Low Degree Research Articles

Treatment process of pre-coagulated waters involving polyethylene (PE) microplastics by ultrafiltration membranes coupled without or with pre-deposited aggregate-based layer

In recent years, environmental and ecological issues caused by microplastics pollution have received widespread attention. The coexistence of polyethylene (PE) microplastics with other soluble and particulate contaminants in water environments is considered to pose a new challenge for water treatment engineering. This study first focused on the combined effects of microplastic size (13 and 150 μm) and concentration (0, 20 and 100 mg/L) of floc properties in the coagulation-flocculation process (CF). The results showed that the involvement of PE microplastics hindered larger floc formation but enhanced the floc strength. The presence of either smaller microplastic particles at a fixed concentration (100 mg/L), or a higher concentration of 13 μm microplastic particles resulted in smaller and more highly-branched floc aggregates. During ultrafiltration of pre-coagulated water (CF-UF), the “13 μm + 100 mg/L” case exhibited less severe membrane fouling than the other cases (“without PE”, “13 μm + 20 mg/L” and “150 μm + 100 mg/L”). Comparing the CF-UF process in the “without PE” and “13 μm + 100 mg/L” cases, the pre-deposited aggregate-based layer could give a lower degree of membrane flux decline and mitigate membrane fouling during ultrafiltration of pre-coagulated water (CF-UFPL). Moreover, both the involvement of PE microplastics and the properties (thickness and compactness) of the pre-deposited layer affected membrane filterability and fouling degree. Lastly, the influencing mechanisms of coexisting microplastics in UF, CF-UF and CF-UFPL processes were explored by comparatively analyzing the correlation of pre-coagulated floc physicochemical characteristics with membrane filterability, water purification efficiency and membrane fouling degree in both the absence and presence of microplastic particles.

Assessing the Feasibility of EMG Biofeedback to Reduce the Upper Trapezius Muscle Excitation during a Seated Row Exercise, a Non-randomized Comparative Study.

The upper trapezius muscle is often excessively excited during resistance training exercises, increasing the shoulder's liability to musculoskeletal disorders of individuals participating in overhead sports or throwing activities. Different approaches have been proposed for reducing the potentially harmful loading of the upper trapezius. None, however, has been devised to deal directly with the main culprit: the muscle excitation. This non-randomized comparative study explores the feasibility of biofeedback based on surface electromyograms (EMGs) in suppressing undue excitation of the upper trapezius during a seated row exercise. Eight male volunteers were instructed to perform the wide-grip seated row exercise without and with the EMG biofeedback of the upper trapezius. Surface EMGs from the three portions of the trapezius and the serratus anterior were sampled with pairs of surface electrodes. A triaxial accelerometer was positioned on the weight stack for the identification of the exercise phase and repetition. This study showed that during the "with biofeedback" condition, the participants were able to activate the upper trapezius and serratus anterior to a lower degree (~ 10%) compared to the "without biofeedback" condition. Future studies should explore if this can lead to greater gains in muscle performance and/or reduce the risk of shoulder injury.

Adaptation strategies of giant viruses to low-temperature marine ecosystems.

Microbes in marine ecosystems have evolved their gene content to thrive successfully in the cold. Although this process has been reasonably well studied in bacteria and selected eukaryotes, less is known about the impact of cold environments on the genomes of viruses that infect eukaryotes. Here, we analyzed cold adaptations in giant viruses (Nucleocytoviricota and Mirusviricota) from austral marine environments and compared them with their Arctic and temperate counterparts. We recovered giant virus metagenome-assembled genomes (98 Nucleocytoviricota and 12 Mirusviricota MAGs) from 61 newly sequenced metagenomes and metaviromes from sub-Antarctic Patagonian fjords and Antarctic seawater samples. When analyzing our data set alongside Antarctic and Arctic giant viruses MAGs already deposited in the Global Ocean Eukaryotic Viral (GOEV) database, we found that Antarctic and Arctic giant viruses predominantly inhabit sub-10°C environments, featuring a high proportion of unique phylotypes in each ecosystem. In contrast, giant viruses in Patagonian fjords were subject to broader temperature ranges and showed a lower degree of endemicity. However, despite differences in their distribution, giant viruses inhabiting low-temperature marine ecosystems evolved genomic cold-adaptation strategies that led to changes in genetic functions and amino acid frequencies that ultimately affect both gene content and protein structure. Such changes seem to be absent in their mesophilic counterparts. The uniqueness of these cold-adapted marine giant viruses may now be threatened by climate change, leading to a potential reduction in their biodiversity.

