Size Range Research Articles

Nanoscopic technologies toward molecular profiling of single extracellular vesicles for cancer liquid biopsy

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising cancer biomarkers due to their encapsulation of molecular signals reflective of originating tumor cells. Conventional analytical methods often fall short in comprehensive EV molecular profiling, necessitating innovative approaches for enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. This review focuses on the utilization of nanoplasmonic structures for optical signal detection of EVs, exploring advancements, challenges, and future prospects toward single EV molecular profiling. Nanoplasmonic structures offer enhanced optical readout capabilities, leveraging light iridescence, and plasmonic amplification suitable for the size range and complexity of the EVs. We delve into the research and implications of on-chip methods, shedding light on EVs' role in health and disease. Despite notable progress, opportunities still exist to further develop nanoplasmonic arrays, customizing them for bioanalytes of interest, crucial for both label-free and labeled techniques to attain the objectives of their EV profiling. One such example is the use of specific antibodies for surface functionalization in nanoplasmonic arrays. Other approaches involve tailoring the design of platforms to the physical properties of target EVs, thereby enhancing characterization capabilities. The subsequent sections will cover a curated selection of relevant studies. We later discuss EV analysis through plasmonic nanoarrays in clinical sample scenarios. While patterning methods, such as colloidal self-assembly and e-beam lithography, enable integration with microfluidic systems, facilitating future investigations, few technologies have entered clinical trials. This roadblock highlights the need for further development of cost-effective, detailed molecular profiling methods. Moreover, we discuss avenues like single EV profiling and machine learning to address challenges related to heterogeneity of EVs as liquid biopsy biomarkers. Finally, we discuss future opportunities in developing nanoplasmonic-assisted EV profiling and studied their driving advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic realms, such as customizable nanoplasmonic structures coupled with artificial intelligence analysis modules, as a path forward for precise EV molecular profiling, which may enable personalized therapeutic interventions.

Enhancing Recommendation Systems with Skew Deviation Bias for Shilling Attack Detection

Introduction: Recommender systems serve as a powerful tool to address the challenges of information overload by delivering personalized recommendations. However, their susceptibility to profile injection or shilling attacks poses a significant threat. Malicious entities can introduce fabricated profiles into the database of users to manipulate the popularity of specific items, subsequently influencing prediction outcomes Method: Detecting and mitigating the impact of such attacks is critical for preserving recommendation accuracy and user trust. The primary objective of this study is to develop an integrated framework for robust shilling attack detection and data sparsity mitigation in recommendation systems. This approach aims to make the system more resistant to manipulative attacks and improve recommendation quality, especially when dealing with limited data. In this paper, Skew Deviation Bias (SDB), is a novel metric that gauges the skewness within rating distributions, enabling the identification of both fabricated shilling profiles and the anomalous rating behaviors exhibited by attackers. Building upon this foundation, SDB is integrated with other statistical metrics like Rating deviation from the mean agreement (RDMA), Weighted deviation from the mean agreement (WDMA), Weighted degree of agreement (WDA), and length variance. This research investigates the impact of incorporating SDB alongside existing attributes in countering various attack scenarios, including random, average, and bandwagon attacks. Result: Extensive experiments are conducted to compare the effectiveness of SDB when integrated with existing attributes against scenarios employing only existing attributes. These experiments cover a range of attack sizes while maintaining a fixed 50% filler size. The results of thorough comparative analyses demonstrate the consistent superiority of the SDB-integrated approach, resulting in higher accuracy across all attack types compared to scenarios using only existing attributes. Notably, the random attack scenario shows the most significant accuracy improvement among the evaluated scenarios. Conclusion: The approach achieves a detection accuracy of 97.08% for random shilling attacks, affirming its robustness. Furthermore, in the context of data sparsity, the approach notably enhances recommendation quality.

