Measurement of ethanol concentration for monitoring the solvent exchange during the alcogel preparation.

A crucial and time-consuming stage in aerogel production is the solvent exchange process for alcogel formation. This process involves multiple steps, exposing the hydrogel to ethanol solutions with increasing concentration until the equilibrium in each step. Currently, the determination of contact time between phases (hydrogel and liquid solution) is either arbitrary or based on prior studies. However, considering the unique physicochemical characteristics of each system, as well as the solid-liquid interactions and the liquid diffusion within the matrix, the required time may vary. Monitoring this step can lead to a reduction in the time needed for alcogel production and the optimization of the entire process. The refractive index serves as a tool to assess ethanol concentration in the liquid solution over time, providing immediate information about the status of the solvent exchange. Alongside, differential scanning calorimetry can be employed to evaluate ethanol content in the alcogel (solid phase), confirming the attainment of equilibrium between phases. •This research introduces a technique for monitoring solvent exchange.•Refractive index measurement of the liquid solvent offers immediate concentration information into the status of the solvent exchange.•Differential scanning calorimetry is applicable for measuring the ethanol content within the alcogel and validating refractive index findings.

Sex-Specific Impacts of Early Life Sleep Disruption: Ethanol Seeking, Social Interaction, and Anxiety Are Differentially Altered in Adolescent Prairie Voles.

Early life sleep is important for neuronal development. Using the highly social prairie vole rodent model, we have previously reported that early life sleep disruption (ELSD) during the preweaning period results in interference with social bonding and increases ethanol consumption following a stressor in adulthood. Furthermore, ELSD increases parvalbumin expression and reduces glutamatergic neurotransmission in cortical regions in adult prairie voles. To understand the impact of ELSD on the lifespan, an examination of an earlier time in life is necessary. The aim of the present study was to examine behavioral outcomes of ELSD on adolescent prairie voles. Given the known effects of ELSD on development of neuronal systems involved in mood and social motivation, we hypothesized that anxiety, risk, and reward-related behaviors would be impacted by ELSD in adolescent prairie voles. We report that both male and female adolescent prairie voles that experienced ELSD showed heightened anxiety-like behavior compared to age-matched controls (CONs) as measured by a light-dark box. Additionally, both male and female ELSD voles showed reductions in both ethanol preference and consumption, and affiliative behavior compared to CONs. These results suggest that adolescent prairie voles of both sexes experience heightened anxiety-like behavior and reduced reward-seeking behaviors after ELSD. These results further suggest that early life sleep is critically important for neurotypical behaviors in adolescence.

Integrated processes (HPSE+scCO2) to prepare sterilized alginate-gelatine-based aerogel.

Biopolymers application in biomedical areas has been limited due to the physicochemical degradation that occurs using conventional processing/sterilization methods (e.g., steam heat, γ-radiation, ethylene oxide). Aiming to avoid/minimize degradation and preserve their properties, supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) has been proposed as an alternative sterilization method for such materials. ScCO2 can simultaneously be used as a drying method to produce aerogels (i) and sterilize them (ii). However, a solvent exchange is required to prepare the alcogel from hydrogel, achievable through high-pressure solvent exchange (HPSE) (iii). This study integrated three processes: HPSE, scCO2 drying, and sterilization to prepare alginate-gelatine sterilized aerogels. Two scCO2 sterilization methods were tested. Results showed that sterilization did not compromise the aerogels' chemical, thermal and swelling properties. Conversely, Young's Modulus increased, and BET surface area decreased, due to the structural changes caused by the fast pressurization/depressurization rates applied during sterilization. Regarding the sterilization efficiency, results showed a reduction in contamination throughout the process, achieving a SAL of 10-4. The sterilized aerogels were non-cytotoxic in vitro and showed improved wound-healing properties. The innovative integrated process produced decontaminated/sterile and ready-to-use aerogels reducing process time by 75 %, from 2 days up to 12 h without compromising the aerogel's properties.

Burden and trajectory of social needs after breast cancer diagnosis at a safety-net hospital.

