Mo3S13 Chalcogel: A High-Capacity Electrode for Conversion-Based Li-Ion Batteries

Despite large theoretical energy densities, metal-sulfide electrodes for energy storage systems face several limitations that impact the practical realization. Here, we present the solution-processable, room temperature (RT) synthesis, local structures, and application of a sulfur-rich Mo3S13 chalcogel as a conversion-based electrode for lithium-sulfide batteries (LiSBs). The structure of the amorphous Mo3S13 chalcogel is derived through operando Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray pair distribution function (PDF), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis, along with ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. A key feature of the three-dimensional (3D) network is the connection of Mo3S13 units through S-S bonds. Li/Mo3S13 half-cells deliver initial capacity of 1013 mAh g-1 during the first discharge. After the activation cycles, the capacity stabilizes and maintains 312 mAh g-1 at a C/3 rate after 140 cycles, demonstrating sustained performance over subsequent cycling. Such high-capacity and stability are attributed to the high density of (poly)sulfide bonds and the stable Mo-S coordination in Mo3S13 chalcogel. These findings showcase the potential of Mo3S13 chalcogels as metal-sulfide electrode materials for LiSBs.

Unlocking stroke prediction: Harnessing projection-based statistical feature extraction with ML algorithms

Non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are responsible for approximately 71% of all deaths worldwide. Stroke, a cerebrovascular disorder, is one of the leading contributors to this burden among the top three causes of death. Early recognition of symptoms can encourage a balanced lifestyle and provide essential information for stroke prediction. To identify a stroke patient and risk factors, machine learning (ML) is a key tool for physicians. Due to different data measurement scales and their probability distributional assumptions, ML-based algorithms struggle to detect risk factors. Furthermore, when dealing with risk factors with high-dimensional features, learning algorithms struggle with complexity. In this study, rigorous statistical tests are used to identify risk factors, and PCA-FA (Integration of Principal Components and Factors) and FPCA (Factor Based PCA) approaches are proposed for projecting suitable feature representations for improving learning algorithm performances. The study dataset consists of different clinical, lifestyle, and genetic attributes, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of potential risk factors associated with stroke, which contains 5110 patient records. Using significant test (P-value <0.05), chi-square and independent sample t-test identified age, heart_disease, hypertension, work_type, ever_married, bmi, and smoking_status as risk factors for stroke. To develop the predicting model with proposed feature extraction techniques, random forests approach provides the best results when utilizing the PCA-FA method. The best accuracy rate for this approach is 92.55%, while the AUC score is 98.15%. The prediction accuracy has increased from 2.19% to 19.03% compared to the existing work. Additionally, the prediction results is robustified and reproducible with a stacking ensemble-based classification algorithm. We also developed a web-based application to help doctors diagnose stroke risk based on the findings of this study, which could be used as an additional tool to help doctors diagnose.

"A comparison of thermal stress response between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila pseudoobscura reveals differences between species and sexes"

The environment is changing faster than anticipated due to climate change, making species more vulnerable to its impacts. The level of vulnerability of species is influenced by factors such as the degree and duration of exposure, as well as the physiological sensitivity of organisms to changes in their environments, which has been shown to vary among species, populations, and individuals. Here, we compared physiological changes in fecundity, critical thermalmaximum (CTmax), respiratory quotient (RQ), and DNA damage in ovaries in response to temperature stress in two species of fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster (25 vs. 29.5 °C) and Drosophila pseudoobscura (20.5 vs. 25 °C). The fecundity of D. melanogaster was more affected by high temperatures when exposed during egg through adult development, while D. pseudoobscura was most significantly affected when exposed to high temperatures exclusively during egg through pupal development. Additionally, D. melanogaster males exhibited a decrease of CTmax under high temperatures, while females showed an increase of CTmax when exposed to high temperatures during egg through adult development. while D. pseudoobscura females and males showed an increased CTmax only when reared at high temperatures during egg through pupae development. Moreover, both species showed an acceleration in oogenesis and an increase in apoptosis due to heat stress. These changes can likely be attributed to key differences in the geographic range, thermal range, development time, and other different factors between these two systems. Through this comparison of variation in physiology and developmental response to thermal stress, we found important differences between species and sexes that suggest future work needs to account for these factors separately in understanding the effects of constant increased temperatures.

Effects of a leave-on product on the strength of the dermoepidermal junction: An exploratory, intraindividual, randomized controlled trial in older adults with dry skin

Background and Aims

Skin aging is associated with dry skin and a decrease of the strength of the dermoepidermal adhesion, which increases the risk for lacerations (skin tears). Application of leave-on products improves dry skin and seems to reduce skin tear incidence. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of a humectant containing leave-on product on the strength of the dermoepidermal junction in older adult participants with dry skin.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial using a split body design was conducted. One forearm was randomly selected and treated with a lipophilic leave-on product containing 5% urea for 8 weeks. The other forearm was the control. The parameters stratum corneum hydration (SCH), transepidermal water loss, pH, roughness, epidermal thickness and skin stiffness were measured at the baseline, Weeks 4 and 8. At Week 8, suction blisters were created and time to blistering was measured. Blister roofs and interstitial fluid were analyzed for Interleukin-1α, 6 and 8.

