Potential Difference Research Articles

Equivalent circuits in nanopore-based electrochemical systems

Single-nanopore membranes constitute physical models for biological ion channels and are also central to electrochemical energy transducers, logical circuits in sensors and actuators, and converters in bioelectrical interfaces. The membrane potential, defined as the electrical potential difference established between two different ionic solutions separated by the membrane, is crucial for the electrical coupling of nanofluidic concentration cells to electronic components such as load capacitors and resistors. Here we analyze, theoretically and experimentally, the validity of basic principles governing electric circuit theory such as the Thévenin equivalent circuit, the additivity of voltages and resistances, and the Millman theorem in nanopore-based concentration cells. To this end, we consider a wide range of practical conditions with respect to salt concentrations, nanopore asymmetry, electrical capacitances, and series and parallel arrangements. Additionally, we investigate the scaling of the single pore results to the multipore case. The results obtained suggest that basic circuit models offer approximate tools to guide the analysis of the nanofluidic concentration cells.

Modification of heart rate variability induced by focal muscle vibration in patients with severe acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT Background/Purpose Heart rate variability (HRV) is a biomarker of autonomic nervous system (ANS) reaction in persons with severe acquired brain injury (sABI) who undergo a rehabilitation treatment, such as focal muscle vibration (FMV). This study aims to evaluate if and how FMV can modulate HRV and to compare potential differences in FMV modulation in HRV between patients with sABI and healthy controls. Methods Ten patients with sABI and seven healthy controls have been recruited. Each individual underwent the same stimulation protocol (four consecutive trains of vibration of 5 minutes each with a 1-minute pause). HRV was analyzed through the ratio of frequency domain heart-rate variability (LF/HF). Results In the control group, after performing FMV, a significant LF/HF difference was observed in the in the second vibration session compared to the POST phase. Patients with SABI treated on the affected side showed a statistically significant LF/HF difference in the PRE compared to the first vibration session. Conclusion These preliminary results suggest that FMV may modify the cardiac ANS activity in patients with sABI.

Porous CN@MOF derived N, S-doped hierarchical framework carrying Co3Fe7/Fe0.8Co0.2S heterojunction: An efficient bifunctional cathode catalyst for Zn–air battery

The exploiting of bifunctional transition metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of significance for the commercialization of rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, the N and S atoms-doped hierarchical carbon framework hosting the Co3Fe7/Fe0.8Co0.2S heterojunction is synthesized by employing porous g-C3N4 as framework and spacer, and FeCo-ZIF as metal source followed by sulfidation and pyrolysis. The detailed characterization confirms that the porous g-C3N4 plays a crucial role in improving the dispersion of metal nanoparticles. The obtained FeCo-Sx@NSC-900 catalysts exhibit layered accumulation configuration with uniformly distributed metal nanoparticles. Moreover, the typical carbon@metal nanoparticles and heterojunction structure can be observed from the HRTEM (High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy) and HAADF-STEM (high-angle annular dark-field STEM) analysis results. The optimal FeCo-Sx@NSC-900 catalysts deliver exceptional ORR and OER performance with a potential difference between ORR and OER of merely 0.713 V, which is superior to the commercial Pt/C+RuO2 catalysts and other monometallic catalysts. Additionally, the ZAB assembled with the optimal FeCo-Sx@NSC-900 catalysts as cathode affords a good battery performance with high OCV (1.50 V), large power density (172 mW/cm2), good discharge stability, large specific capacity, and long-term charge/discharge stability (>300 cycles).

Is Takotsubo syndrome induced by patent ductus arteriosus occlusion?

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), commonly referred to as "broken heart syndrome," is a distinctive form of acute and reversible heart failure that primarily affects young to middle-aged individuals, particularly women. While emotional or physical stressors often trigger TTS, rare cases have been linked to interventional procedures for congenital heart disease (CHD). Despite its recognition, the exact causes of TTS remain elusive. Research indicates that dysregulation in autonomic nerve function, involving sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, plays a pivotal role. Genetic factors, hormonal influences like estrogen, and inflammatory processes also contribute, unveiling potential gender-specific differences in its occurrence. Understanding these multifaceted aspects of TTS is crucial for refining clinical approaches and therapies. Continued research efforts will not only deepen our understanding of this syndrome but also pave the way for more targeted and effective diagnostic and treatment strategies. In this report, we conduct an in-depth analysis of a case involving a TTS patient, examining the illness progression and treatment procedures. The aim of this analysis is to enhance the understanding of TTS among primary care physicians. By delving into this case, we aspire to prevent misdiagnosis of typical TTS cases that patients may present, thereby ensuring a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Exploring the quadriceps muscle architecture variations in various sports disciplines: a comparative analysis of football, taekwondo, and athletics.

