Unique Safety Research Articles

Updates on the MR safety guidelines - Essentials for radiologists.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated diagnostic tool that utilizes the magnetic properties of biological tissue to generate detailed images of internal structures without the use of ionizing radiation. Despite its benefits in providing high-contrast images of soft tissues, the strong magnetic fields used in MRI present a unique safety challenge. Increasing MRI-related accidents and the prevalence of patients with metallic implants in recent years underscore the critical need for stringent MR safety protocols. This article reviews the latest 2024 updates in the MRI safety manual by the American College of Radiology (ACR), highlighting the comprehensive efforts to manage risks associated with MRI, including projectile and burn incidents, patients with medical devices, and emerging complex MRI environments. The manual emphasizes the importance of specialized training for healthcare professionals to navigate the complexities of MRI safety to ensure patient and staff safety. This review also touches on the dynamic landscape of MRI safety standards, driven by technological advances and evolving clinical practices, aiming to provide a thorough understanding of current best practices in MRI safety management. LIST OF UPDATES.

Evaluating occupational health and safety practices in an airport construction project in Nepal

PurposeThis study examines the implementation and performance of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices in the Pokhara Regional International Airport Project (PRIAP), a key public infrastructure initiative in Nepal. Given airports' significance to Nepal’s economy, particularly for tourism and trade, the research highlights the unique safety challenges in airport construction, addressing gaps in OHS management in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachA case study methodology focused on the PRIAP enabled a thorough analysis of safety practices. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires from various stakeholders. The Cronbach’s alpha and relative importance index (RII) were used to assess response reliability and ranked factors affecting safety performance.FindingsThe study identifies both strengths and weaknesses in the project’s OHS practices. While plant and equipment handling and financial aspects, such as budget allocation for safety measures and accident compensation, were deemed satisfactory, significant deficiencies were found in hazard identification and the investigation of near misses. These results suggest that improvements are needed in proactive safety management, particularly in worker-management communication.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides valuable insights but is limited by its single-site focus and use of descriptive statistics. Future research should employ advanced statistical methods, like ANOVA, and include multiple construction sites to capture a broader range of OHS challenges. Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of proposed interventions is also essential. Addressing these limitations will enhance the development of comprehensive safety management strategies tailored to the specific needs of construction projects in developing countries.Practical implicationsThis study provides practical recommendations for improving OHS practices in airport construction and similar large-scale projects in developing countries. Enhanced hazard identification and improved communication among stakeholders can help reduce accidents and boost project efficiency.Social implicationsImproving safety regulations and culture can reduce workplace injuries, enhancing workers' well-being and quality of life. This research supports stronger public policies, helping lower economic burdens from accidents, promoting social stability and increasing public trust in regulatory bodies.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the limited literature on OHS in airport construction projects in developing countries, particularly in Nepal. The case study methodology provides a detailed examination of safety practices and offers a framework for improving OHS in similar projects.

Optimizing Real-World Outcomes in High-Risk Relapsed/Refractory (r/r) DLBCL with CAR T Cell Therapy: A Vodcast and Case Example.

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-celltherapy is effective in the treatment of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), even those with high-grade disease. However, it has a unique safety profile, including cytokine-release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and robust management of these events are important to maximize benefits. The aim of this vodcast is to outline the management of a patient receiving CAR T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory (r/r) DLBCL. In January 2005, the patient was diagnosed with atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and treated with two cycles of fludarabine and cyclophosphamide before stopping due to skin toxicity. In 2007, the patient progressed and received alemtuzumab. In January 2018, the patient was diagnosed with DLBCL (nongerminal center, stage IV-A, bone marrow infiltration); a clonality analysis with the previous CLL provided a negative result. In March 2018, the patient received first-line treatment with rituximab-cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-vincristine-prednisolone (R-CHOP)) for six cycles. At this point, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed complete remission. Unfortunately, in December 2018, they experienced a relapse and second-line therapy with rituximab, etoposide, cytarabine, cisplatin, and prednisone (R-ESHAP) was started. Following the second cycle of R-ESHAP in February 2019, the patient progressed, and third-line treatment was provided by rituximab plus ifosfamide, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, and prednisone (R-IGEV) for four cycles. The last cycle of R-IGEV was received in May 2019, but the patient progressed. In July 2019, the patient received a tisagenlecleucel infusion. The authors describe the effectiveness of the CAR T-cell therapy and how the adverse events (AEs) encountered, including CRS and ICANS, were managed. Results from real-world evidence studies of tisagenlecleucel in DLBCL are similar to those observed in the pivotal clinical trials. In conclusion, CAR T-cell therapy can be effective and achieve long-lasting, durable responses in patients with high-risk r/r DLBCL. However, long-term follow up is key to watch out for late AEs and potential lymphoma relapse.