PURPOSE: Unmet social needs pose barriers to cancer care, contributing to adverse outcomes and health inequities. A better understanding of how social needs change after cancer diagnosis can inform more effective, equity-focused interventions. METHODS: In this study, we examined self-reported social needs at 0, 3, and 6 months after a breast cancer diagnosis in a racially diverse, multilingual sample (n = 222) enrolled in patient navigation intervention at an urban safety-net hospital. At each timepoint, respondents completed surveys about social needs related to employment, disability benefits, housing and utilities, and personal and family stability. RESULTS: Over three-quarters (78%, n = 175) reported ≥ 1 social need, and 46% (n = 102) reported ≥ 3 social needs. The most frequently reported need was housing and utilities (64%, n = 142), followed by employment (40%, n = 90). Individuals from minoritized groups more frequently reported an increased number of social needs over time, compared with their White counterparts (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that despite navigation, many cancer patients from historically underrepresented populations continue to experience social concerns over the first 6 months of treatment. Further research, conducted with historically underrepresented populations in research, is needed to better understand the social needs of breast cancer patients to inform effective and equitable interventions.

Primary Care After Pregnancy Survey: Patient Preferences, Health Concerns, and Anticipated Barriers.

Despite recommendations for ongoing care after pregnancy, many individuals do not see a primary care clinician within the first postpartum year, missing a critical window to engage reproductive-age individuals in primary care. We administered an anonymous, cross-sectional, trilingual survey at a large urban safety-net hospital to assess postpartum individuals' preferences, health concerns, and anticipated barriers to primary care during the year after pregnancy. While 90% of respondents preferred a visit within one year, most individuals - including those with complicated pregnancies - did not recall a primary care recommendation from their pregnancy care team. Respondents reported a variety of primary care-amenable health concerns, and many social and logistical barriers to care. Preference for virtual care increased if self-monitoring tools were hypothetically available, indicating virtual visits may improve primary care access.

Qualitative expert evaluation of an educational intervention outline aimed at developing a shared understanding of cross-border healthcare.

Objectives: Although cross-border healthcare benefits many patients and healthcare professionals, it also poses challenges. To develop a shared understanding of these opportunities and challenges among healthcare professionals, we designed an educational intervention outline and invited experts in healthcare and education to evaluate it. The proposed intervention was based on theoretical principles of authentic, team, and reflective learning. Methods: Experts (N=11) received a paper outline of the intervention, which was subsequently discussed in individual, semi-structured interviews. Results: Based on a thematic analysis of the interviews, we identified 4 themes: 1) using the experience you have, 2) learning with the people you work with, 3) taking the time to reflect on the past and future, and 4) adapting the intervention to its context. Conclusion: According to the experts, the proposed intervention and its three underlying principles can enhance a shared understanding of cross-border healthcare. To unlock its full potential, however, they suggested adjusting the application of learning principles to its specific context. By situating learning in landscapes of practice, the intervention could contribute to the continuous development of cross-border healthcare.

Does the whitening dentifrice containing activated charcoal interfere with the properties of dental enamel? Microhardness, surface roughness and colorimetry analyzes.

Background: The study evaluated the influence of whitening dentifrice containing activated charcoal on microhardness (MH), surface roughness (Ra) and colorimetry of tooth enamel. Material and Methods: A total of 60 healthy bovine incisor teeth were used and divided into: G1 (regular non-whitening toothpaste), G2 (conventional whitening toothpaste), G3 (activated charcoal based whitening toothpaste) and G4 (10% carbamide peroxide gel - PC10). Groups G1, G2 and G3 underwent simulated toothbrushing for 14 days, while G4 received bleaching treatment for the same time. The readings of MH, Ra and colorimetry were performed before any intervention (T0 - baseline) and at the end of 14 days of the proposed treatments (T1). After confirming the normality of the data, the results of MH, Ra and colorimetry were subjected to 2-factor ANOVA for repeated measures (α = 5%). Results: For MH, there were no statistical differences in G1, G2 and G3, only in G4. Considering Ra, a significant increase was observed in G2 and G3, with no statistical differences found in the other groups. Regarding colorimetry, the average color difference (ΔE) was greater in the G4 group (11.30 ± 4.31), even compared to the groups submitted to the whitening dentifrices: G2 (5.13 ± 2.75) and G3 (5.86 ± 3.66). Conclusions: It was concluded that the use of a whitening toothpaste containing activated charcoal caused deleterious effects on the enamel Ra, but did not affect the microhardness of the substrate, besides promoting a color change inferior to the regular non-bleaching toothpaste or PC10 gel. Key words:Whitening dentifrice, charcoal, roughness, microhardness.

Eph-ephrin signaling couples endothelial cell sorting and arterial specification.