The purpose of this study was to comprehensively investigate and compare the architecture of the quadriceps muscle in football, taekwondo, and athletics, shedding light on potential differences and providing valuable insights for athletic training and performance enhancement. Thirty-five athletes (football[N.]=14. [7 women, 7 men]; taekwondo [N.]=11. [6 women, 5 men]; athletics [N.]=10. [5 women, 5 men]) aged 17-21 years participated in the study. After participant demographic data were collected, 2D real-time B-mode ultrasound (USG) and right (R) and left (L) leg quadriceps muscle group rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus lateralis, pennation angle (PA), RF cross-sectional area (CSA), and subcutaneous fat thickness were determined. In the study, in female athletes, R-RF+VI (P=0.04, ES:4.34), R-VI (P=0.01, ES: 6.1), R-RF: (P=0.009, ES: 7.9), R-CSA (P=0.04, ES: 5.2), L-RF (P=0.002, ES: 10.4) and L-CSA (P=0.007, ES: 7.7) significant differences were found in favor of the Football group. In male athletes, R-CSA (P=0.004, ES: 9.05), L-RF (P=0.05, ES: 3.5) and L-SFT (P=0.00, ES: 13.6), there was a significant difference in favor of the Football group. L-PA (P=0.009, ES: 6.2). L-PA (P=0.009, ES: 6.2) was significantly higher in the male Taekwondo group. Our research findings show that there is a significant relationship between the type of exercise performed and the structural differences observed in the quadriceps muscle. Consequently, it is highly recommended to consider the outcomes of our study for enhancing the efficacy of training programs in the domains of football, taekwondo, and athletics.

English comparative modals and their complements

English comparative modals are combinations of the adverbs rather, sooner and better with an auxiliary. There is recent consensus that the comparative modals rather and sooner have over time developed a different syntax and semantics than better. However, potential differences in the syntax of rather and sooner with respect to patterns of complementation haven’t been explored. This article reports the results of a corpus study of these two modals and finds that rather patterns like object-raising verbs, allowing a range of complements that are unavailable for sooner. Our analysis of these patterns draws on recent work in the Construction Grammar framework, with forays into its formal implementation, Sign-Based Construction Grammar, and we propose that rather differs from sooner in that it constitutes a micro-construction whose features are licensed by both the Modal Construction and the Object-Raising Construction, the latter a subtype of the Transitive Construction.

Electrochemical Behavior of Niobium Oxide and Titanium Oxide in NaF–Na3AlF6 Molten Salt

The Bayan Obo ore deposit is a world-renowned polymetallic coexistence mine that integrates important elements, such as rare earths, iron, niobium, and titanium. The chemical properties of niobium and titanium are similar, and the two often coexist in the Bayan Obo deposit as isomorphs, making them difficult to separate. Therefore, the separation of niobium and titanium is crucial for the efficient utilization of niobium resources in the Bayan Obo ore deposit of China. To discuss the feasibility of separating niobium and titanium by selective electrolysis, cyclic voltammetry and square wave voltammetry were used to study the reduction mechanism of niobium oxide and titanium oxide in NaF–Na3AlF6 molten salt. The results revealed significant differences in the diffusion coefficients and reduction steps of Nb5+ and Ti4+ during reduction at a molybdenum cathode. At 950 °C, the diffusion coefficient of Nb5+ during reduction at a molybdenum cathode was 3.57 × 10–6 cm2/s. Also, in the NaF–Na3AlF6 system, Nb5+ underwent a three-step reduction as follows: Nb(V)→Nb(IV)→Nb(I)→Nb. The diffusion coefficient of Ti4+ during reduction at the molybdenum cathode was 9.92 × 10–7 cm2/s, and Ti4+ underwent a two-step reduction in the NaF–Na3AlF6 system: Ti(IV)→Ti(I)→Ti. When Nb2O5 and TiO2 were both present in the NaF–Na3AlF6 system, the deposition potential of niobium metal (−0.64 V) differed from that of titanium metal (−0.77 V). These differences in diffusion coefficient, reduction step, and deposition potential enabled selective electrolytic separation of niobium and titanium.