Results

Twelve participants were included. After 8 weeks treatment, SCH was higher (median difference 11.6 AU), and the overall dry skin score (median difference -1) and median roughness (Rz difference -12.2 µm) were lower compared to the control arms. The median group difference for Interleukin-1α was -452 fg/µg total protein (TP) in the blister roofs and -2.2 fg/µg TP in the blister fluids. The median time to blister formation was 7.7 min higher compared to the control arms.

Conclusion

The regular application of humectant containing leave-on products improves dry skin and seems to lower inflammation and contribute to the strengthening of the dermoepidermal adhesion. This partly explains how the use of topical leave-on products helps to prevent skin tears.

Measuring the impact of responsible factors on CO2 emission using generalized additive model (GAM)

The indicators of economic and sustainable development ultimately significantly depend on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in every country. In Bangladesh, there is an increasing trend in population, industrialization, as well as electricity demand generated from different sources, ultimately increasing CO2 emissions. This study explores the relationship between CO2 emissions and other significant relevant indicators. Moreover, the authors aimed to identify which model is effective at predicting CO2 emissions and assess the accuracy of the prediction of different models. The secondary data from 1971 to 2020, was collected from the World Bank and the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority's publicly accessible website. The generalized additive model (GAM), the polynomial regression (PR), and multiple linear regression (MLR) were used for modeling CO2 emissions. The model performance is evaluated using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC), Akaike information criterion (AIC), Root mean square error (RMSE), R-square, and mean square error (MSE). Results revealed that there are few multicollinearity problems in the datasets and exhibit a nonlinear relationship among CO2 emissions. Among the models considered in this study, the GAM model has the lowest value of RMSE = 0.008, MSE = 0.000063, AIC = -303.21, BIC = -266.64 and the highest value of R-squared = 0.996 compared to the MLR and PR models, suggesting the most appropriate model in predicting CO2 emissions in Bangladesh. Findings revealed that the total CO2 emissions and other relevant risk factors is non-linear. The study suggests that the Generalized additive model regression technique can be used as an effective tool for predicting CO2 emissions in Bangladesh. The authors believed that the findings would be helpful to policymakers in designing effective strategies in the areas of a low-carbon economy, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, and focusing on technological advancement that reduces CO2 emissions and ensures a sustainable environment in Bangladesh.

Skin care types, frequencies and products: A cross-sectional study in German institutional long-term care

AIM

The aim of the study was to describe types and frequencies of skin care interventions and products provided in institutional long-term care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Baseline data from a cluster randomized controlled trial conducted in nursing homes in Berlin, Germany was collected before randomization. Numbers, proportions and frequencies of washing, showering and bathing, and the application of leave-on products were calculated. Product labels were iteratively and inductively categorized into overarching terms and concepts.

RESULTS

A total of n = 314 residents participated in the study. In the majority, washing of the whole body was done once daily, and showering was performed once per week or more rarely. The majority received leave-on products daily on the face and once per week on the whole body. Most of the skin care interventions were delivered by nurses. There was marked heterogeneity in terms of product names, whereas the product names reveal little about the ingredients or composition.

CONCLUSION

Personal hygiene and cleansing interventions are major parts of clinical practice in long-term care. Daily washing is a standard practice at the moment. In contrast, leave-on products are used infrequently. To what extent the provided care promotes skin integrity is unclear. Due to the heterogeneity and partly misleading labels of skin care products, informed decision making is difficult to implement at present.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV IDENTIFIER

NCT03824886.

Improving diabetes disease patients classification using stacking ensemble method with PIMA and local healthcare data

Diabetes mellitus, a chronic metabolic disorder, continues to be a major public health issue around the world. It is estimated that one in every two diabetics is undiagnosed. Early diagnosis and management of diabetes can also prevent or delay the onset of complications. With the help of a variety of machine learning and deep learning models, stacking algorithms, and other techniques, our study's goal is to detect diseases early. In this study, we propose two stacking-based models for diabetes disease classification using a combination of the PIMA Indian diabetes dataset, simulated data, and additional data collected from a local healthcare facility. We use both the classical and deep neural network stacking ensemble methods to combine the predictions of multiple classification models and improve classification accuracy and robustness. In the evaluation protocol, we used both the train-test and cross-validation (CV) techniques to validate our proposed model. The highest accuracy is obtained by stacking ensemble with three NN architectures, resulting in an accuracy of 95.50 %, precision of 94 %, recall of 97 %, and f1-score of 96 % using 5-fold CV on simulation study. The stacked accuracy obtained from ML algorithms for the Pima Indian Diabetes dataset is 75.03 % using the train-test split protocol, while the accuracy obtained from the CV protocol is 77.10 % on the stacked model. The range of performance scores that outperformed the CV protocol 2.23 %-12 %. Our proposed method achieves a high accuracy range from 92 % to 95 %, precision, recall, and F1-score ranges from 88 % to 96 % using classical and deep neural network (NN)-based stacking method on the primary dataset. The proposed dataset and ensemble method could be useful in the early detection and treatment of diabetes, as well as in the advancement of machine learning and data analysis techniques in the healthcare industry.