Towards safer general aviation operations using a vision-based decision support system for weather threat avoidance

The commercial aviation sector has achieved significant advancements in safety owing to robust Air Traffic Management technologies and rigorous regulatory measures. In contrast, General Aviation (GA) operations present unique safety challenges that demand focused attention. This study proposes an innovative decision support system tailored for GA pilots to augment their situational awareness. Our approach leverages on-board camera data in conjunction with semantic weather descriptors to construct an uncertainty-aware neural network model. The model provides predictions with quantified uncertainties while handling multiple labels and categories across diverse weather conditions. To validate the effectiveness of our framework, extensive experiments were conducted utilizing a flight simulator as a data collection platform. The results demonstrate that our model showcased significant improvements over the multiple baselines. We also found that a cost-sensitive learning approach can provide more conservative predictions while yielding performance improvements. Ultimately, our decision support framework aims to complement existing weather data sources, such as Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) data and Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METAR) from airports, without imposing the burden of mounting expensive and bulky on-board weather radar systems.

Enhancing Health, Safety, Security & Environment (HSSE) Training through Virtual Reality: An Offshore Emergency Evacuation Exercise

The offshore oil and gas industry poses unique safety challenges, particularly during emergencies such as fires, where quick and effective evacuation is critical. This paper explores the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) training, specifically through a VR exercise developed for the emergency evacuation scenario on an offshore platform at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP). The exercise focuses on training students to safely evacuate the platform during a fire emergency, navigating through realistic escape routes while avoiding hazards. The study evaluates the effectiveness of VR in enhancing students’ situational awareness, response times, and overall preparedness for real-world emergency situations. The results demonstrate that VR-based training significantly improves understanding of evacuation procedures and decision-making under stress, offering a valuable tool for HSE education in high-risk industries.

Analysing driver behaviour and crash frequency at railway level crossings using connected vehicle and GIS data

Railway level crossings (RLCs) pose unique safety challenges as crucial intersections between vehicular traffic and railways. This study examines the effects of driver behavior on the safety performance of RLCs (within a 150-meter radius) in New South Wales, Australia. Historical databases on crashes, train operations, and inventory for RLCs were integrated. Also, vehicle movement raw data, including acceleration, deceleration, G-force, and speed, were extracted using the connected vehicle data. Then, the driver’s harsh braking and stiff steering events were identified. A random effect Hurdle Poisson model was adopted to account for the excessive zeros and unobserved heterogeneity. We identified risk factors affecting the likelihood and number of crashes at RLCs across two severity levels. Results of the non-injury crashes suggested that street, active control types, harsh braking, and stiff steering were associated with a higher likelihood of zero crash observations, while train frequency showed the opposite effect. It was also revealed that multiple tracks contributed to the increase in the number of non-injury crashes. Interestingly, after crossing the hurdle, harsh braking at RLC is associated with more non-injury crashes. As for the injury crashes, active control and stiff steering were associated with a higher likelihood of observing zeros. Nevertheless, once crossed the hurdle, intersecting with a highway, having multiple rail tracks and harsh braking events show increasing effects on the frequency of injury crashes. The findings of this study emphasize the need for targeted driver education programs and a larger-scale implementation of active control measures. It is hoped that these actionable insights can assist policymakers in prioritizing safety interventions at RLCs.