Benchmarking tree species classification from proximally sensed laser scanning data: Introducing the FOR‐species20K dataset

Abstract Proximally sensed laser scanning presents new opportunities for automated forest ecosystem data capture. However, a gap remains in deriving ecologically pertinent information, such as tree species, without additional ground data. Artificial intelligence approaches, particularly deep learning (DL), have shown promise towards automation. Progress has been limited by the lack of large, diverse, and, most importantly, openly available labelled single‐tree point cloud datasets. This has hindered both (1) the robustness of the DL models across varying data types (platforms and sensors) and (2) the ability to effectively track progress, thereby slowing the convergence towards best practice for species classification. To address the above limitations, we compiled the FOR‐species20K benchmark dataset, consisting of individual tree point clouds captured using proximally sensed laser scanning data from terrestrial (TLS), mobile (MLS) and drone laser scanning (ULS). Compiled collaboratively, the dataset includes data collected in forests mainly across Europe, covering Mediterranean, temperate and boreal biogeographic regions. It includes scattered tree data from other continents, totaling over 20,000 trees of 33 species and covering a wide range of tree sizes and forms. Alongside the release of FOR‐species20K, we benchmarked seven leading DL models for individual tree species classification, including both point cloud (PointNet++, MinkNet, MLP‐Mixer, DGCNNs) and multi‐view 2D‐based methods (SimpleView, DetailView, YOLOv5). 2D Image‐based models had, on average, higher overall accuracy (0.77) than 3D point cloud‐based models (0.72). Notably, the performance was consistently >0.8 across scanning platforms and sensors, offering versatility in deployment. The top‐scoring model, DetailView, demonstrated robustness to training data imbalances and effectively generalized across tree sizes. The FOR‐species20K dataset represents an important asset for developing and benchmarking DL models for individual tree species classification using proximally sensed laser scanning data. As such, it serves as a crucial foundation for future efforts to classify accurately and map tree species at various scales using laser scanning technology, as it provides the complete code base, dataset, and an initial baseline representative of the current state‐of‐the‐art of point cloud tree species classification methods.

Microstructural study with enhanced dielectric and magnetic properties of M−type Nd doped Ba1-xNdxFe12O19 (x = 0–0.20) hexaferrites synthesized via sol–gel auto-combustion route

In the present study, we have examined the influence of Nd doping on the structural, morphological, magnetic, and dielectric properties of barium hexaferrite (Ba1-xNdxFe12O19; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) samples synthesized via the sol–gel auto-combustion route. The XRD patterns confirm the formation of the hexagonal phase, in addition to minor traces of Fe2O3 impurity in the samples. Doping with Nd3+ ions produced strain in the crystal, and the samples retain their hexagonal phase with space group P63/mmc, as ensured by the Rietveld refinement method. FTIR spectroscopy were performed for microstructural analysis, which shows the corresponding stretching and bending bands of iron and oxygen in the samples. The Raman spectra confirmed the Raman fundamental modes at various wavenumbers, which also confirm the hexagonal structure of the samples. The electronic states of all metal ions state were confirmed through x-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopy analysis, which show that iron is present in two oxidation states (Fe2+ and Fe3+) in all the prepared samples. XPS spectra also revealed that the Nd-doped sample is more defective as compared to pure sample. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs shows that the non-uniform particle size in the nanometer range. Elemental composition is confirmed using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) measurement. Additionally, magnetic measurements using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) revealed that the hysteresis loops for 5 % Nd-doped sample shows the maximum value 44.3 emu/g of magnetization, and its values decrease for further increase in Nd doping concentration. The dielectric measurements were performed at room temperature in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 10 MHz, when Nd3+ is doped at the Ba site, it enhances the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, tangent loss, and ac conductivity of the synthesized samples.

Analysis of the inter-city shared mobility system based on autonomous electric vehicles