Evaluation of outcomes of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeting therapies for acute and preventive migraine treatment based on patient sex.

Women show increased prevalence and severity of migraine compared to men. Whether small molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP-R) antagonists (i.e., gepants) and monoclonal antibodies targeting either the CGRP-R or the CGRP peptide might show sexually dimorphic outcomes for acute and preventive therapy has not been established. We conducted a subpopulation analysis of available published data from FDA reviews to evaluate potential sex differences in the response rates of ubrogepant, rimegepant and zavegepant for acute migraine therapy. Available data from FDA reviews of erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab and eptinezumab, approved CGRP-R and CGRP monoclonal antibodies and of atogepant were examined for prevention outcomes based on patient sex. Preventive outcomes were analyzed separately for patients with episodic migraine and chronic migraine. In women, the three approved gepants produced statistically significant drug effects regardless of dose tested on the FDA mandated co-primary endpoints, the proportion of patients achieving two-hour pain-freedom and the proportion of patients free of their most bothersome symptom at two hours post-dose. In women, the average placebo-subtracted two-hour pain-freedom proportion was 9.5% (CI: 7.4 to 11.6) and the average numbers needed to treat was 11. The free from most bothersome symptom at two hours outcomes were also significant in women. The gepant drugs did not reach statistically significant effects on the two-hour pain-freedom endpoint in the men, with an average drug effect of 2.8% (CI: -2.5 to 8.2) and an average number needed to treat of 36. For freedom from most bothersome symptom at two hours post-dose endpoint, differences were not significant in male patients. The treatment effect in each of the gepant studies was always numerically greater in women than in men. In evaluation of prevention outcomes with the antibodies or atogepant using the change from the specified primary endpoint (e.g., monthly migraine days), the observed treatment effect for episodic migraine patients almost always favored drug over placebo in both women and men. For chronic migraine patients the treatment effects of antibodies were similar in men and women and always favored the drug treated group.Conclusion/Interpretation: Small molecule CGRP-R antagonists are effective in acute migraine therapy in women but available data do not demonstrate effectiveness in men. CGRP-targeting therapies are effective for migraine prevention in both male and female episodic migraine patients but possible sex differences remain uncertain. In male and female chronic migraine patients, CGRP/CGRP-R antibodies were similarly effective. The data highlight possible differential effects of CGRP targeted therapies in different patient populations and the need for increased understanding of CGRP neurobiology in men and women.

Anxiety Sensitivity and Distress Tolerance in Relation to Smoking Abstinence Expectancies Among Black Individuals Who Smoke.

Black individuals who smoke in the United States experience significant tobacco-related disparities. Although prior work has established that smoking abstinence expectancies play an important role in smoking-related outcomes, few studies have examined potential individual difference factors that may be relevant to smoking abstinence expectancies among Black individuals who smoke. The present study investigated anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance in relation to smoking abstinence expectancies among a sample of Black individuals who smoke. Participants were 86 Black adults who smoke cigarettes daily (M age = 46.07 years, SD = 10.37; 26.7% female). Four separate linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the relation between anxiety sensitivity, distress tolerance, and their interaction with each of the four smoking abstinence expectancies (i.e., somatic symptoms, positive consequences, harmful consequences, and negative mood). Results indicated that higher anxiety sensitivity was related to higher somatic symptoms, harmful consequences, and negative mood abstinence expectancies, whereas distress tolerance was related to higher positive consequences. Further, anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance interacted to confer greater expectancies for the positive consequences of quitting. The current findings are among the first to document that anxiety sensitivity and distress tolerance are clinically relevant factors to consider when tailoring smoking cessation treatments for Black individuals who smoke. Future research is needed to examine distress tolerance and anxiety sensitivity as longitudinal predictors of smoking abstinence expectancies among Black individuals who smoke.

Are autistic females at greater risk of suicide? A call for clarity to advance suicide prevention for the whole community.

Understanding suicide risk is critical for supporting prevention. A growing body of evidence shows autistic people are at greater risk for multiple suicide-related outcomes than non-autistic people. This commentary is in response to an observed pattern of miscommunication in scientific and community spaces about autistic females having higher risk of suicide. However, it is not always clear who they are being compared with in these statements. To address this confusion, we summarize the current population-based evidence on autistic suicide risk, highlighting findings related to sex similarities and differences, which actually indicates comparable rates of suicide death among autistic males and females, and mixed findings related to sex differences in risk of other suicidal behaviors. We call for greater clarity in suicide risk communication moving forward focused on outcomes, measurement, sampling methods, and comparison groups to reflect accurate conclusions about existing evidence. Further research is needed about the full range of suicide-related outcomes for autistic people, including a greater understanding of sex differences as well as potential gender differences to include transgender and nonbinary autistic people. However, studies of sex and gender differences should not overshadow the compelling need for efforts to understand and address the elevated risk of suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and death among autistic people across sex and gender boundaries.