Application of systems safety principles for O&M of floating offshore wind

Abstract The offshore wind industry is growing rapidly and is also a high risk industry with unique safety challenges. As the industry grows, more research is needed to make sure it operates safely and provides a workplace in which all involved can go home free of injury. The adoption of floating wind turbines brings new hazards and increased complexity to offshore wind operations and maintenance. Floating wind operations will involve the development of new deepwater sites and require the adoption of new strategies such as floating to floating transfers and towing operations. As the complexity of offshore operations increases it is important that the understanding of the hazards involved are developed. Floating wind is a new branch of the offshore wind industry and as technologies and systems have yet to become established there is the opportunity to do things differently and embed safety improvements in the industry from the outset. This study has looked at the potential application of systems safety theories to floating wind operations and maintenance. The application of systems engineering to improve safety performance has been growing across many industries in recent years. Systems safety considers that safety is an emergent property of a complex system that is a result of many interacting factors. This study looks at how systems safety could be applied to the emerging floating wind industry to build safety into the industry at the earliest stages. This study reviewed the applications of systems safety across similar industries and the offshore wind industry. It then looks at existing hazards of floating wind that have already been identified in the literature and completed a systems theory hazard analysis of floating wind O&M activities. This involved the mapping of the safety control structure for floating wind operations and the identification of potential gaps between the safety controls and safety requirements. It then explores how systems safety processes could be applied to floating wind and makes recommendations for how these could be implemented to the emergent industry. The study found existing research of systems safety applied to the offshore wind industry is currently very limited. Its application has been successful in similar industries and there is potential for a systems safety approach to be used in the development of floating wind operations and maintenance. The systems theory hazard analysis can help identify potential systemic risks arising as a result of the interaction of multiple systems. It can be used to develop appropriate control structures to manage safety and could also be used for the identification of leading indicators to manage safety performance.

Long-duration aqueous Zn-ion batteries achieved by dual-salt highly-concentrated electrolyte with low water activity

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their unique high safety and low-cost merits. However, their practical applications are at a slow pace due to their short cycle life, which fundamentally results from the instability of the positive/negative electrode interface in the traditional dilute aqueous electrolytes with high water activity. Developing highly concentrated electrolyte (HCE) has been considered as an effective solution. Unlike previous studies of single salt-based HCE (SS-HCE), herein, a new dual-salt HCE (15 m ZnCl2 + 10 m NH4NH2SO3 DS-HCE) was proposed for the first time. DS-HCE was proven to simultaneously possess higher conductivity than traditional dilute electrolytes and ultralow water activity of SS-HCE by the regulation of dual high-concentration salts on the solvation structure, which renders the Zn||Zn symmetric cell the record-long cycling life of 2200 h compared with those with SS-HCE (30 m ZnCl2, 300 h) and other reported HCEs. Additionally, the Zn||NH4V4O10 full cell with DS-HCE demonstrated impressed rate capability within a wide-range current densities from 0.1 to 10 A g−1. Moreover, at the high current density of 5 A g−1, the full cell shows almost 100% capacity retention after 4000 cycles, which indicates the promising future of the DS-HCE system for long-duration aqueous Zn-ion batteries.

Long-Term Results of the Atrial Septal Defect Occluder ASSURED Trial for Combined Pivotal/Continued Access Cohorts

BackgroundThe GORE CARDIOFORM ASD Occluder (GCA, W. L. Gore & Associates) was approved in 2019 for ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) closure. ObjectivesThis study sought to report the combined pivotal and continued access cohorts of the ASSURED (Safety and Efficacy Study of Transcatheter Closure of Ostium Secundum ASDs) trial results through 36 months. MethodsThis prospective, multicenter, single-arm trial evaluated procedural and clinical outcomes of ASD closure with the GCA. The primary endpoints were 6-month closure success following device implantation and composite clinical success (deployment/retention of device, safety, and closure). Technical and procedure success, safety, clinically significant new arrhythmia (CSNA) secondary endpoints, and wire frame fracture (WFF, with fluoroscopy) at 6 and 36 months were evaluated. ResultsOf 569 patients (median age of 10.4 years and median weight of 35.0 kg) who underwent attempted secundum ASD closure, 526 were technical successes. The mean stop-flow ASD diameter was 17.6 ± 5.3 mm. All 478 patients with 6-month imaging achieved closure success. Composite clinical success at 6 and 36 months was achieved in 87.6% (468/534) and 84.0% (351/418) of patients, respectively. Technical failure occurred in 8.1% (43/548), 30-day device- or procedure-related serious adverse event in 3.9% (21/534), and 6-month device events in 2.8% (15/534) of patients. At 30 days, 21 of 569 patients (3.7%) had CSNA. At 6 months, 138 of 436 (31.7%) patients had WFFs and 105 of 185 (56.8%) at 36 months (without sequelae). ConclusionsIn this large congenital ASD device trial, the GCA had acceptable results. WFFs, although common, did not result in any clinical sequelae. The unique features, size range, and safety profile expand the options for secundum ASD closure. (Safety and Efficacy Study of Transcatheter Closure of Ostium Secundum ASDs [ASSURED]; NCT02985684)

Characterization of health and safety hazards of deconstruction activities.