While autonomous electric vehicles (AEVs) have been preliminarily implemented in shared travel services from both technical and theoretical perspectives, challenges such as dispersed fleets, limited service quality, and travel safety concerns have confined existing research to intra-city shared mobility, with few studies focusing on inter-city shared mobility for AEVs. With China’s metropolitan regions expanding and intercity travel rapidly increasing, examining the use of shared autonomous electric vehicles (SAEVs) for intercity travel is essential for future transportation systems. To address this issue, this study models the inter-city shared mobility problem utilizing mixed integer linear programming. The problem is defined on a directed graph and addressed using a variable neighborhood search algorithm. Numerical experiments are designed based on the actual shared mobility data between Yinchuan and Shizuishan, Ningxia Province, China. From the perspective of the operating platform, the potential influencing factors of the inter-city shared mobility system are analyzed, including passenger travel demand, fleet size, vehicle range, and the number of charging stations. The results demonstrate that increasing temporal and spatial imbalance in passenger travel demand and excessive fleet size will lead to lower total revenue of the operation platform. Conversely, within certain thresholds, increasing the number of charging stations, vehicle range, and fleet size will increase the total revenue. Continuing to increase the number of charging stations and vehicle range has no significant effect on total revenue and service rate but will lead to a waste of basic resources. The study is expected to provide a solution for building an inter-city shared mobility system based on SAEVs. By fully understanding the system’s limitations and advantages, we aim to provide a reference template for constructing future inter-city shared mobility systems.

The first report on emerged microplastics in deep-sea sediment: Insights from the Central Indian Ocean Basin.

Microplastics (MPs, <5mm) are widespread in coastal ecosystems and pose a growing global concern; however, their presence in deep-sea environments remains underexplored, especially in the Indian region. This study addresses this gap by providing the first comprehensive documentation of MPs in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) at a depth of 5000m, marking the initial effort to assess their presence and abundance in deep-sea core samples. The study investigated the MP concentration, composition and potential sources, revealing a size range between 10μm and 4900μm, with average abundances recorded at BC20 (10.2±6.2MPs/g), the PRZ (6.4±5.0MPs/g), and the IRZ (4.5±0.8MPs/g). Fibres constituted 54.9% of the MPs, primarily blue, black, and red, and the predominant polymer was polyacetylene (50%), followed by polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl chloride. These findings highlight the significant presence of MPs in the deep sea, underscoring the need for a better understanding of their transport and deposition mechanisms. This research is vital for shaping conservation strategies and policies aimed at mitigating MP pollution in marine ecosystems, emphasizing the urgency for further investigations in this region.

Doxycycline-integrated silk fibroin hydrogel: preparation, characterizations, and antimicrobial assessment for biomedical applications

BackgroundTooth extraction, a common dental procedure, is often accompanied by pain, trismus, and swelling due to alveolitis caused by oral bacteria. Doxycycline is prescribed to alleviate infection and improve socket healing, but its immediate absorption in the bloodstream makes the treatment less effective at oral sites. This emphasizes the importance of a drug delivery system to gradually slow its release at the oral wound site and increase its bioavailability to make the treatment effective over time.MethodsSilk fibroin (SF) - doxycycline hyclate (DH) hydrogel was developed and subsequently characterized for gelation kinetics, swelling, stress-strain analysis, morphology using scanning electron microscopy, interaction between SF and DH using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, drug release profile, antibacterial efficacy, and biocompatibility studies.ResultsThe results indicated that the SF-DH hydrogel maintained its structural integrity, tolerated stress and strain, and featured interconnected pores, confirming DH integration within the SF matrix. The SF-DH hydrogel formed within 8 h with the pore size range of 20–150 μm and 90.72 kPa Young’s modulus. The drug release profile showed the increased release of DH up to 2 h, followed by sustained release till 8 h. The zone of inhibition was smaller with SF-DH hydrogels compared with DH for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Furthermore, MC3T3-E1 cells showed 90% viability with SF-DH hydrogel.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that SF-DH hydrogel showed sufficient mechanical strength, pore size, antimicrobial activity, and biocompatibility. Further in vivo and clinical tests are required to prove its efficacy in effective socket healing.

Mesophilic anaerobic digestion of mixed sludge in CSTR and AnMBR systems: A perspective on microplastics fate.

Most microplastics (MPs) end up in the biosolids produced in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and can pose contamination risks when the biosolids are applied to agriculture. This study evaluated the impact of mesophilic anaerobic digestion on the fate of MPs in WWTP sludge. For this, two laboratory-scale anaerobic digesters were operated in parallel, consisting of a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) equipped with an ultrafiltration membrane to decouple the hydraulic and sludge retention times. Both digesters were continuously fed with mixed sludge from a municipal WWTP. The results showed a significant reduction in the MP concentration, with the AnMBR having the higher MP removal efficiency (88.6% vs. 62.1%) and obtaining a higher percentage of biomethanisation (58.3% vs. 43.7%). Polypropylene (PP) and polyacrylonitrile were the main polymers in the mixed sludge, while PP and polyethylene were the dominant polymers in the digested samples. The MP particles in all the samples were predominantly in the 500-104μm size range. Microbiological analysis indicates a greater species diversity in the microbial community of the AnMBR, the results also revealed a symbiotic relationship between the Firmicutes and Patescibacteria phyla in this digester.