Cell segregation allows the compartmentalization of cells with similar fates during morphogenesis, which can be enhanced by cell fate plasticity in response to local molecular and biomechanical cues. Endothelial tip cells in the growing retina, which lead vessel sprouts, give rise to arterial endothelial cells and thereby mediate arterial growth. Here, we have combined cell type-specific and inducible mouse genetics, flow experiments in vitro, single-cell RNA sequencing and biochemistry to show that the balance between ephrin-B2 and its receptor EphB4 is critical for arterial specification, cell sorting and arteriovenous patterning. At the molecular level, elevated ephrin-B2 function after loss of EphB4 enhances signaling responses by the Notch pathway, VEGF and the transcription factor Dach1, which is influenced by endothelial shear stress. Our findings reveal how Eph-ephrin interactions integrate cell segregation and arteriovenous specification in the vasculature, which has potential relevance for human vascular malformations caused by EPHB4 mutations.

SEX-SPECIFIC IMPACTS OF EARLY LIFE SLEEP DISRUPTION: ETHANOL SEEKING, SOCIAL INTERACTION, AND ANXIETY ARE DIFFERENTIALLY ALTERED IN ADOLESCENT PRAIRIE VOLES.

Early life sleep is important for neuronal development and maturation. Using the highly social prairie vole rodent model, we have previously reported that early-life sleep disruption (ELSD) during the pre-weaning period postnatal day (P)14 to 21 results in adult interference with social bonding and increases ethanol consumption following a stressor. Furthermore, we have reported increased parvalbumin expression and reduced glutamatergic neurotransmission in cortical regions in adult prairie voles that experienced this paradigm. To understand the impact of ELSD on the lifespan, examination of an earlier time in life is necessary. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the behavioral outcomes of ELSD on adolescent prairie voles. Here we hypothesized that anxiety and reward related behaviors, as measured by light/dark box, 2-bottle choice and social interactions, would be negatively impacted by ELSD in adolescent male and female prairie voles. Male ELSD voles were no different from control voles in measures of anxiety and ethanol preference or consumption, but affiliative social interactions were significantly reduced. ELSD differentially impacted female prairie voles, with increased anxiety-like behavior and reductions in ethanol consumption compared to Controls, but no impact on ethanol preference or social interactions. Together, these results suggest both male and female prairie voles experience differential changes to reward seeking behaviors, but only female prairie voles showed increases in anxiety-like behavior. These results further suggest that early-life sleep is critically important for neurotypical behaviors in adolescence, a time where reward-seeking and risky behaviors are adaptive for learning and promoting survival.

Fortified chocolate mousse with powder and extract from Moringa oleifera leaves for nutritional value improvement.

This study focuses on the characterisation and incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOP) from Luanda (Angola) and its extract (MOE) in fortified chocolate mousse. Dark green (DG) leaves presented superior nutritional values compared to other leaves. DG contained a higher concentration of mineral salts (10 ± 1 mg/100 g of dry leaves), phenolic compounds (267 ± 4 mg GAE/g), vitamins (1.9 ± 0.2 mg/g of dry extract) and strong antioxidant capacity (IC50, 115 ± 8 µg/mL). Therefore, DG leaves were used to fortify the chocolate mousse. The leaves were prepared in three samples: control, 2 % MOP (w/w) and 2 % MOE (v/v). Textural and rheological analysis of chocolate mousse samples revealed a pseudoplastic profile for all samples, with decreased texture attributes and viscosity due to the incorporation. The sensory evaluation demonstrated that MOP and MOE samples presented 93 % and 88 % resemblance to the original product regarding general acceptance, respectively.

Strategies for Recruiting a Diverse Postpartum Survey Sample.

BACKGROUND: Data from diverse populations are needed to inform interventions for maternal health equity. However, research recruitment of postpartum individuals is challenging, especially in minoritized and structurally marginalized populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed a recruitment strategy for a cross-sectional survey among postpartum individuals at an urban safety-net hospital in New England, inclusive of those with a language preference other than English (LPOE) and those not attending scheduled postpartum visits. Recruitment was primarily conducted before, during, and after clinic visits in obstetrics or pediatrics. Surveys could be completed in-person, over the phone, or online. All study materials were trilingual (English, Spanish, Haitian Creole). After reaching our recruitment goal of 120 individuals, we analyzed our recruitment efforts to identify key recruitment strategies. RESULTS: From April to June 2022, 245 individuals were invited to participate, and 120 (49%) completed the survey, of whom 119 contributed recruitment data to the present analysis. Most participants (83.1%) self-identified as Black or Hispanic, and 30.2% had an LPOE. Compared with the overall sample, participants with an LPOE were more likely to have been recruited in-person (73% versus 78%), while those not attending postpartum visits required more outreach attempts (mean 2.3 versus 2.6). We identified 4 key strategies contributing to recruitment success: multilingual materials, frequent assessment and adjustment of our recruitment approach, pediatrics-based recruitment, and multiple timings and modes of outreach. CONCLUSIONS: Using a multi-stage, multilingual, and multi-method recruitment strategy including pediatrics-based outreach, we recruited a diverse postpartum sample with > 80% individuals of color and > 30% with an LPOE. Our experience can inform more inclusive postpartum research.