Manual deconstruction-an alternative to mechanical demolition-is a crucial technique in the building industry that facilitates a circular economy for the built environment and achieves sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, the current body of literature lacks a thorough grasp of the OHS (occupational health and safety) hazards related to the deconstruction process. The current work closes this scholarly gap by outlining the deconstruction process as phases and sets of activities and highlighting potential health and safety hazards throughout different activities and phases. The study uses numerous case studies and applies a descriptive case study technique to gather and analyze primary data from hundreds of photos and notes from over 40 field visits. The primary data are first used to prepare a comprehensive process map of deconstruction. Six construction safety experts and four industrial hygiene experts were then interviewed to identify and characterize health and safety hazards in images representative of the deconstruction activities. A taxonomy of OHS hazards for deconstruction was developed based on identifying 35 unique safety and 51 unique health hazards. Significant safety hazards in deconstruction activities include "struck-by," "trip, slip, and fall" hazards, and "lack of personal protective equipment." Major health hazards include ergonomic concerns, respiratory diseases, and eye strain. The study highlights the occupational health and safety issues faced by the deconstruction trade with a granularity rarely covered in existing literature. The assessments can be helpful for OHS practitioners to identify potential health and safety improvements across various deconstruction phases.

Occupational Disease in New York State: The Political Economic Context.

In 1987 Landrigan and Markowitz co-authored a report entitled "Occupational Disease in New York State." They found that death and illness from occupational disease were common and that the costs of exposure to hazardous conditions warranted public funding for new occupational health infrastructure in New York State. A recent confirmatory report recognized a wider spectrum of contemporary hazards and emphasized how public health problems connect to work. These reports provide factual snapshots at 2 points in time, but they do not explain nor analyze the changing conditions they describe. Including macro-contexts such as globalization, financialization, and neoliberalism, this article demonstrates several unique occupational safety and health implications by clarifying key themes related to the state's role, especially regulation and healthcare delivery systems. Conclusions directly tie the trajectory of occupational disease to workers' collective ability to confront and roll back neoliberalism while pushing occupational disease out of its medical/science silo.

The Influence of Stakeholder Interests on Safety Outcome Reporting in Psychedelic Research and Implications for Science Communication.

Psychedelics are a group of psychoactive substances which produce complex and subjective changes to consciousness and carry unique safety considerations. There is a growing body of work investigating the use of psychedelics for mental health treatment alongside increasing socio-cultural and political acceptance. This rapid evolution has prompted corporations to fund psychedelic clinical trials, leading to a potential rise in conflicts of interest in relevant studies and publications. However, the body of evidence for the safety and efficacy of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy for psychiatric illnesses is early. There is concern regarding the introduction of bias in psychedelic clinical trials and the selective reporting of results amidst and beyond corporate involvement. At a crucial time in psychedelic drug reform, this paper explores the safety concerns associated with psychedelics, the potential influences of financial stakeholders on safety outcome reporting and the importance of balanced science communication in maintaining public health and safety.

Digital transformation for safer circular lithium-ion battery supply chains: a blockchain ecosystem-data perspective

Lithium-ion battery (LIB) circular supply chains (CSCs) present unique safety challenges among operation processes. Blockchain technology can be a promising solution for addressing these challenges, by enabling effective tracking and verification of safety-related information throughout the supply chain. However, how blockchain can mitigate safety issues from a supply chain perspective is poorly understood. This study proposes a theory-supported framework through intervention-based research (IBR) to provide guidance for LIB CSC safety management. The conceptual framework and theoretical propositions set the foundation for research on a comprehensive blockchain ecosystem specifically designed for CSC safety management. The framework includes the design of a blockchain architecture with capabilities tailored to address safety concerns, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and the development of a safety measurement matrix. This study suggests research and practical directions which lay the groundwork for leveraging blockchain technology to improve safety management in LIB CSC. This research contributes to sustainable supply chains by proposing a conceptual framework for mitigating safety concerns in LIB CSC, paving the way for effective blockchain implementation. In addition, this study contributes to advancing the theoretical design understanding and application of blockchain technology in CSC safety management.