Analysing the apoptotic potential of green synthesized Nyctanthes arbor-tristis chitosan nanoparticles in MDA-MB-231 and SKOV3 cell lines

Gynecological tumors are highly aggressive cancers in women, often treated with conventional treatments that can cause significant side effects. This study focuses on the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaves, which possess anti-tumor properties, to address and overcome these issues. The successfully synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-spectroscopy, DLS, TEM, and FTIR spectroscopy to analyze their physiochemical properties. In vitro studies, including cytotoxicity and scratch wound healing assays, along with staining and qRT-PCR, revealed the nanoparticles' anticancer efficacy against breast and ovarian cancer cells. The formation of Nat-CSNPs showed an absorbance peak at 221nm, a particle size range of 41-56nm with a spherical shape, polydispersity, and a positive surface charge. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of functional groups associated with the synthesized Nat-CSNPs. It exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with IC50 values of 62.40μg/ml for MDA-MB-231 and 44.7μg/ml for SKOV3 cells. Further assays such as wound healing assay, and DAPI/AO/EtBr staining demonstrated their antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on MDA-MB-231 and SKOV3 cells. Induction of apoptosis by the chitosan-nanoparticle via upregulation of the pro-apoptotic genes (Bax, Cas3, Cas9) and downregulation of antiapoptotic genes (Bcl2) was assessed using qRT-PCR analysis. In vivo acute toxicity assessments of Nat-CSNPs on Danio rerio revealed no significant impact on glucose levels or AST, ALT, and AChE activity, indicating low toxicity. These findings underscore the potent anticancer effects of Nat-CSNPs, particularly inducing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 and SKOV3 cell lines. While demonstrating low toxicity in Danio rerio, Nat-CSNPs are considered a promising novel anti-cancer drug for breast and ovarian cancer treatment.

Key factors affecting the vertical eddy current separation efficiency between Cu and Al particles.

Solid waste contains abundant Al and Cu particles. Vertical eddy current separation is a potential method to separate and reuse them. The study analyzes the effects of particle shape, particle size, magnetic roller speed and structure on the separation by the vertical eddy current separation experiment and the combined simulation of COMSOL Multiphysics and MATLAB. For the separation between Cu and Al particles with common size ranges (the radii of 4∼8mm), the separation effects of cylindrical and spherical particles are better than that of flaky particles. The spherical Cu and Al particles repulsion distance difference is 1.95 times of that of the cylinder particles. Dividing materials into 4-5mm and 6-8mm smaller size ranges can eliminate the mixing and reach better effect. Increasing the magnetic roller speed is beneficial to separation. When the speed is 6000rpm, the Cu and Al particles are separated, and Halbach Array magnetic roller is advantageous to increase the separation grade. However, the rotational speed is also related to the magnetic roller structure, when the speed is greater than 6000rpm, the NS magnetic roller is more suitable to separate smaller size particles and the size range also is expanded (the radii of 2∼8mm). The results clarify the effects of key factors on the separation between Cu and Al particles, provide reference for recycling Cu and Al particles in solid waste, which are not only conducive to the sustainable development, but also have important environmental significance.

Gendered Perspectives on Fish Consumption: A Comparative Analysis of Women and Men in Kerala, India

The study conducted in Kerala, India aimed to assess consumption and perception differences among women and men fish consumers regarding health, safety, and quality issues. Using a purposive random sampling method, 263 women and 137 men fish consumers from coastal districts (Ernakulam and Kozhikode) and inland districts (Kottayam and Palakkad) of Kerala were surveyed. The sample represented a diverse range of socio-demographic characteristics, including gender, age, family size, education, occupation, and place of residence. Per capita fish consumption was estimated at 2.9kg/month with a household consumption of 11.6kg/month. Consumer perceptions reveal significant concerns about fish quality and safety and inefficiency of government mechanism in enforcement. The study found that women had a significantly higher perception than men regarding the nutrition and health benefits of fish, highlighting their efforts to meet the nutritional needs of their families. The findings suggest that while men may benefit from more customized information about the health advantages of fish, women may require tailored information on quality and safety risks associated with fish consumption. The study underscores the importance of customized scientific communication regarding the nutrition and health benefits of fish, specifically tailored for both genders.