Strain path dependent dynamic recrystallization and its resulted material flow and microstructure evolution of a titanium alloy

Changing strain path is an effective method to optimize the hot working process and improve microstructure and mechanical performance of titanium alloys. In this work, dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and its resulted material flow and microstructural behaviors in monotonic torsion (MT) and forward-reverse torsion (FRT) were comparatively explored by experimental and crystal plastic finite element simulation methods. The results indicate that both MT and FRT can induce discontinuous DRX (DDRX) and continuous DRX (CDRX). However, compared to MT where CDRX always prevails, FRT makes DDRX more important since it inhibits CDRX by recovering the lattice rotation during the reversal stage. Moreover, in FRT, the driving force and the grain boundary content for DDRX nucleation and bulging are relatively low at a small total strain. And the recovery of lattice rotation in FRT can also suppress CDRX. Therefore, DRX kinetics is obviously delayed at a smaller strain. As strain increases, both the stored energy for DDRX and the long-range misorientation gradient for CDRX are gradually greater, thus improve DRX kinetics. With these effects by DRX, although FRT exhibits a lower grain refinement degree at a smaller total strain compared to MT, it can make grain refinement degree rapidly rise and even close to that in MT at a greater strain. Also, FRT can obviously weaken the deformation texture by inducing extensive DDRX grains and recovering the lattice rotation of retained grains. In addition, the texture formed in forward stage and DRX delaying can result in a decrease in yield strength and softening rate in reversal stage, respectively, i.e., exhibiting remarkable Bauschinger effect, especially at a higher forward strain. These results can provide a basic guidance for designing the hot working process of titanium alloys to obtaining more refined microstructure and excellent properties of the components.

Full Face Tailored Treatments Using Hyaluronan Dermal Fillers: Biophysical Characterization for Safe and Effective Approaches

Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based dermal fillers are among the most popular non-invasive facial aesthetic treatments. To ensure an effective and safe treatment experience, knowledge of their biophysical and rheological characteristics, such as: HA concentration, molecular weight (MW), G′, and the degree of cross-linking is essential. Products with a higher MW, G′, and degree of cross-linking are more suitable for promoting volume and lift. Dermal fillers with a lower MW, G′, and degree of cross-linking can produce a soft filling effect that regulates hydration and elasticity. This review discusses how these rheological characteristics can inform treatment choice and their effects on clinical outcomes. The Aliaxin® line of HA dermal fillers, which are tailored to different clinical applications due to their rheological characteristics, highlights that extensive knowledge of the product can provide very safe and effective procedures for patients, whilst respecting their natural facial aesthetics. This review discusses studies using Aliaxin® dermal fillers for volumizing and hydrating treatments and fillers that can be used for lip augmentation. Treatment with Aliaxin® was overall very effective, with no reported adverse events. A full facial treatment using tailored dermal fillers may be a future approach to achieve an effective and safe harmonized and natural aesthetic.

Influence of Ce on the corrosion resistance of high-strength low-alloy steel in simulated marine environments

Steel with enhanced corrosion resistance in both simulated deep sea and shallow sea environments was developed by adding cerium (Ce) to high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel. Through conventional characterization techniques, the electrochemical performance, rust layer composition, and protective properties of the steel were analyzed. The study found that the steel exhibited superior corrosion resistance when the Ce content was 0.2 wt%. This improvement is largely attributed to Ce's role in promoting the formation of α-FeOOH, which results in a dense and protective rust layer. Additionally, Ce consumes oxygen and inhibit the cathodic depolarization reaction. Furthermore, due to the low oxygen solubility in the simulated deep sea environment, the cathode reaction is further inhibited, leading to a lower corrosion degree in the deep sea environment compared to the shallow sea environment.

Impact of Water Saturation on the Fate and Mobility of Antibiotics in Reactive Porous Geomedia.