Tradition unveiled: a comprehensive review of microbiological studies on Portuguese traditional cheeses, merging conventional and OMICs analyses

The microbial communities inhabiting Portuguese traditional cheeses play a fundamental role in shaping their unique flavor, texture, and safety characteristics. This comprehensive review synthesizes findings from both conventional microbiological studies and advanced OMICs analyses to provide a deeper understanding of the microbiota dynamics in these cheeses. We explore the microbial composition, diversity, and functional roles of bacteria, yeasts, and molds across various Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) cheeses, highlighting their contributions to cheese ripening, flavor development, and safety. Additionally, we discuss the potential of OMICs technologies, namely metagenomics, in unraveling the complex microbial ecosystems of Portuguese traditional cheeses. Through this integrative approach, we aim to shed light on the intricate interplay between microorganisms and cheese matrices, unveiling the secrets behind the rich heritage and distinctiveness of Portuguese traditional cheeses.

Near-Peer Coaching to Enhance Operative Learning: An Educational Innovation for Surgical Training.

To design, implement, and evaluate a near-peer coaching model to enhance operative learning in general surgery training. There is an urgent need to maximize operative learning in surgical education. Trainees find barriers to operative learning difficult to navigate and often sacrifice educational opportunities for the sake of impression management. A prospective cohort study was conducted over a 6-month period following design and implementation of a trainee-led near-peer coaching model; "SPICE" (Set goals, Plan, Imagine, Comment and feedback, Evaluate and reflect). Semistructured interviews were conducted to explore trainees' experiences of the model. Twelve trainees participated in the study. The near-peer coaching encounters provided trainees with the psychological safety to be honest about learning needs, validated insecurities, and mitigated the pressures associated with impression management that consistently shaped consultant-trainee relationships. Trainees described improved operative performance, increased self-confidence, and a greater ability to adapt to the unexpected. Trainees adapted the use of the SPICE model to conventional consultant-trainee dynamics, which facilitated learning conversations and negotiation of operative opportunities. On a broader scale, trainees noticed an improvement in the teaching culture of the unit, describing that the use of the model legitimized the importance of perioperative learning conversations and increased consultant enthusiasm for teaching. Near-peer coaching created a unique psychological safety that facilitated authentic reflection and goal setting and improved trainee confidence. The benefits of the SPICE model were translated to other contexts and facilitated entrustment in conventional consultant-trainee relationships.

Middle leaders pursuing teacher safety against learner victimization: A policy document analysis

Various scholars have confirmed that teacher safety against learner victimization is a growing concern worldwide, and this problem is exacerbated by a lack of understanding and readiness to implement policies to address this matter. In this regard, policy implementation by middle leaders (MLs) in creating safe school environments has attracted much less interest as a possible way of addressing issues of teacher safety and the prevention of learner victimization. MLs are regarded as individuals who have the potential to lead, plan, inspire and persuade, and in so doing, they are in an ideal position to translate policy into practice. As such, this paper provides a qualitative policy document analysis of The National School Safety Framework (NSSF) premised on the theory that every individual in the school experiences safety in dissimilar ways and has unique safety needs. The NSSF is endorsed by the Department of Basic Education to guide in addressing issues of violence and safety in South African schools. Underpinned by the rational choice theory and utilizing policy document analysis, texts in the NSSF were analysed and interpreted to propose transformative policy strategies that can assist MLs in managing teachers’ safety at schools more effectively. The findings suggest that administrative duties and a lack of time make it difficult for MLs to create a safe and supportive learning environment in schools. Another finding was that there is no clear plan outlined in the NSSF to guide MLs to pursue teacher safety against learner victimization in schools. To assist MLs, this paper proposes transformative policy strategies that can assist them in promoting teacher safety and preventing learner victimization in schools. The paper recommends that more explicit interpretation and implementation strategies be communicated with schools to assist them in fighting the war against violence in schools.