Relaxed two-step inertial method for solving a class of split variational inequality problems with application to traffic analysis

In this paper, we propose a new iterative algorithm for approximating the solution of the split variational inequality problem with multiple output sets in real Hilbert spaces. Our proposed algorithm does not require the co-coerciveness of the associated single-valued operators. The step sizes of the new algorithm are updated per iteration by a simple calculation without prior knowledge of the transformation operators' norm and the monotone and Lipschitz continuous constants of the involved operators. Some parameters are relaxed to enlarge the value range of the corresponding step sizes. Two-step inertial extrapolation are incorporated in the new algorithm to accelerate their convergence speed. Finally, we provide an application of split variational inequality problem with multiple output sets in traffic network analysis and present several numerical experiments to demonstrate the implementability of the proposed method.

Chemical Constituents and Particle Size Distribution of Mainstream Emission from Electronic Waterpipe.

An electronic waterpipe (electronic hookah) uses an electronic heating element to promote the vaporization and aerosolization of an e-liquid in a waterpipe. There is little or no published information characterizing the toxicant levels or particle size distributions of electronic waterpipe mainstream emission. Controlled laboratory experiments were performed to evaluate electronic waterpipe mainstream emission for 40 test conditions: 10 e-liquid products × 2 power settings × 2 puffing topographies. Data were collected for amounts of three volatile toxicants and selected semi-volatile compounds, mass of total particulate matter, and particle size distribution within the size range of 5-1000nm. Amounts of the volatile toxicants acetaldehyde, acrolein, and benzene measured in mainstream emission were 33-505 µg/session, 27-415 µg/session, and 0.69-2.44 µg/session, respectively. The amounts of acetaldehyde and acrolein, when reported in units of µg/puff, are generally similar to some literature-reported amounts in e-cigarette mainstream emission and tobacco waterpipe smoke. A bimodal or trimodal particle size distribution was typically observed, and substantial concentrations of nanoparticles were detected. The amounts (in µg/puff) of the volatile toxicants and several quantitative measures of particle size distribution were significantly affected by power setting and puffing topography. Given the hazards of acetaldehyde and acrolein and the distinctive toxicological profile of nanoparticles, electronic waterpipe use may present significant toxicity concerns. Operation of an electronic waterpipe is a complex process in which physics, fluid dynamics, and chemistry interact to yield mainstream emission for which the composition is sensitive to changes from various sources. This publication, to our knowledge, is the first to report the amounts of toxicants and particle size distributions in electronic waterpipe mainstream emission. The results reported herein suggest that there may be significant toxicity concerns associated with electronic waterpipe use as indicated by the levels of volatile toxicants and the presence of nanoparticles in electronic waterpipe mainstream emission. This knowledge is valuable to support the research community and tobacco regulatory agencies in understanding the impact that electronic waterpipe use may have on public health.

Production and characterization of levans with different molecular weights synthesized by Bacillus licheniformis ZM107.

Levan, a fructan-type polysaccharide with diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, has garnered significant attention for its functional properties, such as prebiotic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. In this study, the effects of fermentation temperature, sucrose concentration, and incubation time on the molecular weight of levan produced by Bacillus licheniformis fermentation were investigated. The results showed that as the temperature (37-50°C) and sucrose concentration (300-500g l-1) increased, the molecular weight of levan produced by the strain during fermentation decreased. At the same time, the molecular weight initially increased and then decreased with longer culture times, indicating that levan within a specific size range could be produced by controlling the fermentation conditions. In addition, the properties and characteristics of levan produced by fermentation at two molecular weights (HML and LML) were compared. The results showed that molecular weight significantly affected the micromorphology, thermal behavior, rheological properties, and prebiotic activity of levan. Therefore, this study demonstrated that Bacillus licheniformis SFLV-ZM107 can produce low molecular weight levan, and its molecular weight can be controlled through fermentation conditions. Consequently, the properties and functions of levan can be influenced, allowing the production of levans with the desired characteristics.