Understanding contaminant transport through unsaturated porous media is a considerable challenge, given the complex interplay of nonlinear physical and biogeochemical processes driven by variations in water saturation. In this study, we tackled this challenge through a series of column experiments involving fine (100-300 μm) and coarse (1.0-1.4 mm) sand particles coated with birnessite (MnO2) under variable saturation degrees. Dynamic flow experiments in sand columns revealed that desaturation altered the ability of MnO2 in removing tetracycline (TTC), a redox-active antibiotic, yet the effect depends on the sand type and then on the saturation degree. Moderate saturation degrees in fine-grained sand columns promoted fractional and preferential water flow which favored a more acidic pH and increased dissolved oxygen levels. These conditions enhanced TTC removal, despite the reduced physical accessibility of reactive phases. In contrast, lower saturation degrees in coarse-grained sand columns induced stronger flow heterogeneity with a very small fraction of the water content participating in flow. The mobility behavior of all the columns was predicted using transport models that consider TTC adsorption and transformation, as well as dual porosity under variable water saturation degrees. This research offers valuable insights into predicting the fate and transport of redox-active contaminants in unsaturated soils and subsurface environments.

Two-stage mineralization of the Jinkeng Sn-Cu deposit in Eastern Guangdong, Southeast China: Response to magmatic activities and tectonic transformation

The Jinkeng Sn-Cu polymetallic deposit in South China consists of two different types of orebodies: 1) NE-striking skarn- and vein-type Cu-Pb-Zn-Sn orebodies in volcanic rocks suffering subsequent ductile shear deformation, and 2) NW-striking quartz-cassiterite-sulfide veins filled in the faults at the porphyritic granodiorite outward from the fine-grained granite which does not exhibit deformation. The relationships among Sn-Cu polymetallic mineralization, regional magmatism, and deformation metamorphism are still controversial. To address it, the geochronological, whole-rock and mineral geochemical research along with the detailed field investigation were conducted in this study. Our zircon U-Pb dating results show that the volcanic rocks formed at 158–162 Ma, earlier than the porphyritic granodiorite which yields the emplacement age of 146–147 Ma. In-situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of cassiterite from the deformed skarn ores indicates the early-stage mineralization occurred at 146 ∼ 148 Ma, which is similar to the emplacement age of the porphyritic granodiorite, but earlier than the formation of quartz-cassiterite-sulfide veins and the fine-grained granite (141∼144 Ma). Further, the whole-rock and biotite geochemistry, and zircon Hf isotope compositions suggest that the porphyritic granodiorite exhibits a lower degree of magma differentiation, higher oxygen fugacity, higher Cl and lower F contents than the fine-grained granite. The porphyritic granodiorite might provide the most Cu-Pb-Zn budget accompanied by minor Sn for early-stage mineralization. Overall, our study suggests that the Jinkeng Sn-Cu polymetallic deposit formed in two scenarios where the early dominated Cu-Pb-Zn and minor Sn mineralization related to the emplacement of the porphyritic granodiorite is superimposed by the late vein-type Sn-dominated mineralization related to the emplacement of the fine-grained granite. The two isolated mineralizing events (∼147 Ma and ∼141 Ma, respectively) in Jinkeng were probably responded to the regional magmatic activities triggered by the tectonic transformation where two extensional tectonic events were separated by a short contractional event (147–144 Ma).

The impact of early-life conditions on visual discrimination abilities in free-ranging laying hens

