tumor-associated Tregs. Methods and Results We used single-cell RNA sequencing data from cancer patients and flow cytometry analysis of human tumor samples to verify that CD25 and CTLA-4 are selectively overexpressed in tumor-associated Tregs as compared with peripheral Tregs or other T cells. Based on these findings, we developed EGL-001, a novel immunocytokine (ICK) comprising a humanized IgG1 directed against CTLA-4 fused to a Treg-specific IL-2R antagonist IL-2 mutein, to selectively target tumor infiltrating Tregs. EGL-001 IgG1 moiety binds membrane CTLA-4, as demonstrated by flow cytometry, and competes with CTLA-4-CD80/86 interaction, as evaluated by ELISA. EGL-001 IL-2 mutein moiety binds to CD25, as demonstrated by bio-layer interferometry, and specifically blocks high-affinity IL-2R signaling in Tregs. Signaling blockade is further potentiated by a CTLA-4 dependent CD25 downmodulation process evidenced by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. We demonstrate that EGL-001 unique tumor-associated Treg-targeted dual mechanism of action results in increased Treg apoptosis and decreased Treg frequencies in multiple in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo systems. Importantly, EGL-001 only minimally affects IL-2 signaling and survival of Teffs, which are then expected to be unleashed from Treg cell-mediated suppression. Accordingly, EGL-001 induces anti-tumor responses in mice in combination with anti-PD1 therapy. Conclusions EGL-001 is an ICK with a novel and unique mechanism of action combining ICB and Treg selective IL-2 starvation, designed to specifically disarm and deplete tumor-associated Tregs. Based on our preclinical data, EGL-001 is being developed as a cancer immunotherapeutic to improve patients’ response to ICB and counteract ICB resistance. Citation Format: Fiorella Kotsias, Caroline Janot-Sardet, Pamela Pamela Caudana, Erica Russo, Marine Dubois, Andres Zucchetti, Mercedes Tkach, Sebastien Lemoine, Ilgar Z. Mamedov, Alvaro Lladser, Jordan Denizeau, Annalisa Meola, Christine Sedlik, Edith Borcoman, Felix Rey, Pablo Guardado-Calvo, Bernard Vanhove, Monica Gostissa, Eliane PIaggio. EGL-001 is a novel immunocytokine designed to specifically target and disarm T regulatory cells in the tumor microenvironment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4079.

Chronic kidney disease and outcomes in hospitalized sickle cell disease patients: A National Inpatient Sample analysis.

To examine the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and outcomes in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Patients ≥18 years with SCD in the National Inpatient Sample database between 2016 and 2018 were identified using ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. A 1:1 propensity-score matched analysis was performed to compare in-hospital outcomes of patients with and without CKD. Of the 366 240 SCD admissions, 19 365 (5.3%) had CKD. The CKD group had higher odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-4.12, p = <.01), blood transfusion (OR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.47-1.90, p < .01), mechanical ventilation (OR 2.20, 95% CI: 1.56-3.12, p = <.01), sepsis (OR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.46-2.10, p < .01), incurred higher costs ($53 255 vs. $47 294, p < .001), but had lower odds of acute chest syndrome (OR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.95, p = 0.02) and pulmonary embolism (OR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.31-0.67, p < .01). CKD was associated with higher mortality, higher costs, blood transfusion, sepsis, and mechanical ventilation in SCD patients. Further studies are needed to explore the reasons for the reduced odds of pulmonary embolism and acute chest syndrome.

How does a motor or cognitive dual-task affect our sense of upper limb proprioception?