Loss of NAT10 disrupts enhancer organization via p300 mislocalization and suppresses transcription of genes necessary for metastasis progression

Acetylation of protein and RNA represent a critical event for development and cancer progression. NAT10 is the only known RNA acetylase that catalyzes the N4-actylcytidine (ac4C) modification of RNAs. Here, we show that the loss of NAT10 significantly decreases lung metastasis in allograft and genetically engineered mouse models of breast cancer. NAT10 interacts with a mechanosensitive, metastasis susceptibility protein complex at the nuclear pore. In addition to its canonical role in RNA acetylation, we find that NAT10 interacts with p300 at gene enhancers. NAT10 loss is associated with p300 mislocalization into heterochromatin regions. NAT10 depletion disrupts enhancer organization, leading to alteration of gene transcription necessary for metastatic progression, including reduced myeloid cell-recruiting chemokines that results in a less metastasis-prone tumor microenvironment. Our study uncovers a distinct role of NAT10 in enhancer organization of metastatic tumor cells and suggests its involvement in the tumor-immune crosstalk dictating metastatic outcomes.

Design and Analysis of Multi-Analyte Detection Based Biosensor in the Visible to Near-Infrared (VNIR) Region

This manuscript introduces a highly sensitive dual-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based multi-analyte surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, possessing the ability to detect multiple analytes at once. A chemically stable thin plasmonic substance of gold (Au) layer, holding a thickness of 30 nm, is employed to the outer portion of the stated design that manifests a negative real permittivity. Moreover, an ultra-thin film of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) , having a thickness of 10 nm, is inserted into the exterior of the gold film to calibrate the resonance wavelength as well as magnify the coupling strength. The performance of the sensor is rigorously explored employing the finite element method (FEM), where numerical investigation confirms that the intended sensor model exhibits a peak amplitude sensitivity (AS) of 2606 RIU-1 , as well as a highest wavelength sensitivity (WS) of 20,000 nm/RIU. The achieved outcomes affirm that the sensor design can be conceivably applied in numerous biological; as well as biochemical analyte refractive index (RI) detection to realize the relevant significant applications in the visible to near-infrared (VNIR) region of 0.5 to [Formula: see text].

The prevalence and severity of dry skin and related skin care in older adult residents in institutional long-term care: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To identify possible factors associated with different severities of xerosis cutis and to describe possible associations between (skin) care dependency and application of moisturizers.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study using baseline data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Demographic and health characteristics, skin physiological measurements, functional abilities and application of moisturizers were compared between the participants with mild and severe dry skin. Frequency of moisturization were also compared based on the participants' skin care dependency.

RESULTS

The more distal the body area, the more severe xerosis were observed. There were no or minor differences between the groups, except for the stratum corneum hydration and skin surface pH. Participants with severe xerosis received moisturizers less often. Skin care dependent residents received moisturizers frequently.

CONCLUSION

There is under-application regarding xerosis cutis treatment in long-term care. Skin care provided by nurses, in adequate frequencies, might be helpful compared to skin care performed by the residents themselves.

RGS2 is an innate immune checkpoint for TLR4 and Gαq-mediated IFNγ generation and lung injury

IFNγ, a type II interferon secreted by immune cells, augments tissue responses to injury following pathogenic infections leading to lethal acute lung injury (ALI). Alveolar macrophages (AM) abundantly express Toll-like receptor-4 and represent the primary cell type of the innate immune system in the lungs. A fundamental question remains whether AM generation of IFNg leads to uncontrolled innate response and perpetuated lung injury. LPS induced a sustained increase in IFNg levels and unresolvable inflammatory lung injury in the mice lacking RGS2 but not in RGS2 null chimeric mice receiving WT bone marrow or receiving the RGS2 gene in AM. Thus, indicating RGS2 serves as a gatekeeper of IFNg levels in AM and thereby lung's innate immune response. RGS2 functioned by forming a complex with TLR4 shielding Gaq from inducing IFNg generation and AM inflammatory signaling. Thus, inhibition of Gaq blocked IFNg generation and subverted AM transcriptome from being inflammatory to reparative type in RGS2 null mice, resolving lung injury.

Highlights

RGS2 levels are inversely correlated with IFNγ in ARDS patient's AM.RGS2 in alveolar macrophages regulate the inflammatory lung injury.During pathogenic insult RGS2 functioned by forming a complex with TLR4 shielding Gαq from inducing IFNγ generation and AM inflammatory signaling.

eToc Blurb

Authors demonstrate an essential role of RGS2 in macrophages in airspace to promoting anti-inflammatory function of alveolar macrophages in lung injury. The authors provided new insight into the dynamic control of innate immune response by Gαq and RGS2 axis to prevent ALI.

Loss of CDK4/6 activity in S/G2 phase leads to cell cycle reversal

In mammalian cells, the decision to proliferate is thought to be irreversibly made at the restriction point of the cell cycle^1,2, when mitogen signalling engages a positive feedback loop between cyclin A2/cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and the retinoblastoma protein^3-5. Contrary to this textbook model, here we show that the decision to proliferate is actually fully reversible. Instead, we find that all cycling cells will exit the cell cycle in the absence of mitogens unless they make it to mitosis and divide first. This temporal competition between two fates, mitosis and cell cycle exit, arises because cyclin A2/CDK2 activity depends upon CDK4/6 activity throughout the cell cycle, not just in G1 phase. Without mitogens, mitosis is only observed when the half-life of cyclin A2 protein is long enough to sustain CDK2 activity throughout G2/M. Thus, cells are dependent on mitogens and CDK4/6 activity to maintain CDK2 activity and retinoblastoma protein phosphorylation throughout interphase. Consequently, even a 2-h delay in a cell's progression towards mitosis can induce cell cycle exit if mitogen signalling is lost. Our results uncover the molecular mechanism underlying the restriction point phenomenon, reveal an unexpected role for CDK4/6 activity in S and G2 phases and explain the behaviour of all cells following loss of mitogen signalling.