Conditions during incubation and rearing can greatly affect the developmental trajectory of chickens, in a positive and negative way. In this study, the effect of early-life conditions on the visual discrimination abilities of adult, free-ranging laying hens was examined. These early-life treatments entailed incubation in a 12/12h green light/dark cycle and rearing with Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as foraging enrichment. Through a modified pebble-floor test, 171 hens of 41 to 42 wk old, housed in mobile stables with outdoor access, were tested for their ability to discriminate between food and nonfood items (mealworms and decoy mealworms). Each hen was allowed 60 pecks during the trial, from which the overall success rate, as well as within-trial learning was investigated. The latter was accomplished by dividing the 60 pecks into 3 blocks of 20 pecks and comparing the success rate between these blocks. Due to another ongoing experiment on range use, roughly half the hens received range enrichment (mealworms) at the time of testing, so this was included as a covariate in the analysis. Incubation with green light did not have an effect on the visual discrimination abilities of adult laying hens. Rearing with BSFL did have a limited beneficial effect on the visual discrimination abilities, as evidenced by a higher success rate during the first block of the visual discrimination trial. These enhanced visual discrimination abilities might be useful in a more complex free-range setting, where the animals have more foraging opportunities. Hens that received range enrichment at the time of testing, also had a higher success rate during the visual discrimination test, though they had a lower degree of test completion, likely due to habituation to the mealworms as an enrichment. The positive effects of BSFL during rearing and mealworms during the laying period stress the importance of enrichment throughout the life of the hens.

Assessment of sewage sludge as a component for the tire char co-gasification process

The work aimed to assess various sewage sludge (from coking, refinery, and fat-processing plants) as components for tire char co-gasification. The sewage sludge were analysed (basic characteristics, thermal stability, ash characteristics). Then, CO2 gasification and co-gasification measurements of individual materials and their blends (ratio: 70:30, 40:60) were made using the TGA, based on which the process and synergy effect were assessed. Moreover, a detailed analysis of char gasification formed during the pyrolysis was performed (reactivity assessment, kinetic parameters determined using the n-order Coats and Redfern model, and correlation between the individual elements in materials and their reactivity). Co-gasification measurements proved that the addition and increasing sewage sludge share in blends enhanced the process (TG curves were shifted towards lower temperatures, reactivity indicators, and final conversion degrees were improved compared to tire char). The greatest impact on the pyrolysis stage had the sludge from the refinery, while on the gasification stage sewage sludge from coking and fat-processing plants (where the synergy was observed). Moreover, the addition of sewage sludge to tire char reduces the activation energy and, in most cases, the pre-exponential factor. Finally, the correlation between reactivity and the Na, Mg, and P amount in the samples has been proved.

Debt maturity structure and corporate risk: an empirical study based on pandemic shock in China

We collected data on the duration of outbreaks in Chinese cities from the websites of National, Provincial, and Municipal Healthcare Commissions as our primary source. Our aim is to investigate the impact of debt maturity structure on COVID-19 shocks. We conducted statistical analyses based on different levels of debt maturity and the severity of the shocks. Subsequently, we empirically tested the mitigating effect of debt maturity structure on pandemic shocks using a fixed-effects model. Our findings reveal that pandemic shocks heighten firms’ business risk. However, extending the debt maturity structure significantly alleviates the impact of these shocks. Robust benchmark results were obtained through instrumental tests employing instrumental variables, PSM-DID, and placebo methods. Mechanism tests demonstrate that extending debt maturity helps in mitigating maturity mismatches, reducing debt financing costs, and alleviating financing constraints. Further analysis indicates that the pandemic mitigating effect of debt maturity structure is more pronounced among firms with lower degrees of marketization and governance, particularly among private firms. Our study contributes to the micro-level understanding of the economic repercussions of major pandemic disasters and enriches research on firm risk from the standpoint of capital structure.

Does fiscal expenditure help to improve the fertility desire of rural families? An empirical study based on the CFPS database

This paper empirically examines the impact of the level of fiscal expenditure in the micro-family's region on the fertility desire of rural families in China. The empirical results of this paper indicate that fiscal expenditure can significantly enhance the fertility desire of rural families. After a series of robustness tests, the baseline regression results still hold. Further heterogeneity analysis indicates that the positive promotion effect of fiscal expenditure on the fertility desire of rural families is more pronounced for families in areas with lower degrees of marketization and for samples with lower family income levels.