Non-unions and wound infections do not differ following intramedullary nailing and plate osteosynthesis for distal third femur fractures: a meta-analysis.

The fixation method of distal, extra-articular femur fractures is a controversially discussed. To ensure better stability itself, earlier mobilization and to prevent blood loss - all these are justifications for addressing the femur via reamed intramedullary nailing (RIMN). Anatomical reposition of multifragmentary fractures followed by increased risks of non-union are compelling reasons against it. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature for rates of non-union and wound infection, as well as blood loss and time of surgery. According to the PRISMA guidelines we conducted this systematic review by searching the Cochrane, PubMed, Ovid, MedLine, and Embase databases. Inclusion criteria were the modified Coleman methodology score (mCMS) >60, age >18 years, and extra-articular fractures of the distal femur. Biomechanical and animal studies were excluded. By referring to title and abstract relevant articles were reviewed independently. In the consecutive meta-analysis, we compared 9 studies and 639 patients. There is no statistically significant difference comparing superficial wound infections when RIMN was performed (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.18 - 1.42; P = 0.19) as well as in deep wound infections (OR = 0.74; 95% CI: 0.19-2.81; P = 0.62). However, these results were not significant. We also calculated for potential differences in the rate of non-unions depending on the surgical treatment applied. Data of 556 patients revealed an overall number of 43 non-unions. There was no significant difference in rate of non-unions between both groups (OR = 0.97; 95% CI: 0.51-1.85; P = 0.92). No statistical difference was found in our study among RIMN and plate fixation in the treatment of distal femoral fractures with regard to the incidence of non-union and wound infections. Therefore, the indication for RIMN or plating should be made individually and based on the surgeon's experience.

Influence of the gut and airway microbiome on asthma development and disease.

There are ample data to suggest that early-life dysbiosis of both the gut and/or airway microbiome can predispose a child to develop along a trajectory toward asthma. Although individual studies show clear associations between dysbiosis and asthma development, it is less clear what (collection of) bacterial species is mechanistically responsible for the observed effects. This is partly due to issues related to the asthma diagnosis and the broad spectrum of anatomical sites, sample techniques, and analysis protocols that are used in different studies. Moreover, there is limited attention for potential differences in the genetics of individuals that would affect the outcome of the interaction between the environment and that individual. Despite these challenges, the first bacterial components were identified that are able to affect the transcriptional state of human cells, ergo the immune system. Such molecules could in the future be the basis for intervention studies that are now (necessarily) restricted to a limited number of bacterial species. For this transition, it might be prudent to develop an exvivo human model of a local mucosal immune system to better and safer explore the impact of such molecules. With this approach, we might move beyond association toward understanding of causality.

Pockels Effect of Interfacial Water on a Mono-Electrode Induced by Current Parallel to the Electrode Surface

When an electric field is applied between two electrodes facing each other immersed in a liquid, the interfacial Pockels effect, a refractive index change proportional to the electric field, occurs in the electric double layer at the liquid–electrode interface. Here, we report that the Pockels effect of interfacial water can be observed even when an electric field is applied parallel to the surface of a “single” electrode in an electrolyte solution. This is a non-trivial result since the electric field parallel to the interface should not cause a broken spatial inversion symmetry, which is required for the Pockels effect. The Pockels signal was detected as a change in the transmitted light intensity due to the field-induced spectral shift of the interference fringes of the transparent conductive oxide electrode layer on a glass substrate. The magnitude of the signal increased as it approached the ends of the electrode, and the sign reversed across the center of the electrode. The electric field distribution calculated from the interfacial potential difference due to the in-plane parallel current showed that an electric field perpendicular to the interface was induced, whose distribution was consistent with the position dependence of the Pockels signal. A similar phenomenon was also observed for a single copper electrode, confirming that this is a universal effect.