Potential benefits and therapeutic applications of "Panchgavya" therapy (Cowpathy) for human and animal health: Current scientific knowledge

Cow's milk, urine, dung, ghee, and curd (together known as "Panchgavya") have incomparable medicinal value in Ayurveda and ancient Indian clinical methods. Panchgavya is also known as Cowpathy in Ayurveda. In India, the cow is revered as a goddess known as "Gaumata" because of its nurturing qualities similar to those of a mother. Almost no adverse effects are associated with using Panchgavya, which is why it is recommended in Ayurveda for treating disorders affecting numerous body systems. Its possible antimicrobial effects have piqued the curiosity of medical researchers and practitioners. Cow milk is widely regarded as a nutritious diet and has been shown to effectively treat various medical conditions, including high body temperature, pain, cancer, diabetes, kidney diseases, and weakness. Milk can prevent the growth of microorganisms, has erotic qualities when combined with the leaves of medicinal herbs, and the fat in milk has anticancer characteristics. Toned and skim milk, lassi, yoghurt, cottage cheese, and khoa all come from milk and have important medicinal characteristics. Curd (dahi) is recommended as a blood purifier for conditions such as hemorrhoids, piles, and gastrointestinal issues. Ghee made from cows has been shown to boost immunity. It is important to highlight the use of cow dung as an antifungal and for treating malaria and tuberculosis. It has the potential to aid in the development of a populace free from disease, the creation of sustainable energy systems, the fulfilment of all nutritional needs, the elimination of poverty, the promotion of organic farming culture, and the like. Cow urine is a powerful remedy for numerous medical conditions, including but not limited to epileptic convulsions, diabetes, hepatitis, inflammation, fever, and anaemia. The current review article explores how the Panchgavya ingredients can be employed to safeguard human and animal health.

Effectiveness, safety and economic viability of daycare versus usual hospital care management of severe pneumonia with or without malnutrition in children using the existing health system of Bangladesh: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Background

We aimed to define clinical and cost-effectiveness of a Day Care Approach (DCA) alternative to Usual Care (UC, comparison group) within the Bangladesh health system to manage severe childhood pneumonia.

Methods

This was a cluster randomised controlled trial in urban Dhaka and rural Bangladesh between November 1, 2015 and March 23, 2019. Children aged 2-59 months with severe pneumonia with or without malnutrition received DCA or UC. The DCA treatment settings comprised of urban primary health care clinics run by NGO under Dhaka South City Corporation and in rural Union health and family welfare centres under the Ministry of Health and Family welfare Services. The UC treatment settings were hospitals in these respective areas. Primary outcome was treatment failure (persistence of pneumonia symptoms, referral or death). We performed both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis for treatment failure. Registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02669654.

Findings

In total 3211 children were enrolled, 1739 in DCA and 1472 in UC; primary outcome data were available in 1682 and 1357 in DCA and UC, respectively. Treatment failure rate was 9.6% among children in DCA (167 of 1739) and 13.5% in the UC (198 of 1472) (group difference, -3.9 percentage point; 95% confidence interval (CI), -4.8 to -1.5, p = 0.165). Treatment success within the health care systems [DCA plus referral vs. UC plus referral, 1587/1739 (91.3%) vs. 1283/1472 (87.2%), group difference 4.1 percentage point, 95% CI, 3.7 to 4.1, p = 0.160)] was better in DCA. One child each in UC of both urban and rural sites died within day 6 after admission. Average cost of treatment per child was US$94.2 (95% CI, 92.2 to 96.3) and US$184.8 (95% CI, 178.6 to 190.9) for DCA and UC, respectively.

Interpretation

In our population of children with severe pneumonia with or without malnutrition, >90% were successfully treated at Day care Clinics at 50% lower cost. A modest investment to upgrade Day care facilities may provide a cost-effective, accessible alternative to hospital management.

Funding

UNICEF, Botnar Foundation, UBS Optimus Foundation, and EAGLE Foundation, Switzerland.

Na3 Zr2 Si2 PO12 Solid Electrolyte Membrane for High-Performance Seawater Battery

Seawater batteries (SWBs) have gained tremendous interest in the electrochemical energy storage research field because of their low cost, natural abundance, and potential use for long-duration energy storage. Advancing a SWB to demonstration projects is plagued by the poor electrochemical performance stemming from the poor interfaces of the solid electrolyte (SE), as well as the structural and chemical instabilities and sluggish ionic transport properties. In this study, the anode compartment of a surrogate SWB is constructed with a Na | SE | hard carbon configuration, and tailored dopants are introduced into the Nasicon-type Na₃ Zr₂ Si₂ PO₁₂ (NZSP) SE membrane. After doping with TiO₂ , a much more densely packed pellet with uniformly distributed porous structure is obtained. Changes in surface chemistry and local structure in the bulk are observed, which are believed to contribute to the improved ionic conductivity and higher critical current density of the TiO₂ -doped NZSP. Stable cycling performance with reversible capacities based on different Na storage mechanisms are also demonstrated.