Influence of co-solvents on properties of terpene-based eutectic mixtures: Implications for skin delivery

Terpene-based eutectic mixtures (EMs) are attractive platforms for transdermal delivery due to their solubilizing potential and ability to alter the barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC). Despite this, little is known about the effect of diluting EMs with co-solvents (CSs) on their solubility- and permeation-enhancing properties. Furthermore, insufficient attention has been paid to comparing these platforms with traditional solvents, such as propylene glycol (PG) or ethanol (EtOH). To address this gap, the present study investigates the impact of the CS content in EM:CS blends on the transdermal delivery of clotrimazole (CLOT). Two CSs, PG and EtOH, and two terpene-based EMs, menthol:thymol and thymol:β-citronellol, were used. Each of the EMs was investigated at two different molar ratios between the terpenes, with one being their eutectic point, to explore its potential benefit for skin permeation. At each step, properties of the blends were compared with those of pure CSs. The EM:CS blends showed a better solubilizing potential for CLOT than EMs or CSs on their own. A higher content of CSs in the blends resulted in a higher skin permeation and retention of CLOT, and a lower degree of disarrangement of the SC structure. Furthermore, the blends of EMs at their EPs led to overall poorer permeation profiles, implying that the permeation rate is more affected by the properties of the individual terpenes than by the specific ratio at the eutectic point between them. In conclusion, addition of CSs to the EMs promotes permeation and retention of CLOT, while reducing the skin impairment caused by the terpenes.

Performance of Self-healing Cementitious Mortar with PVA Fiber and SAP

Although concrete materials generally exhibit outstanding mechanical properties, it is susceptible against crack formation. It has been reported that narrow cracks (≤ 150 µm) could be naturally sealed in the cement matrix by externally supplied water-induced hydration. However, the crack width of larger than 150 µm is difficult to be sealed without using additional self-healing admixture. In this study, the self-healing cementitious mortar was successfully developed by using a combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber and superabsorbent polymer (SAP), aiming to heal the wide cracks. Although the mechanical properties were slightly reduced, it shows outstanding self-healing performance by using the dual admixtures. A self-healing rate of 60% was observed in the control sample with an initial crack width of 300 µm, while a self-healing rate of nearly 100% was confirmed with suitable SAP and PVA. In addition, it was confirmed that lower hydration degree of self-healing mortar in early stage contributes to the enhanced self-healing performance of developed composite system by internally supplied water from SAP.

Physicochemical characterization of the metamorphosis of film-forming formulations of betamethasone-17-valerate

Following topical application of a dermatological product, the loss (by evaporation and/or absorption through the skin) of volatile excipients will alter the composition of the formulation remaining on the tissue. This so-called metamorphosis impacts the concentration of the drug in the residual vehicle, (potentially) its physical form therein and, as a result, its uptake into and subsequent permeation through the skin. This research aimed to characterise – using primarily confocal Raman microspectroscopy – the metamorphosis of film-forming formulations of betamethasone-17-valerate (at different loadings) comprised of hydroxypropyl cellulose (film-forming agent), triethyl citrate (plasticizer) and ethanol (solvent). Dissolved and crystalline drug in the films were identified separately by their different characteristic Raman frequencies (1666 cm−1 and 1659 cm−1, respectively). These Raman measurements, as well as optical imaging, confirmed corticosteroid crystallisation in the residual films left after ethanol evaporation when drug concentration exceeded the saturation limit. In vitro release tests of either sprayed or pipette-deposited films into either aqueous or ethanolic receptor solutions revealed drug release kinetics dominated by the residual film post-metamorphosis. In particular, the rate and extent of drug release depends on the concentration of dissolved drug in the residual film, which is limited by drug saturation unless supersaturation occurs. For the simple films examined here, supersaturation was not detected and the solubility limit of drug in the films was sufficient to sustain drug release at a constant flux from the saturated films through a thin silicone elastomer membrane into an aqueous receptor solution for 30 h. Flux values were ∼ 1 μg cm–2h−1 from saturated residual films independent of the amount of crystallized drug present. Flux from subsaturated films was reduced by an amount that was consistent with the lower degree of saturation.

Sensory Neurons Release Cardioprotective Factors in an In Vitro Ischemia Model.