Do Great Minds Think Alike? Gifted Male and Female Students’ Perceptions of Mathematics

Many researchers have debated potential differences between male and female students’ mathematical performance. One important factor that can impact performance is perception of the content. The purpose of the study is to investigate factors that impact high-ability male and female students’ perspectives of mathematics. Participants ( n = 12; n f = 5, n m = 7) attended a 10-day residential summer camp during which the researchers conducted individual, semistructured interviews with each participant. Using a thematic analysis, the researchers examined the interview transcripts for themes by gender. Six common themes emerged between male and female students: perseverance, performance, self-efficacy, enjoyment of content, social component, and life relevance. Female students reported that adult influence was also a factor. Further examination showed that female students are more likely to report enjoyment of content as a factor, whereas males are more likely to report perseverance and performance.

Enhancement mechanisms of self-lubricating Ti3SiC2 ceramic doping in CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy via high-speed laser cladding: Tribology and electrochemical corrosion

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are renowned for their superior mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, positioning them as promising materials in the realm of wear and corrosion-resistant applications. In this study, CoCrFeNi HEA coatings were fabricated utilizing the high-speed laser cladding (HLC), and the effects of adding Ti3SiC2 self-lubricating phase on the microstructure, wear resistance, and electrochemical corrosion performance of CoCrFeNi HEA coatings was investigated. The results show that CoCrFeNi HEA coatings synthesized via HLC exhibit an impressively low dilution rate of <0.1 %, while concurrently ensuring a robust metallurgical bond with the substrate. CoCrFeNi coating has an FCC simple solid solution structure. Upon the addition of Ti3SiC2, the composite structure comprises FCC, Ti3SiC2, and TiC phases. The friction coefficients (COFs) of CoCrFeNi coating and the coatings with 3, 6, and 9 at.% Ti3SiC2 content are 0.684, 0.628, 0.429, and 0.426, respectively. Predominantly, the wear mechanisms observed encompass abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and oxidative wear. Intriguingly, when the Ti3SiC2 content reaches 6 at.%, a contiguous self-lubricating layer forms within the wear track, leading to a notable reduction in COF and a marked enhancement in wear resistance. In electrochemical corrosion evaluations, the coatings demonstrated polarization resistances of 11,400, 9923, 9654, and 6125 Ω·cm2, respectively. While Ti3SiC2 exhibits commendable passivation capabilities, an elevated Ti3SiC2 content can expedite corrosion processes by fostering a potential difference battery formation on the coating surface.

Coparenting Quality During COVID-19: Exploring Gender Differences Using a Mixed Methods Approach

The aim of this study was to examine potential differences in coparenting quality during the COVID-19 pandemic among mothers and fathers using an embedded mixed methods approach. The objectives were to compare mothers’ and fathers’ scores on the Coparenting Relationship Scale among 150 mother–father dyads, and to examine mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of how COVID-19 influenced their coparenting quality using thematic analysis of 159 mothers’ and 75 fathers’ responses to an open-ended coparenting survey question. While total coparenting quality scores did not differ among mothers and fathers, fathers had significantly higher scores on the division of labour and endorsement subscales, and mothers had significantly higher scores on the undermining subscale. The qualitative thematic analysis identified five key themes: gendered changes to division of labour, increased hostility, increased teamwork, less alone time, and increased stress. Efforts to mitigate adverse pandemic outcomes on families should address coparenting quality.

Change in the Physiological Aspects of Soybean Caused by Infestation by Bemisia tabaci MEAM1

Whiteflies cause significant crop losses through direct sap feeding, inducing plant physiological disorders and promoting the growth of sooty mold. Moreover, whiteflies can indirectly harm plants by transmitting plant viruses, particularly begomoviruses and criniviruses, resulting in severe viral disease epidemics. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological characteristics of susceptible and resistant soybean cultivars to B. tabaci. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse. Eleven soybean cultivars were selected and infested with 100 adults of B. tabaci at the V3 stage. The evaluation of photosynthetic parameters, such as photosynthetic rate, leaf transpiration, stomatal conductance, and internal CO2 concentration, revealed that B. tabaci infestation influenced gas exchange in soybean plants. The photosynthetic rate was higher in cultivars AS3810 and M8349 during the V6 stage. Infestations caused alterations in photosynthetic parameters, suggesting increased energy demand to maintain photosynthetic activity. However, the response to infestation varied among the different cultivars, indicating varying levels of resistance and tolerance to the whitefly’s damage. Furthermore, the infestation had a more notable impact during the vegetative phenological stage. In summary, infestation by B. tabaci has a discernible impact on the physiology of soybean plants, resulting in alterations in gas exchange parameters and water use efficiency. The reaction to infestation exhibited variations among different soybean cultivars, indicating potential differences in resistance to the pest. This study underscores the significance of assessing the physiological consequences of whitefly infestations on soybean crops.