Sodium Rich Vanadium Oxy-Fluorophosphate - Na3.2 Ni0.2 V1.8 (PO4 )2 F2 O - as Advanced Cathode for Sodium Ion Batteries

Conventional sodium-based layered oxide cathodes are extremely air sensitive and possess poor electrochemical performance along with safety concerns when operating at high voltage. The polyanion phosphate, Na₃ V₂ (PO₄ )₃ stands out as an excellent candidate due to its high nominal voltage, ambient air stability, and long cycle life. The caveat is that Na₃ V₂ (PO₄ )₃ can only exhibit reversible capacities in the range of 100 mAh g^-1 , 20% below its theoretical capacity. Here, the synthesis and characterizations are reported for the first time of the sodium-rich vanadium oxyfluorophosphate, Na_3.2 Ni_0.2 V_1.8 (PO₄ )₂ F₂ O, a tailored derivative compound of Na₃ V₂ (PO₄ )₃ , with extensive electrochemical and structural analyses. Na_3.2 Ni_0.2 V_1.8 (PO₄ )₂ F₂ O delivers an initial reversible capacity of 117 mAh g^-1 between 2.5 and 4.5 V under the 1C rate at room temperature, with 85% capacity retention after 900 cycles. The cycling stability is further improved when the material is cycled at 50 °C within 2.8-4.3 V for 100 cycles. When paired with a presodiated hard carbon, Na_3.2 Ni_0.2 V_1.8 (PO₄ )₂ F₂ O cycled with a capacity retention of 85% after 500 cycles. Cosubstitution of the transition metal and fluorine in Na_3.2 Ni_0.2 V_1.8 (PO₄ )₂ F₂ O as well as the sodium-rich structure are the major factors behind the improvement of specific capacity and cycling stability, which paves the way for this cathode in sodium-ion batteries.

Novel Benzothiazole Derivatives Synthesis and its Analysis as Diuretic Agents

Benzothiazoles, an anticonvulsant, antiviral, antihypertensive, and cancer-fighting medication of the heterocyclic scaffold family, also acts as antibacterial and antiviral agents. There is much interest in this chemical’s production because of the strong and vital biological action it possesses. Substituted aromatic aldehydes were combined with 2-amino-benzothiazole-6-sulfonic acid amides, or Schiff base derivatives, to create Schiff base derivatives. Recrystallized, characterized, and tested for diuretic efficacy in vivo using online tools, m.p. (melting point), Rf, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), 1H-NMR (proton nuclear magnetic resonance) data The molecular characteristics of all the substances created were estimated using Lipinski’s rule of 5, OSIRIS (software) molecular property explorer, Molsoft, and Autodock 4.0 docking software. Male Wistar rats were used to make all the compounds traditionally in order to test for diuretic activity. Neither the elemental nor the spectral information for the synthesized compounds disagreed. There were five different methods used to evaluate these compounds: Lipinski rule of five, Molsoft to determine molecular characteristics, PASS (prediction of activity spectra for substances) values to determine the diuretic effect, and OSIRIS software to determine toxicology. In order to investigate the diuretic effects of the selected drugs, docking analysis was used. Acetazolamide was shown to have a diuretic effect that was superior to that of compounds IIIb and IIIe, whereas 2-{(E)-[(3-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]amino}-1,3-benzothiazole-6-sulfonamide (IIIb) was found to be the most promising potential.

Feasibility and acceptability of home-based neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening by community health workers using transcutaneous bilimeters in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Universal screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia risk assessment is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce related morbidity. In Bangladesh and in many low- and middle-income countries, there is no screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Furthermore, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may not be recognized as a medically significant condition by caregivers and community members. We aimed to evaluate the acceptability and operational feasibility of community health worker (CHW)-led, home-based, non-invasive neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening using a transcutaneous bilimeter in Shakhipur, a rural subdistrict in Bangladesh.

METHODS

We employed a two-step process. In the formative phase, we conducted eight focus group discussions with parents and grandparents of infants and eight key informant interviews with public and private healthcare providers and managers to explore their current knowledge, perceptions, practices, and challenges regarding identification and management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Next, we piloted a prenatal sensitization intervention and home-based screening by CHWs using transcutaneous bilimeters and evaluated the acceptability and operational feasibility of this approach through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with parents, grandparents and CHWs.

RESULTS

Formative findings identified misconceptions regarding neonatal hyperbilirubinemia causes and health risks among caregivers in rural Bangladesh. CHWs were comfortable with adoption, maintenance and use of the device in routine home visits. Transcutaneous bilimeter-based screening was also widely accepted by caregivers and family members due to its noninvasive technique and immediate display of findings at home. Prenatal sensitization of caregivers and family members helped to create a supportive environment in the family and empowered mothers as primary caregivers.

CONCLUSION

Adopting household neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening in the postnatal period by CHWs using a transcutaneous bilimeter is an acceptable approach by both CHWs and families and may increase rates of screening to prevent morbidity and mortality.

Safety and efficacy of cobimetinib plus atezolizumab in patients with solid tumors: a phase II, open-label, multicenter, multicohort study

BACKGROUND

Although introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, their response rates are generally low. Preclinical and early phase clinical data suggest that MEK inhibition may sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint inhibitors by upregulating tumor antigen expression, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, and tumor T-cell infiltration. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of cobimetinib plus atezolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors in the open-label, multicohort phase II COTEST study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This analysis of the COTEST trial included patients from cohorts 1-4 [1-3: anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 treatment-naive patients; 4: patients with disease progression on anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 treatment] who received cobimetinib 60 mg once daily for the first 21 days and intravenous infusions of atezolizumab 840 mg on days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle. Efficacy endpoints included objective response rate, overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), and disease control rate.