Sensory neurons densely innervate the myocardium. The role of their sensing and response to acute and prolonged ischemia is largely unclear. In a cellular model of ischemia-reperfusion injury, the presence of sensory neurons increases cardiomyocyte survival. Here, after the exclusion of classical neurotransmitter release, and measurement of cytokine release, we modified the experiment from a direct co-culture of primary murine cardiomyocytes and sensory neurons to a transfer of the supernatant. Sensory neurons were exposed to ischemia and the resulting conditioned supernatant was transferred onto cardiomyocytes. This approach largely increased the tolerance of cardiomyocytes to ischemia and reperfusion. Towards the identification of the mechanism, it was demonstrated that after ten-fold dilution, the conditioned solution lost its protective effect. The effect remained after removal of extracellular vesicles by ultracentrifugation, and was not affected by exposure to protease activity, and fractionation pointed towards a hydrophilic agent. Solutions conditioned by HEK293t cells or 3T3 fibroblasts also increase cardiomyocyte survival, but to a lower degree. A metabolomic search identified 64 at least two-fold changed metabolites and lipids. Many of these could be identified and are involved in essential cellular functions. In the presented model for ischemia-reperfusion, sensory neurons secrete one or more cardioprotective substances that can improve cardiomyocyte survival.

Bubbling insights: unveiling the true sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway by Starmerella bombicola

BackgroundThe yeast Starmerella bombicola is renowned for its highly efficient sophorolipid production, reaching titers and productivities of (over) 200 g/L and 2 g/(L h), respectively. This inherent efficiency has led to the commercialization of sophorolipids. While the sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway has been elucidated a few years ago, in this study, it is revisited and true key intermediates are revealed.ResultsRecently, Starmerella bombicola strains developed and evaluated in the past were reevaluated unveiling unexpected findings. The AT enzyme encoded in the sophorolipid biosynthetic gene cluster is the only described enzyme known to acetylate sophorolipids, while the SBLE enzyme encoded by the SBLE gene is described to catalyze the conversion of (acetylated) acidic sophorolipids into lactonic sophorolipids. A double knockout of both genes was described to result in the generation of bolaform sophorolipids. However, new experiments performed with respective S. bombicola strains Δsble, Δat Δsble, and ∆at revealed inconsistencies with the current understanding of the SL pathway. It was observed that the ∆sble strain produces mainly bolaform sophorolipids with higher acetylation degrees instead of acidic sophorolipids. Furthermore, the ∆at strain produces predominantly bolaform sophorolipids and lactonic sophorolipids with lower acetylation degrees, while the ∆at ∆sble strain predominantly produces bolaform sophorolipids with lower acetylation degrees. These results indicate that the AT enzyme is not the only enzyme responsible for acetylation of sophorolipids, while the SBLE enzyme performs an intramolecular transesterification reaction on bolaform glycolipids instead of an esterification reaction on acidic sophorolipids. These findings, together with recent in vitro data, led us to revise the sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway.ConclusionsBolaform sophorolipids instead of acidic sophorolipids are the key intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway towards lactonic sophorolipids. Bolaform sophorolipids are found in very small amounts in extracellular S. bombicola wild type broths as they are very efficiently converted into lactonic sophorolipids, while acidic sophorolipids build up as they cannot be converted. Furthermore, acetylation of sophorolipids is not exclusively performed by the AT enzyme encoded in the sophorolipid biosynthetic gene cluster and acetylation of bolaform sophorolipids promotes their transesterification. These findings led to the revision of the industrially relevant sophorolipid biosynthetic pathway.

Characterizing the Adoption and Experiences of Users of Artificial Intelligence-Generated Health Information in the United States: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