Daily upper limb activities require multitasking and our division of attention. How we allocate our attention can be studied using dual-task interference (DTi). Given the vital role proprioception plays in movement planning and motor control, it is important to investigate how conscious upper limb proprioception is impacted by DTi through cognitive and motor interference. To examine how dual-task interference impacts conscious upper limb proprioception during active joint repositioning tasks (AJRT). Forty-two healthy participants, aged between 18 and 35, took part in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed two AJRT during three conditions: baseline (single task), dual-cognitive task (serial subtractions), and dual-motor task (non-dominant hand movements). The proprioceptive error (PE; difference between their estimation and targeted position) was measured using an AJRT of 75% and 90% of maximum internal rotation using the Biodex System IIITM and the Upper Limb Proprioception Reaching Test (PRO-Reach). To determine if PEs differed during dual-task interference, interference change scores from baseline were used with one sample t-tests and analyses of variance. The overall mean PE with the Biodex was 4.1° ± 1.9 at baseline. Mean change scores from baseline reflect a mean improvement of 1.5° ± 1.0 (p < .001) during dual-cognitive task and of 1.5° ± 1.2 (p < .001) during dual-motor task. The overall mean PE with the PRO-Reach was 4.4cm ± 1.1 at baseline. Mean change scores from baseline reflect a mean worsening of 1.0cm ± 1.1 (p < .001) during dual-cognitive task and improvement of 0.8cm ± 0.6 (p < .001) during dual-motor task. Analysis of variance with the Biodex PEs revealed an interference effect (p < .001), with the cognitive condition causing greater PEs compared to the motor condition and a criterion position effect (p = .006), where 75% of maximum IR produced larger PEs during both interference conditions. An interference effect (p = .022) with the PRO-Reach PEs was found highlighting a difference between the cognitive and motor conditions, with decreased PEs during the contralateral motor task. Interference tasks did impact proprioception. Cognitive interference produced mixed results, whereas improved proprioception was seen during motor interference. Individual task prioritization strategies are possible, where each person may choose their own attention strategy when faced with dual-task interference.

Identification of key genes for atherosclerosis in different arterial beds

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the pathologic basis of various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, with a high degree of heterogeneity among different arterial beds. However, mechanistic differences between arterial beds remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to explore key genes and potential mechanistic differences between AS in different arterial beds through bioinformatics analysis. Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS), femoral atherosclerosis (FAS), infrapopliteal atherosclerosis (IPAS), abdominal aortic atherosclerosis (AAS), and AS-specific differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from the GSE100927 and GSE57691 datasets. Immune infiltration analysis was used to identify AS immune cell infiltration differences. Unsupervised cluster analysis of AS samples from different regions based on macrophage polarization gene expression profiles. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify the most relevant module genes with AS. Hub genes were then screened by LASSO regression, SVM-REF, and single-gene differential analysis, and a nomogram was constructed to predict the risk of AS development. The results showed that differential expression analysis identified 5, 4, 121, and 62 CAS, FAS, IPAS, AAS-specific DEGs, and 42 AS-common DEGs, respectively. Immune infiltration analysis demonstrated that the degree of macrophage and mast cell enrichment differed significantly in different regions of AS. The CAS, FAS, IPAS, and AAS could be distinguished into two different biologically functional and stable molecular clusters based on macrophage polarization gene expression profiles, especially for cardiomyopathy and glycolipid metabolic processes. Hub genes for 6 AS (ADAP2, CSF3R, FABP5, ITGAX, MYOC, and SPP1), 4 IPAS (CLECL1, DIO2, F2RL2, and GUCY1A2), and 3 AAS (RPL21, RPL26, and RPL10A) were obtained based on module gene, gender stratification, machine learning algorithms, and single-gene difference analysis, respectively, and these genes were effective in differentiating between different regions of AS. This study demonstrates that there are similarities and heterogeneities in the pathogenesis of AS between different arterial beds.

Synergistic effects of hybrid microfibers on mechanical, thermal, and microstructural characterization of nanocomposites.

The use of geopolymers (GP) in cementitious composites provides a solution to reduce the significant carbon emissions associated with conventional cement production, thereby advancing environmentally friendly concrete construction practices. The promise of hybrid fiber-reinforced fly ash (FA)-based GP (HFGP) composites that combine microfibers and nanoparticles has not yet been fully comprehended. This research aims to enhance the mechanical and microstructural properties of HFGP blends by varying the proportion of nano calcium carbonate ( ). The production of HFGP involved the use of two types of fibers: 1% carbon fibers and 0.5% basalt fibers. To achieve HFGP blends with a consistent fiber ratio, we incorporated four different levels of , comprising 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% of the mixture. The analysis of fractured samples encompassed microstructural and mineralogical characterization, which was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results unveiled that the HFGP blend containing 3% exhibited the highest levels of hardness, compressive strength, toughness modulus, and flexural strength while the use of 2% produced the highest results for fracture toughness and impact strength. SEM analysis illustrated that had a significant positive impact on the microstructure of GP. A considerable rise in hump intensity between 20 and 40°C ( ) was also seen in the XRD examination, indicating that calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) had formed after the primary binder, such as sodium aluminosilicate hydrate (NASH), had been present. The stretching of O-H bonds in water molecules was also seen in the HFGP spectra at 3399, 3436, 3436, and 3438cm-1. Due to the higher water content in the HFGP network, which may influence the material's strength, these bands were more apparent and larger in specimens with additions of nanoparticles and hybrid fibers.