RESULTS

Overall, 77 patients were enrolled in cohorts 1-4 (78% male; median age 62.8 years). Objective response rate was 20% in cohort 1 [squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN)], 30% in cohort 2 (urothelial carcinoma), and 18% in cohort 3 (renal cell carcinoma); there were no responders among 20 patients in cohort 4 (SCCHN). The disease control rates in cohorts 1-4 were 50%, 40%, 24%, and 25%, respectively. The median PFS was 5.5, 3.4, 3.4, and 3.6 months in cohorts 1-4, respectively, and the median overall survival was 16.8, 18.7, 21.7, and 7.7 months, respectively. Most adverse events were of grade 1/2 and were manageable.

CONCLUSIONS

Cobimetinib plus atezolizumab had moderate activity in patients with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment-naive SCCHN and urothelial carcinoma, and weak activity in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 treatment-naive renal cell carcinoma, and no activity in checkpoint inhibitor-treated patients.

Skin care in neonates and infants - a scoping review

Background Skin care is a basic, daily activity performed by formal and informal caregivers from birth until end of life. Skin care activities are influenced by different factors as e.g., culture, knowledge, industrial developments and marketing activities. Therefore, various preferences, traditions and behaviours exist worldwide including skin care of neonates and infants. Objective of this scoping review was to obtain an overview about the evidence of skin care activities in neonates and infants. Studies from 2010 were eligible if the population were (skin) healthy neonates and infants, if the concept were skin care interventions and if the context was at home, in a community setting, in a paediatric outpatient service or in a hospital. We searched for literature via OVID in Medline and Embase, in the Cochrane Library, in trial registries and for grey literature. Summary We identified 42 studies since 2010, which examined four main skin care interventions: bathing, wiping, washing, and topical application of leave-on products. Details of interventions were often not reported and if they were, they were not comparable. The four skin care interventions focused on 13 different care goals, mainly prevention of skin diseases, maintaining skin barrier function and improving (skin) health. We evaluated effects of skin care interventions using 57 different outcome domains; 39 of 57 were skin related and 18 were not. Mostly, laboratory or instrumental measurements were used. Key Messages Our scoping review identified four skin care interventions with a broad heterogeneity of product categories and application details. Studies in skin care interventions should include all relevant information about product category and application details to ensure comparability of study results. This would be helpful in developing recommendations for formal and informal caregivers. We identified 13 skin care goals. "Maintaining healthy skin/skin barrier function/skin barrier integrity", "prevention of atopic dermatitis", "cleansing" and "improving skin barrier function" were most often allocated to skin care interventions. There is substantial variability regarding outcome domains in skin care research. Our results support the need of developing core outcome sets in the field of skin care in healthy skin, especially in this age group of neonates and infants.

A 30-day follow-up study on the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 genetic markers in wastewater from the residence of COVID-19 patient and comparison with clinical positivity

Wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) is an important tool to fight against COVID-19 as it provides insights into the health status of the targeted population from a small single house to a large municipality in a cost-effective, rapid, and non-invasive way. The implementation of wastewater based surveillance (WBS) could reduce the burden on the public health system, management of pandemics, help to make informed decisions, and protect public health. In this study, a house with COVID-19 patients was targeted for monitoring the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic markers in wastewater samples (WS) with clinical specimens (CS) for a period of 30 days. RT-qPCR technique was employed to target nonstructural (ORF1ab) and structural-nucleocapsid (N) protein genes of SARS-CoV-2, according to a validated experimental protocol. Physiological, environmental, and biological parameters were also measured following the American Public Health Association (APHA) standard protocols. SARS-CoV-2 viral shedding in wastewater peaked when the highest number of COVID-19 cases were clinically diagnosed. Throughout the study period, 7450 to 23,000 gene copies/1000 mL were detected, where we identified 47 % (57/120) positive samples from WS and 35 % (128/360) from CS. When the COVID-19 patient number was the lowest (2), the highest CT value (39.4; i.e., lowest copy number) was identified from WS. On the other hand, when the COVID-19 patients were the highest (6), the lowest CT value (25.2 i.e., highest copy numbers) was obtained from WS. An advance signal of increased SARS-CoV-2 viral load from the COVID-19 patient was found in WS earlier than in the CS. Using customized primer sets in a traditional PCR approach, we confirmed that all SARS-CoV-2 variants identified in both CS and WS were Delta variants (B.1.617.2). To our knowledge, this is the first follow-up study to determine a temporal relationship between COVID-19 patients and their discharge of SARS-CoV-2 RNA genetic markers in wastewater from a single house including all family members for clinical sampling from a developing country (Bangladesh), where a proper sewage system is lacking. The salient findings of the study indicate that monitoring the genetic markers of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater could identify COVID-19 cases, which reduces the burden on the public health system during COVID-19 pandemics.