OpenAI's ChatGPT is a source of advanced online health information (OHI) that may be integrated into individuals' health information-seeking routines. However, concerns have been raised about its factual accuracy and impact on health outcomes. To forecast implications for medical practice and public health, more information is needed on who uses the tool, how often, and for what. This study aims to characterize the reasons for and types of ChatGPT OHI use and describe the users most likely to engage with the platform. In this cross-sectional survey, patients received invitations to participate via the ResearchMatch platform, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Institutes of Health. A web-based survey measured demographic characteristics, use of ChatGPT and other sources of OHI, experience characterization, and resultant health behaviors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Both 2-tailed t tests and Pearson chi-square tests were used to compare users of ChatGPT OHI to nonusers. Of 2406 respondents, 21.5% (n=517) respondents reported using ChatGPT for OHI. ChatGPT users were younger than nonusers (32.8 vs 39.1 years, P<.001) with lower advanced degree attainment (BA or higher; 49.9% vs 67%, P<.001) and greater use of transient health care (ED and urgent care; P<.001). ChatGPT users were more avid consumers of general non-ChatGPT OHI (percentage of weekly or greater OHI seeking frequency in past 6 months, 28.2% vs 22.8%, P<.001). Around 39.3% (n=206) respondents endorsed using the platform for OHI 2-3 times weekly or more, and most sought the tool to determine if a consultation was required (47.4%, n=245) or to explore alternative treatment (46.2%, n=239). Use characterization was favorable as many believed ChatGPT to be just as or more useful than other OHIs (87.7%, n=429) and their doctor (81%, n=407). About one-third of respondents requested a referral (35.6%, n=184) or changed medications (31%, n=160) based on the information received from ChatGPT. As many users reported skepticism regarding the ChatGPT output (67.9%, n=336), most turned to their physicians (67.5%, n=349). This study underscores the significant role of AI-generated OHI in shaping health-seeking behaviors and the potential evolution of patient-provider interactions. Given the proclivity of these users to enact health behavior changes based on AI-generated content, there is an opportunity for physicians to guide ChatGPT OHI users on an informed and examined use of the technology.

Gene expression and brain imaging association study reveals gene signatures in major depressive disorder.

Major depressive disorder is often characterized by changes in the structure and function of the brain, which are influenced by modifications in gene expression profiles. How the depression-related genes work together within the scope of time and space to cause pathological changes remains unclear. By integrating the brain-wide gene expression data and imaging data in major depressive disorder, we identified gene signatures of major depressive disorder and explored their temporal-spatial expression specificity, network properties, function annotations and sex differences systematically. Based on correlation analysis with permutation testing, we found 345 depression-related genes significantly correlated with functional and structural alteration of brain images in major depressive disorder and separated them by directional effects. The genes with negative effect for grey matter density and positive effect for functional indices are enriched in downregulated genes in the post-mortem brain samples of patients with depression and risk genes identified by genome-wide association studies than genes with positive effect for grey matter density and negative effect for functional indices and control genes, confirming their potential association with major depressive disorder. By introducing a parameter of dispersion measure on the gene expression data of developing human brains, we revealed higher spatial specificity and lower temporal specificity of depression-related genes than control genes. Meanwhile, we found depression-related genes tend to be more highly expressed in females than males, which may contribute to the difference in incidence rate between male and female patients. In general, we found the genes with negative effect have lower network degree, more specialized function, higher spatial specificity, lower temporal specificity and more sex differences than genes with positive effect, indicating they may play different roles in the occurrence and development of major depressive disorder. These findings can enhance the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying major depressive disorder and help develop tailored diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients of depression of different sex.

A Systematic Investigation of Process Parameters for Small-Volume Aqueous Suspension Production by the Use of Focused Ultrasonication

Aqueous suspensions containing crystalline drug in the sub-micron range is a favorable platform for long-acting injectables where particle size can be used to obtain a desired plasma-concentration profile. Stabilizers are added to the suspensions and screened extensively to define the optimal formulation composition. In the initial formulation screening the amount of drug compound can be limited, necessitating milling methods for small-volume screening predictable for scale-up. Hence, adaptive focused ultrasound was investigated as a potential milling method for rapid small-volume suspensions by identifying the critical process parameters during preparation. Suspensions containing drug compounds with different mechanical properties and thereby grindability, i.e., cinnarizine, haloperidol, and indomethacin with brittle, elastic, and plastic properties, respectively, were investigated to gain an understanding of the manufacturing with adaptive focused acoustics as well as comparison to already established milling techniques. Using a DoE-design, peak incident power was identified as the most crucial process parameter impacting the milling process for all three compounds. It was possible to decrease the sizes of drug particles to micron range after one minute of focused ultrasound exposure which was superior compared to other milling techniques (e.g., non-focused ultrasound exposure). The addition of milling beads decreased the drug particle sizes even further, thus to a lower degree than other already established milling techniques such as milling by dual centrifugation. This study thereby demonstrated that adaptive focused ultrasonication was a promising method for rapid homogenization and particle size reduction to micron range for different compounds varying in grindability without altering the crystalline structure.Graphical