Detection, isolation and molecular characterization of Senecavirus A in porcine semen: Implications for control programs.

Effect of resistance training with different occlusion pressure on hand grip strength and forearm girth among young adults- A pilot study.

Numerical investigation of methanol-air mixture formation and combustion in a dual-fuel marine engine at low load

Extending the use of dc-dc converters such as the dual active bridge (DAB) to high voltage applications will require voltage sharing among series-connected power devices. Initial solutions used snubber capacitors to limit voltage rise and balance the turn-off voltage. However, this mechanism is not viable at low currents, which leads to high capacitor discharge currents. The quasi-square wave modular multilevel dc-dc converter (QSW-MMC) has been proposed as an option for high voltage DAB converters. This circuit employs an additional switch in series with the capacitor which acts as a controlled voltage clamp. This avoids problems at low loading but loses the benefit of switching loss reduction at high currents. In this paper, a dual-mode operation based on the QSW-MMC is proposed, which actively controls the auxiliary switch to use the submodule capacitor as a clamping component at low currents and as a snubber component at high currents. Additionally, the presented control strategy can achieve smooth transitions between two modes. Finally, simulation and experimental results from a scaled test rig validate the efficiency improvement achieved by the proposed dual-mode operation.

Inpatient video-EEG epilepsy monitoring aims to provide a safe environment for antiseizure medication (ASM) tapering to precipitate seizures, which is often required for diagnosis and treatment. However, there is no standardized taper protocol across institutions, which may contribute to increased morbidity through longer hospitalizations if the taper is too mild and bilateral tonic-clonic seizures (BTCSs) if too aggressive. This study investigates how ASM taper influences length of stay (LOS) and patient outcomes in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU), aiming to develop guidelines for medication taper strategies to maximize diagnostic yield while minimizing patient risk. We used natural language processing to extract data from electronic medical records of 639 patients admitted to the University of Pennsylvania EMU between 2017 and 2023. We estimated ASM load, the total normalized sum of all ASM serum concentrations based on dose-dependent pharmacokinetic models, throughout each hospitalization. We applied LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) regression and mixed-effects models to identify predictors of LOS and BTCS risk as a function of taper speed and percentage of baseline ASM load in patients with (hBTCS) and without (nBTCS) a history of BTCS. Taper speed did not correlate with BTCS risk, although absolute ASM load did. Median ASM loads at seizure occurrence were 51% of baseline in the hBTCS group, 41% in the nBTCS group, and 39% in the unclear group. BTCS occurred at higher ASM loads in patients with hBTCS vs nBTCS. Median ASM loads at first EMU seizure were 33% for both hBTCS and nBTCS groups, while the unclear group had first seizures at lower loads (25% of baseline). Time to first seizure and number of baseline ASMs were positively correlated with longer hospital stays, suggesting that sequential medication taper delayed seizures and prolonged LOS without altering BTCS risk. Patient history and ASM load are critical factors in predicting BTCS. Rapid taper to approximately 50% baseline ASM load may more efficiently produce seizures without increased BTCS risk in patients without BTCS history. Individualized taper protocols remain advised, particularly for severe epilepsies. This study provides a foundation for quantitative, evidence-based guidelines to optimize ASM reduction strategies for safely precipitating seizures in EMUs.

Towards cleaner tire production: Experimental evaluation of eco-friendly silicone treads with a redesigned interlocking arrangement in the ECOTIRE concept

Heavy mineral-asphaltene interactions governing the stability and destabilization of water-in-oil emulsions.

Preparation of high-load lithium-aluminum layered double hydroxide granules with excellent Li+ adsorption capacity and cycling stability from sulfate type brines.

Lenacapavir is a new antiretroviral agent that targets the HIV-1 capsid, and is currently indicated for the treatment of patients with multidrug-resistant infection. It was recently approved by the U.S. Food Drug and Administration for use in pre-exposure prophylaxis. A robust sequencing method to determine HIV-1 gag sequences and resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH), both prior and during lenacapavir treatment, is essential. In this study, we compared short-read (DeepChek® gag HIV-1) and long-read (PacBio gag SMRT) next-generation sequencing approaches for detecting gag mutations from blood samples of 47 PLWH (24 plasma HIV-1 RNA and 23 cell HIV-1 DNA). We found that both methods exhibited robust performance for sequencing gag from plasma HIV-1 RNA. For cell HIV-1 DNA, low viral load appeared to be a limiting factor for sequencing success for both approaches. Focusing on key positions associated with lenacapavir resistance, we observed concordant interpretation in all but one sample, where the 107S RAM was detected by DeepChek® only. Overall nucleotide concordance between methods remained high (99.2% to 100%). Both NGS methods proved effective for gag genotyping in clinical samples, supporting their use in monitoring resistance to capsid inhibitors, although minor differences in consensus sequences were observed.