Abstract A012: NAT10 promotes metastasis through enhancer remodeling of cancer cells

Distant organ metastases account for the majority of the cancer-related death. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the metastatic potential of cancer cells is poorly understood. We have previously shown than NUP210-dependent nuclear pore-associated chromatin-bound protein complex is involved in cellular mechanotransduction and metastasis in breast cancer. Although NAT10, an RNA cytidine acetyl transferase has been shown to interact with this protein complex, specific function of NAT10 in metastasis is not well understood. Using allograft and genetically engineered highly metastatic PyMT mouse model, we found that the loss of NAT10 significantly decreases lung metastasis in mice. NAT10 is mainly localized to the nucleolus and nucleoplasmic compartment of the cancer cells. Current understanding suggests a role of NAT10 in acetylation of mRNAs and ribosomal RNAs. In contrast to its role as an RNA acetylase, we uncovered a new mechanism of NAT10 in cancer cells. Using co-immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq), we found that NAT10 is interacting with super-enhancer associated protein complex. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the loss of NAT10 leads to dramatic transcriptional suppression of super-enhancer driven genes including MYC. Mechanistically, using mass spectrometry-based quantification of protein acetylation, we showed that the loss of NAT10 leads to decreased acetylation of enhancer-associated Histone H4 and H3 modification. NAT10 loss also leads to increased heterochromatin-forming histone methylation within the cell nuclei. Our study revealed a distinct role of NAT10 as an enhancer remodeler in metastatic cancer cells. Therefore, NAT10 could be a potential therapeutic target in preventing metastatic disease.

Citation Format: Ruhul Amin, Ngoc-Han Ha, Jordan L. Meier, Kent W. Hunter. NAT10 promotes metastasis through enhancer remodeling of cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Cancer Metastasis; 2022 Nov 14-17; Portland, OR. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;83(2 Suppl_2):Abstract nr A012.

An experiment of health services and additional microcredit in 128 villages of Bangladesh

Background

Studies in the literature have found mixed results on the effect of microcredit on health outcomes. Of the five previous experimental studies that included microcredit and a health intervention, three reported no significant changes in health status or behaviors. The purpose of this study was to test for marginal and interactive effects of increased microcredit and provision of basic health services.

Methods

This study had a 4-celled experimental design in 128 villages in rural Bangladesh. For villages in one cell, an additional microcredit worker was assigned. For those in a second cell, a health assistant visited households each month, provided simple medicines and announced a satellite clinic held monthly in each village. For a third cell, both interventions were combined, and villages in a fourth cell served as control. A baseline survey was completed and a follow-up survey was done three years later. Outcome measures were food security, contraceptive use, having a trained birth attendant at last birth, and measles immunization.

Results

Comparison of follow-up with baseline levels of the four outcome measures (for 3787 households (96% completeness) and 3687 women (94% completeness)) showed significant improvement in food security in all study arms and a significant increase in trained birth attendant at last birth in the health services villages. Due to confusion within Grameen Bank about which workers would provide the additional microcredit work, that intervention was poorly implemented so in multivariate analyses, the data for that intervention arm were grouped with data from the control arm. Logistic regression with values of the outcomes at follow-up as dependent variable and study arm and women’s schooling as covariates showed no significant effects of either separate or grouped study arms.

Conclusion

Two of the three health behaviors showed no significant changes over time but having a trained birth attendant at last delivery did increase significantly in the health services arm. Therefore, community health education can sometimes be effective in promoting healthy behaviors.

Trial registration

This was a field trial rather than a clinical trial, so trial registration was unnecessary.

Multidimensional Chromatography and Its Applications in Food Products, Biological Samples and Toxin Products: A Comprehensive Review

Food, drugs, dyes, extracts, and minerals are all made up of complex elements, and utilizing unidimensional chromatography to separate them is inefficient and insensitive. This has sparked the invention of several linked chromatography methods, each of them with distinct separation principles and affinity for the analyte of interest. Multidimensional chromatography consists of the combination of multiple chromatography techniques, with great benefits at the level of efficiency, peak capacity, precision, and accuracy of the analysis, while reducing the time required for the analysis. Various coupled chromatography techniques have recently emerged, including liquid chromatography–gas chromatography (LC–GC), gas chromatography–gas chromatography (GC–GC), liquid chromatography–liquid chromatography (LC–LC), GCMS–MS, LCMS–MS, supercritical fluid techniques with chromatography techniques, and electro-driven multidimensional separation techniques. In this paper, the different coupled chromatography techniques will be discussed, along with their wide spectrum of applications for food, flavor, and environmental analysis, as well as their usefulness for the pharmaceutical, color, and dyes industries.

Differences in labour market marginalisation among young immigrant groups and Swedish-born youth

Background

There is a knowledge gap regarding the risk for labour market marginalisation among younger cohorts of refugees and non-refugee immigrants. We investigated if the risk of long-term unemployment (LTU) and disability pension (DP) differs between young refugees and non-refuge immigrants compared to the Swedish-born. The role of age at arrival, duration of residency and morbidity in this association was also investigated.