The effects of child abuse prevention education on parents’ response to positive emotion, parenting stress, and child abuse potential: A randomized controlled pretest posttest design

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a child abuse prevention education program for parents. Furthermore, the aim was to investigate the impact of child abuse prevention education on parents’ response to positive emotion, parenting stress, and potential for child abuse.Methods: A randomized controlled pretest posttest design was used. A total of 60 participants, who were parents with children aged 1~5 and attending 8 nurseries and kindergartens located in Daegu, were recruited. They were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). The collected data were analyzed by an independent t-test, paired t-test, and χ²-test along with descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. Child abuse prevention education for the experimental group included four modules on child rights, understanding child abuse, proper child discipline, and positive parenting attitudes.Results: The experimental group showed a significant difference in positive rumination from the control group (t=2.15, p=.036). The experimental group reported a significant difference in dampening from the control group (t=-2.49, p=.016). Additionally, the experimental group reported a significant difference in parenting stress from the control group (t=-2.12, p=.038) and also reported significant differences in child abuse potential from the control group (t=-2.26, p=.028).Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that child abuse prevention education for parents can improve positive rumination, reduce dampening, and reduce parenting stress and child abuse potential. Therefore, this study is useful in demonstrating how parental susceptibility to child abuse can be decreased. Future studies should pursue long-term programs and counseling programs.

Deficient butyrate metabolism in the intestinal microbiome is a potential risk factor for recurrent kidney stone disease.

Intestinal microbiome dysbiosis is a known risk factor for recurrent kidney stone disease (KSD) with prior data suggesting a role for dysfunctional metabolic pathways other than those directly utilizing oxalate. To identify alternative mechanisms, the current study analyzed differences in the metabolic potential of intestinal microbiomes of patients (n = 17) and live-in controls (n = 17) and determined their relevance to increased risk for KSD using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. We found no differences in the abundance of genes associated with known oxalate degradation pathways, supporting the notion that dysfunction in other metabolic pathways plays a role in KSD. Further analysis showed decreased abundance of key enzymes involved in butyrate biosynthesis in patient intestinal microbiomes. Furthermore, de novo construction of microbial genomes showed that the majority of genes significantly enriched in non-stone formers are affiliated with Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a major butyrate producer. Specifically pertaining to butyrate metabolism, the majority of abundant genes mapped back to F. prausnitzii, Alistipes spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila. No differences were observed in ascorbate or glyoxylate metabolic pathways. Collectively, these data suggest that impaired bacterial-associated butyrate metabolismmay be an oxalate-independent mechanism that contributes to an increased risk for recurrent KSD. This indicates that the role of the intestinal microbiome in recurrent KSD is multi-factorial, which is representative of the highly intertwined metabolic nature of this complex environment.Future bacteria-based treatments must not be restricted to targeting only oxalate metabolism.

The effect of the anti-coagulant EDTA on the deposition and adhesion of whole blood deposits on non-porous substrates.

An investigation into whether the addition of a commonly used anti-coagulant agent like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has an impact on the adhesion potential of blood to non-porous substrates was conducted. Two non-porous substrates (aluminum and polypropylene) exhibiting six different surface roughness categories (R1-R6) were used as test substrates upon which either whole blood or blood treated with EDTA was deposited. Samples were exposed to different drying periods (24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week) before undergoing a tapping agitation experiment in order to evaluate the adhesion to the surface. Clear differences in adhesion potential were observed between whole blood and blood treated with EDTA. Blood treated with EDTA displayed a stronger adhesion strength to aluminum after a drying time of 24 h pre-agitation, while whole blood presented with a stronger adhesion strength at the drying time of 48 h and 1 week. Both EDTA-treated and EDTA-untreated blood was shown to dislodge less easily on polypropylene with the only difference observed on smooth surfaces (0.51-1.50 μm surface roughness). Thus, when conducting transfer studies using smooth hydrophobic substrates like polypropylene or considering the likelihood of transfer given specific case scenarios, differences in adhesion strength of blood due to hydrophobic substrate characteristics and a decreased surface area need to be considered. Overall, whole blood displayed a better adhesion strength to aluminum, emphasizing that indirect transfer probability experiments using EDTA blood on substrates like aluminum should take an increased dislodgment tendency into account in their transfer estimations.