Identification of Microplastics Using µ-Raman Spectroscopy in Surface and Groundwater Bodies of SE Attica, Greece

Sixteen surface (5) and groundwater (11) samples were collected from the south-eastern part of Attica, Greece, and analysed for physico-chemical parameters and microplastics (MPs) by optical microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy (RS). A total of 3399 particles were optically identified in all sixteen samples, ranging from only 16 particles/L in a sample from a deeper borehole to 513 particles/L in a sample from a shallow water well. They were then visually classified into eight categories based on their color, texture, size, reflectivity, shape, and general morphological properties. Raman microspectroscopy was performed on the particles on the filters and revealed four different types of MPs, namely polyethylene (PE, 35%), polypropylene (PP, 30%), polystyrene (PS, 10%), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET, 25%). The samples from the shallow phreatic aquifer contained more MPs than the samples from the deeper borehole, which contained fewer MPs and categories. This is to be expected, since the phreatic aquifer (a) is generally more contaminated, as it is close to human activities that generate MPs and its infiltration depth is only a few metres, which means that many microplastics can infiltrate at such shallow depths, and (b) it is exposed to the atmosphere, so they can also be suspended in the air. On the other hand, it is interesting to note that MPs, especially PET and PE, were detected in the borehole sample, suggesting that MPs can migrate to greater depths through water infiltration. Chemical analyses of the groundwater samples revealed high values of E.C., Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, and Na+, which indicate that seawater intrusion is taking place in the coastal aquifer system of the Erasinos basin. The increased concentrations of NO3− and PO43− also indicate the impact of agricultural activities.

Electrochemiluminescence detection of diazinon in vegetables based on the synergistic interaction of WO3-x dots with Au@SiO2 nanocapsules

In this work, a simple synthesis of low-toxicity transition metal material of WO3-x dots was used as a co-reactant with Au@SiO2 as a core-shell material and a signal amplification factor to collaboratively promote Ru(bpy)32+ electrochemiluminescence (ECL) for the construction of a highly sensitive aptasensor for the detection of diazinon (DZN) in vegetables. Electrodes modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes-chitosan composite membranes (MWCNTs-CS) were used to load and immobilize more Ru(bpy)32+.can load more Ru(bpy)32+. WO3-x dots synthesized by a simple method showed excellent ECL efficiency as a novel co-reactant for Ru(bpy)32+. Under optimized conditions, this aptasensor for DZN has a wide detection range (10 pg mL−1 - 1 μg mL−1.) and a low detection limit (0.0197 ng L−1). The aptasensor has shown good results in the analysis of real samples in the experiment. This work provides a new approach to the construction of a novel electrochemiluminescence sensor for the detection of pesticides.

Monitoring of multiple fabrication parameters of electrospun polymer fibers using mueller matrix analysis

Electrospun polymer fiber mats feature versatile applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, water treatment and chemical processes. The orientation of fibers within these mats is a crucial factor that significantly influences their properties and performance. However, the analysis of fiber samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has limitations such as time consumption, fixed assembly, and restricted field of vision. Therefore, a fast and reliable method for qualitative measurements of fiber orientation is required. Mueller matrix polarimetry, a well-established method for measuring orientation of chemical and biological species, was employed in this case. We investigated the effect of four important parameters of the electrospinning process, namely collector speed, applied voltage, needle-to-collector distance, and solution concentration, on fiber orientation using Mueller matrix polarimetry thus extending the range of parameters analyzed. Measurements were performed using two extreme values and a central optimized value for each fabrication parameter. Changes in matrix values were observed for each fabrication parameter, and their correlation with fiber orientation was analyzed based on the Lu-Chipman decomposition. The results were compared with SEM images, which served as the ground truth, and showed overall good agreement. In the future, the analysis of electrospun polymer fibers can be done by using Mueller matrix polarimetry as alternative to current technology and fabrication parameters, including solution concentration for the first time in this context and the production can quickly be adjusted based on the outcome of the measurements.