Innovation, Capabilities and Networking: An Approach to SMEs Marketing Performance

This research describes innovation capabilities, networking and marketing performance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Lamongan district. The research was conducted on food and beverage SMEs in Lamongan Regency because one of the development priorities in the 2005-2025 Regional long-term development plan (RPJPD) of Lamongan Regency is to develop and increase the competitiveness of SMEs as drivers of the local economic life of Lamongan Regency residents. This research is survey research using structured questions, and then all answers are obtained, recorded, processed and analyzed. The research population was 182 SMEs food and beverage actors in Lamongan Regency in 27 sub-districts. Meanwhile, the sample for this research was 182 SMEs. The research results show that the ability of SMEs to innovate is determined by product, process, and marketing innovation. The most significant contribution from SMEs is in product innovation, with the resulting products being attractive, with unique packaging and safety. Relationship expertise, relationship skills, network characteristics, and network orientation determine the networking of SME actors. The most significant contribution of SME players is in the formation of networking with network characteristics, such as SMEs supporting each other's success with partners and carrying out initial evaluations of potential partners to build profitable relationships. Furthermore, the marketing performance of SMEs is determined by sales growth, customer growth, and market share growth. It creates marketing performance by selling products that align with sales targets so that sales growth increases yearly. The contribution of this research can provide input for the Lamongan Regency Cooperatives and Micro Enterprises department as a consideration for making strategies to improve performance marketing and input for me about the importance of improving marketing performance through innovation and networking capabilities.

Probiogenomic analysis of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SPS109: A potential GABA-producing and cholesterol-lowering probiotic strain

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum SPS109, an isolated strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fermented foods, showed remarkable potential as a probiotic with dual capabilities in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production and cholesterol reduction. This study employs genomic and comparative analyses to search into the strain's genetic profile, safety features, and probiotic attributes. The safety assessment reveals the absence of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes, while the genome uncovers bacteriocin-related elements, including sactipeptides and a cluster for putative plantaricins, strengthening its ability to combat diverse pathogens. Pangenome analysis revealed unique bacteriocin-related genes, specifically lcnD and bcrA, distinguishing SPS109 from four other L. plantarum strains producing GABA. In addition, genomic study emphasizes SPS109 strain distinctive features, two GABA-related genes responsible for GABA production and a bile tolerance gene (cbh) crucial for cholesterol reduction. Additionally, the analysis highlights several genes of potential probiotic properties, including stress tolerance, vitamin production, and antioxidant activity. In summary, L. plantarum SPS109 emerges as a promising probiotic candidate with versatile applications in the food and beverage industries, supported by its unique genomic features and safety profile.

Synergistic Machine Learning Accelerated Discovery of Nanoporous Inorganic Crystals as Non-Absorbable Oral Drugs.

Machine learning (ML) has taken drug discovery to new heights, where effective ML training requires vast quantities of high-quality experimental data as input. Non-absorbable oral drugs (NODs) have unique safety advantage for chronic diseases due to their zero systemic exposure, but their empirical discovery is still time-consuming and costly. Here, a synergistic ML method, integrating small data-driven multi-layer unsupervised learning, in silico quantum-mechanical computations, and minimal wet-lab experiments is devised to identify the finest NODs from massive inorganic materials to achieve multi-objective function (high selectivity, large capacity, and stability). Based on this method, a NH4-form nanoporous zeolite with merlinoite (MER) framework (NH4-MER) is discovered for the treatment of hyperkalemia. In three different animal models, NH4-MER shows a superior safety and efficacy profile in reducing blood K+ without Na+ release, which is an unmet clinical need in chronic kidney disease and Gordon's syndrome. This work provides a synergistic ML method to accelerate the discovery of NODs and other shape-selective materials.

Harnessing natural killer cells engineering for cancer immunotherapy

The use of genetically modified immune cells for cancer therapy is one of the most significant achievements in biotechnology in recent years. Although currently approved cell therapies are dominated by CAR-T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, with their unique cancer killing properties and safety of use, set the stage for the development of more convenient allogeneic therapies. Herein, we reviewed the challenges and strategies in harnessing NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. Various sources for NK cell acquisition are discussed, and genetic engineering methods, including retroviral vectors, lentiviral vectors, adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and non-viral transfection, are explored. NK cells have the potential to address limitations associated with CAR-T therapy, and the paper addresses the need for innovative solutions to overcome technical hurdles associated with NK cell immunotherapy.