Modeling and investigating the interactive role of fluid velocity and pore pressure within the lacunar-canalicular system in load-induced osteogenesis.

This study systematically investigates a synergistic catalyst–ionomer design strategy integrating catalyst architecture, support chemistry, and ionomer structure to enable proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance relevant to heavy-duty applications. A non-commercial PtCo alloy catalyst supported on nitrogen-doped mesoporous carbon (PtCo/MFCS) enhances intrinsic oxygen reduction reaction activity via alloying while promoting ionomer dispersion, proton accessibility, and favorable interfacial interactions through surface nitrogen functionalities. In parallel, a short-side-chain perfluorosulfonic acid (SSC PFSA) ionomer (Aquivion® D79) is introduced to improve proton conductivity and water retention under low-humidity conditions. In a systematic MEA campaign, PtCo/MFCS delivers over 16 × higher mass activity at 0.9 V (537 vs 32 mA mg Pt −1 ) than a commercial Pt/Vulcan catalyst, despite 43% lower Pt loading, supported by higher electrochemically active surface area and improved dispersion. Beyond kinetic gains, the mesoporous nitrogen-doped support enhances mid-to-high current density performance by facilitating oxygen transport and water management. Replacing Nafion® with Aquivion® D79 further sustains performance under partial humidification down to 33% RH, demonstrating that SSC ionomer benefits emerge only when coupled with appropriate support porosity and chemistry. Overall, the results reveal strong catalyst–support–ionomer synergy, enabling robust, balance-of-plant-friendly PEMFC operation and offering a credible pathway toward U.S. Department of Energytargets for heavy-duty fuel cell. • PtCo/N-doped carbon shows >16 × higher mass activity than commercial Pt/Vulcan. • Mesoporous N-doped support enhances ECSA, Pt utilization, and oxygen transport. • PtCo catalyst outperforms Pt/Vulcan at 2 bar(abs), revealing pressure dependence. • Short-side-chain PFSA ionomer improves PEMFC performance at low humidity (33–50% RH). • EIS confirms reduced ohmic and charge-transfer resistances versus baseline MEA.

Early ecological changes in intestinal microbiota with the long-acting GLP-2 analog apraglutide in short bowel syndrome.

Polished white rice (WR), high in refined carbohydrates, the main staple in South India is associated with enhanced risk of diabetes. Brown Rice (BR), with lower glycemic load, high fibre content and micronutrients, is a healthier choice. Two hundred and twelve Persons with Diabetes (PwD) attending a tertiary diabetes care centre in a city in South India responded to a questionnaire documenting types, frequency and reasons for rice consumption, awareness and beliefs about BR. A sub-set of 10, participated in qualitative interviews, which additionally, explored the influence of traditional beliefs on and consumption patterns of rice, barriers to BR consumption and willingness to accept it in their diet. Ninety-three percent reported consuming WR with traditional usage (97 %) being the main reason for its preference. Brand image, grain size, texture and taste, of rice were other decisional considerations. Awareness about health benefits of BR was limited, with 69 % and 51 % believing it to be nutritious and helping to reduce blood sugar respectively. Appearance, texture, taste and cost were deterrents to its use. Over half agreed to switch to BR if they believed it would improve their health. Participants with a shorter duration of diabetes were more willing to change to BR. The study highlights the need to promote greater literacy regarding health benefits of BR and other forms of less polished rice. Larger trials examining the effectiveness of BR viz-a viz other types of less polished rice on blood glucose levels, metabolic factors and nutritional content among PwD are needed.

Pd/γ-MnO2/Ni foam cathode for efficient electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination of chlorophenols in aqueous solution and wastewater.