SN-38-indoximod conjugate: carrier free nano-prodrug for cancer therapy.

The integration of immunotherapy alongside chemotherapy represents a crucial approach in the treatment of cancer. Herein we report the SN-38-indoximod conjugate nano-prodrug to address the difficulties encountered by individuals. In this prodrug, SN-38 is connected to indoximod through a specific disulfide linker, which enables the release of the components in response to the tumor microenvironment characterized by elevated levels of glutathione, thereby facilitating programmed chemoimmunotherapy. SN-38-indoximod conjugate was synthesized and fabricated to nano-prodrug by reprecipitation method. It showed comparable anti-cancer activity against A549 cells than SN-38 (IC50 = 0.24 ± 0.01 µM) with IC50 value 0.32 ± 0.04 µM. It inhibited 90% A549 cell at very lower concentration (IC90 = 6.07 ± 0.41 µM) as compared with SN-38 (IC90 = 24.60 ± 1.24 µM) and mixture of SN-38: indoximod (1:1, IC90 >30 µM). The nano-prodrug showed better size distribution profile and dispersion stability contains nanoparticles in effective size range (80-160 nm) required for the EPR effect. This research offers valuable insights into the advancement of conjugate nano-prodrugs exhibiting synergistic pharmacological effects, while also presenting novel opportunities for the design of prodrug molecules capable of releasing drugs in response to diverse triggers.

Inhalable spray-dried dry powders combining ivermectin and niclosamide to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, predominantly affects the respiratory tract, underscoring the need to develop antiviral agents in an inhalable formulation that can be delivered as prophylactic and/or therapeutic drugs directly to the infection site. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our group has been exploring the possibility of developing combinations of antiviral drugs that can be delivered as inhalable therapy, including combinations of remdesivir and ebselen or remdesivir and disulfiram prepared using a spray-drying technique. In this study, we used a similar spray-drying technique to develop inhalable dry powders combining the controversial drugs ivermectin and niclosamide, which have been reported to exhibit synergistic activity against SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. The combined dry powders were within the size range of 1-5 μm, amorphous in nature and displayed characteristic morphology after spray drying. The emitted dose (ED) of the spray-dried powders ranged from 68 to 83 %, whereas the fine particle fraction (FPF) ranged between 50 and 74 %. All the prepared dry powders remained stable under different humidity conditions (<15 % RH and 53 % RH). Interestingly, the optimized combinational dry powder of ivermectin and niclosamide showed an improved cytotoxic profile (CC50 value of 45.99 µM) and enhanced anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro (EC50 of 2.67 µM) compared to the single dry powders of ivermectin (CC50 = 20.25 µM and EC50 = 8.61 µM) and niclosamide (CC50 = 21.36 µM and EC50 = 5.28 µM). In summary, we developed a stable and inhalable combinational dry powder containing ivermectin and niclosamide, capable of inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro, demonstrating the potential to prepare dry powders that could be developed and delivered as inhalable antiviral drugs to prevent and/or treat SARS-CoV-2 or similar respiratory viruses.

Impact of Particle Size of Nanoliposomes on the Biological Response of Frozen-Thawed Sperm in Holstein Bulls.

Nanoliposomes could improve the delivering profile of protecting substances in sperm-freezing extenders. This study aimed to assess the impact of nanoliposomes with varying particle sizes and containing 2.5 mM glutathione (GSH) on the post-thaw quality of bull sperm. Ejaculates were obtained weekly from six mature Holstein bulls for six weeks using an artificial vagina. Semen was pooled and mixed with the lecithin-based extender. Semen was pooled and diluted with lecithin-based extenders containing 2.5 mM encapsulated GSH in nanoliposomes with particles in the size range of <50, 50-100, or 100-200 nm and Andromed (control). Intracellular GSH was 4.8±0.14 nmol/108 sperm pre-freezing, decreasing by 58% to 2.8±0.14 nmol/108 sperm post-thawing in control (no differences among treatments). Sperm motility, viability, membrane functionality, apoptotic status, mitochondrial activity, lipid peroxidation, and DNA fragmentation were assessed after cryopreservation. Compared to the control, the 50-100 nm group showed significantly higher viability (72.7%±2.7 vs. 61.2%±2.7) and plasma membrane integrity (82.0%±1.6 vs. 73.3%±1.6). Conversely, the 100-200 nm group showed lower acrosomal integrity (P<0.05 vs. others) and increased DNA fragmentation (P<0.05 vs. 50-100 nm and control). Supplementing the lecithin-based freezing extender with 50-100 nm nanoparticles loaded with 2.5 mM GSH could enhance bull semen cryopreservation.