Methods

All 19- to 25-year-olds residing in Sweden on 31 December 2004 (1691 refugees who were unaccompanied by a parent at arrival, 24,697 accompanied refugees, 18,762 non-refugee immigrants and 621,455 Swedish-born individuals) were followed from 2005 to 2016 regarding LTU (&gt;180 days annually) and DP using nationwide register data. Cox regression models were used to estimate crude and multivariate-adjusted (adjusted for several socio-demographic, labour market and health-related covariates) hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Compared to the Swedish-born, all migrant groups had around a 1.8-fold higher risk of LTU (range aHR=1.71-1.83) and around a 30% lower risk of DP (range aHR=0.66-0.76). Older age at arrival was associated with a higher risk of LTU only for non-refugee immigrants. Both older age at arrival and a shorter duration of residency were associated with a lower risk of DP for all migrant groups. Psychiatric morbidity had the strongest effect on subsequent DP, with no significant differences between migrant groups and the Swedish-born (range aHR=5.1-6.1).

Conclusions

Young immigrants had a higher risk of LTU and a lower risk of DP than their Swedish-born peers. No differences between the different immigrant groups were found. Age at arrival, psychiatric morbidity and duration of residency are strong determinants of being granted DP.

Key messages

Differences in the Interfacial Mechanical Properties of Thiophosphate and Argyrodite Solid Electrolytes and Their Composites

Interfacial mechanics are a significant contributor to the performance and degradation of solid-state batteries. Spatially resolved measurements of interfacial properties are extremely important to effectively model and understand the electrochemical behavior. Herein, we report the interfacial properties of thiophosphate (Li₃PS₄)- and argyrodite (Li₆PS₅Cl)-type solid electrolytes. Using atomic force microscopy, we showcase the differences in the surface morphology as well as adhesion of these materials. We also investigate solvent-less processing of hybrid electrolytes using UV-assisted curing. Physical, chemical, and structural characterizations of the materials highlight the differences in the surface morphology, chemical makeup, and distribution of the inorganic phases between the argyrodite and thiophosphate solid electrolytes.

Central Composite Designed Fast Dissolving Tablets for Improved Solubility of the Loaded Drug Ondansetron Hydrochloride

Ondansetron tablets that are directly compressed using crospovidone and croscarmellose as a synthetic super disintegrant are the subject of this investigation. A central composite, response surface, randomly quadratic, nonblock (version 13.0.9.0) 32 factorial design is used to optimize the formulation (two-factor three-level). To make things even more complicated, nine different formulation batches (designated as F1-F9) were created. There were three levels of crospovidone and croscarmellose (+1, 0, -1). In addition to that, pre- and postcompressional parameters were evaluated, and all evaluated parameters were found to be within acceptable range. Among all postcompressional parameter dispersion and disintegration time, in vitro drug release experiments (to quantify the amount of medication released from the tablet) and their percentage prediction error were shown to have a significant influence on three dependent variables. Various pre- and postcompression characteristics of each active component were tested in vitro. Bulk density, tap density, angle of repose, Carr's index, and the Hausner ratio were all included in this analysis, as were many others. This tablet's hardness and friability were also assessed along with its dimension and weight variations. Additional stability studies may be conducted using the best batch of the product. For this study, we utilised the Design-Expert software to select the formulation F6, which had dispersion times of 17.67 ± 0.03 seconds, disintegration times of 120.12 ± 0.55 seconds, and percentage drug release measurements of 99.25 ± 0.36 within 30 minutes. Predicted values and experimental data had a strong correlation. Fast dissolving pills of ondansetron hydrochloride may be created by compressing the tablets directly.

The role of Tumour Necrosis Factor in neuroinflammation associated with Parkinson's disease and targeted therapies

Neurodegenerative disorders Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with neuroinflammatory responses that lead to the neurodegeneration of the dopaminergic neurons. These neuroinflammatory mechanisms involve various cytokines produced by the activated glial cells. Tumour Necrosis factor α (TNF α) is one of the major mediators of the neuroinflammation associated with neurodegeneration. TNF α has a dual role of neuroprotection and neurotoxicity in the brain. The effective pathways of TNF involve various signalling pathways transduced by the receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2. Effective therapeutic strategies have been produced targeting the neurotoxic behaviour of the Tumour Necrosis Factor and the associated neurodegeneration which includes the use of Dominant Negative Tumour Necrosis Factor (DN-TNF) inhibitors like XENP 345 and XPro®1595 and peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists.

Risk of suicide attempt and suicide in young adult refugees compared to their Swedish-born peers: a register-based cohort study

Introduction

Refugees, especially minors, who often have experienced traumatic events, are a vulnerable group regarding poor mental health. Little is known, however, of their risk of suicidal behaviour as young adults.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the risk of suicidal behaviour for young adult refugees who migrated as minors. The moderating role of education and history of mental disorders in this association was also investigated.

Methods

In this register linkage study, all 19-30-year-old Swedish-born (n = 1,149,855) and refugees (n = 51,098) residing in Sweden on December 31st, 2009 were included. The follow-up period covered 2010-2016. Cox models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The multivariate models were adjusted for socio-demographic, labour market marginalisation and health-related factors.

Results

Compared to Swedish-born, the risk of suicide attempt was lower for all refugees (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70-0.87), and accompanied refugee minors (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.87), but estimates did not differ for unaccompanied refugee minors (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.62-1.10). Low education and previous mental disorders increased the risk of suicide attempt in both refugees and Swedish-born, with lower excess risks in refugees. Findings for suicide were similar to those of suicide attempt.

Conclusions

Young adult refugees have a lower risk of suicidal behaviour than their Swedish-born peers, even if they have low educational level or have mental disorders. Young refugees who entered Sweden unaccompanied do not seem to be equally protected and need specific attention.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.