Two systems of nanoemulsions encapsulating hexyl gallate-eugenol (GaOi) were developed for sustainable plant protection. A water-based system (GaOi-Water, F24) and a 1 % (w/v) chitosan-stabilized system (GaOi-Qs, F64) were prepared using high-energy emulsification and analyzed using DLS, AFM, and TEM. F24 displayed narrowly distributed spherical droplets (AFM: 40–150 nm; DLS mean ∼140 nm; PDI <0.3), whereas F64 formed a chitosan-encapsulated core–shell network with larger aggregates (>400 nm) embedding smaller nanodomains (20–50 nm), consistent with a polymeric shell that may confer sustained-release kinetics. Transmission electron microscopy corroborated these architectures, showing well-defined core-shell morphologies that correlated with the sustained release behavior of F64. In addition, F64 exhibited high encapsulation efficiency and pronounced colloidal stability (|ζ| > 50 mV). Functionally, microbroth (REMA) assays showed that F64 was an order of magnitude more potent than F24 (IC₉₀/MBC: 0.03125 %, 0.125 % v/v), an effect attributed to the potential disruption of the membrane by possible synergistic interaction and the prolonged availability of the antifungal on the surface. Crucially, acute ecotoxicity tests on two stingless bee species ( Melipona scutellaris and Scaptotrigona postica ) revealed no mortality or feeding impairment at active doses. Greenhouse trials on sweet orange demonstrated lesion reductions comparable to commercial copper sprays, using markedly lower active loads. Thus, the results link nano-architecture to release behavior and biological outcomes, illustrating a materials-driven pathway for high-efficacy, pollinator-safe crop protection. The GaOi-chitosan system represents a scalable and environmentally sound alternative to metal-based bactericides with strong potential for field translation. • Sustainable chitosan nanoemulsions to replace conventional agrochemicals. • Hexyl gallate-eugenol showed greater antimicrobial potency against X. citri . • Core-shell structures ensure prolonged release of the active ingredient. • No significant toxicity to native bees tested with nanoemulsions. • Effective control of citrus canker in greenhouse tests.

Sensitivity analysis of a patient-specific finite element simulation pipeline incorporating automated vertebral segmentation for predicting vertebral strength of a clinical database.

An estimated 270 000 people in the UK live with hepatitis B infection, the leading global cause of liver cancer. In 2022, opt-out hepatitis B testing was introduced in emergency departments (ED) in London. We conducted a 2-year multicentre evaluation of this programme across seven sites. Adults testing positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) through ED opt-out testing (n = 983) were compared with those referred via non-ED pathways (n = 416) over at least 12 months in the same regions with a six-month follow-up period. Demographics, clinical characteristics and factors influencing time to assessment were analysed. ED testing led to a 107% increase in HBV assessments. Of 983 HBsAg-positive individuals, 90.2% (887/983) were contactable and 97% (660/679) of those requiring assessment were linked to care. 35% were aware of their diagnosis but not under specialist care. Among ED-diagnosed individuals, 16.37% had significant fibrosis and 20.45% had viral loads > 2000 IU/mL. ED referrals were older (mean age 51 vs. 47 years, p < 0.001) and had lower viral loads (mean log10 HBV DNA 2.08 vs. 2.78, p < 0.001). Mean time to assessment in the ED group was 90 days. ED opt-out testing has doubled new assessments of hepatitis B cases, identifying individuals who would benefit from surveillance and/or treatment. Linkage-to-care rates were very high, though time to assessment was prolonged by service factors. A significant proportion were aware of their diagnosis but lost to care, underscoring the need for services which can maintain engagement.

Multi-physics simulation of air distribution and coal feeding optimization for a 350 MW coal-fired boiler under low load conditions

Floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) are increasingly exposed to tropical cyclone (TC) hazards, which impose severe cyclic and transient loads on structural components. The complex marine environment leads to continuous corrosion-fatigue (CF) deterioration, gradually weakening the typhoon resistance and increasing system fragility over time. This study proposes a probabilistic framework for evaluating the reliability and vulnerability of FOWT flange bolted connections under typhoon conditions while accounting for CF-induced degradation. The framework integrates long-term environmental characterization, TC-induced wind-wave field modeling, a probabilistic CF model, and structural dynamic analysis. It is applied to assess the vulnerability and risk of a semi-submersible wind turbine. The results indicate that CF degradation leads to a reduction of flange-connection bending and axial resistances to approximately 20% and 40%, respectively. The system reliability declines rapidly under the combined effects of CF and typhoon loading, with flange connections exhibiting pronounced susceptibility to coupled cyclic and transient extremes. Moreover, the failure-probability distribution progressively shifts toward lower load levels with increasing deterioration, indicating that typhoon-induced stress amplification markedly reduces the structural safety. The cumulative system risk rises monotonically throughout service life, emphasizing the importance of accounting for long-term CF deterioration in resilience-oriented maintenance strategies for FOWTs operating in typhoon-prone regions. • Developed a probabilistic framework for FOWT typhoon–CF vulnerability. • Integrated wind–wave modeling with corrosion–fatigue crack evolution. • Coupled resistance degradation with dynamic typhoon response analysis. • Applied multi-mode reliability and risk assessment for flange connections.

Optimized hydrogel environment for a tyrosinase-based sandwich-type phenol biosensor: Application of modeling results to real samples.