Analysis of the presence of microplastics in different brands of bottled water in Regional 6 - Ecuador

Attributable to the immoderate insertion of plastics into the food chain humans, this investigation was conducted with the aim of assessing the presence of microplastics in bottled water in Regional 6 of Ecuador. Accordingly, 72 samples from four different brands of bottled water were analyzed, revealing various plastic particles (fibers and fragments) which were subsequently confirmed through FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) Spectroscopy. Furthermore, a complete range of fragment sizes ranging from 4,4 µm to 248,29 µm and a complete range of fiber sizes from 102,64 µm to 840,20 µm were acquired., recognizing them as secondary microplastics. Nevertheless, upon comparing means regarding the fibers and fragments discovered in each brand, it was established that brand B had a greater quantity of microplastics, with an average of 233,1. Finally, polyethylene was identified as the most probable type of particle detected by FTIR.

Mesopelagic Fish Biodiversity in the Ligurian Cetacean Sanctuary

Mesopelagic fish belonging to the families Gonostomatidae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae, Stomiidae, Paralepididae, Myctophidae, Evermannellidae, Microstomatidae, and Nemichthyidae were sampled using an Isaacs Kidd Midwater Trawl (IKMT) in the Ligurian Sea, Northwestern Mediterranean, the core of the Cetacean Sanctuary established in 2001. In September–October 2002 and September 2003, 31 species of mesopelagic fish were captured in oblique hauls from 800 m depth to the surface. The mesopelagic fish fraction represented about 22% of the collected biomass, dominated by two main species of the genus Cyclothone, representing 93.8% of total abundance, followed by Argyropelecus hemigymnus and Lampanyctus crocodilus. The presence of Valenciennellus tripunctulatus was a new record for the study area. The family Myctophidae was the most represented in terms of number of species (n = 13). The abundance and biodiversity of mesopelagic fishes were influenced by the sampling period and oceanographic conditions, specifically temperature. While no diel vertical migrations could be observed, day and night samples revealed different compositions of juveniles and adults of Benthosema glaciale and Ceratoscopelus maderensis. The broad size range of specimens sampled confirmed that adult individuals of Chauliodus sloani and Lampanyctus crocodilus can inhabit and forage within the water column beyond the slope rather than exclusively near the bottom.

Esketamine Treatment for Depression in Adults: A PRISMA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Intranasal esketamine has been approved as an adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation and behavior. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data on its efficacy against depression and suicidality as well as its side effects. MEDLINE was searched with the keyword "esketamine" on March 24, 2024, using the PRISMA method. Data processing and statistical analysis were performed with R, version 4.3.3, and the meta-analysis was performed with the METAFOR package. Of 1,115 articles initially identified, 87 were included for analysis and discussion. At weeks 2-4, randomized controlled trials were mostly negative or failed; however, the meta-analysis returned a weak but significant positive effect for depression (effect size range, 0.15-0.23 at weeks 2-4), similar to augmentation strategies with atypical antipsychotics for treatment-resistant depression. The effect size concerning suicidality was not significant at any time point. The sensitivity analysis produced the same results. The study findings suggest that esketamine's efficacy as an add-on to antidepressants is modest in treatment-resistant depression (similar to augmentation strategies with atypical antipsychotics) and is absent against suicidality itself. These findings need to be considered in light of esketamine's abuse potential and the fact that long-term effects are still not fully known. Some alarming signs concerning deaths and emerging suicidality during the testing phase are discussed, along with other regulatory issues.