HIV-1 Nef Changes the Proteome of T Cells Extracellular Vesicles Depleting IFITMs and Other Antiviral Factors.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are biomolecule carriers for intercellular communication in health and disease. Nef is a HIV virulence factor that is released from cells within EVs and is present in plasma EVs of HIV-1 infected individuals. We performed a quantitative proteomic analysis to fully characterize the Nef-induced changes in protein composition of T cell-derived EVs and identify novel host targets of HIV. Several proteins with well-described roles in infection or not previously associated with HIV pathogenesis were specifically modulated by Nef in EVs. Among the downregulated proteins are the interferon-induced transmembrane 1, 2, and 3 (IFITM1-3) proteins, broad-spectrum antiviral factors known to be cell-to-cell transferable by EVs. We demonstrate that Nef depletes IFITM1-3 from EVs by excluding these proteins from the plasma membrane and lipid rafts, which are sites of EVs biogenesis in T cells. Our data establish Nef as a modulator of EVs' global protein content and as an HIV factor that antagonizes IFITMs.

Effect of ScCO2 on the decontamination of PECs-based cryogels: A comparison with H2O steam and H2O2 nebulization methods.

Biopolymers present ideal properties to be used in wound dressing solutions. By mixing two oppositely charged macromolecules it is possible to form polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) based cryogels using lyophilization. Their application in the biomedical field is limited due to their sterilization requirements, as conventional methods compromise their physicochemical properties. ScCO2 appears as an alternative method for decontamination. This work assessed several cryogel PEC formulations, chitosan-pectin, gelatine-xanthan gum and alginate-gelatine. PEC formation was confirmed by FTIR and rheological analysis. While steam sterilization compromised cryogels' chemical and morphological properties, decontamination with scCO2 proved to be a promising method for decontamination of PEC-cryogels, because, similarly to what is observed with hydrogen peroxide, it does not compromise their physicochemical properties.

Differential Effects of the Betablockers Carvedilol, Metoprolol and Bisoprolol on Cardiac Kv4.3 (Ito) Channel Isoforms.

Cardiac Kv4.3 channels contribute to the transient outward K+ current, Ito, during early repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Two different isoforms of Kv4.3 are present in the human ventricle and exhibit differential remodeling in heart failure (HF). Cardioselective betablockers are a cornerstone of HF with reduced ejection fraction therapy as well as ventricular arrhythmia treatment. In this study we examined pharmacological effects of betablockers on both Kv4.3 isoforms to explore their potential for isoform-specific therapy. Kv4.3 isoforms were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and incubated with the respective betablockers. Dose-dependency and biophysical characteristics were examined. HEK 293T-cells were transfected with the two Kv4.3 isoforms and analyzed with Western blots. Carvedilol (100 µM) blocked Kv4.3 L by 77 ± 2% and Kv4.3 S by 67 ± 6%, respectively. Metoprolol (100 µM) was less effective with inhibition of 37 ± 3% (Kv4.3 L) and 35 ± 4% (Kv4.3 S). Bisoprolol showed no inhibitory effect. Current reduction was not caused by changes in Kv4.3 protein expression. Carvedilol inhibited Kv4.3 channels at physiologically relevant concentrations, affecting both isoforms. Metoprolol showed a weaker blocking effect and bisoprolol did not exert an effect on Kv4.3. Blockade of repolarizing Kv4.3 channels by carvedilol and metoprolol extend their pharmacological mechanism of action, potentially contributing beneficial antiarrhythmic effects in normal and failing hearts.

Impedance-Based Detection of NO2 Using Ni-MOF-74: Influence of Competitive Gas Adsorption.

Chemically robust, low-power sensors are needed for the direct electrical detection of toxic gases. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer exceptional chemical and structural tunability to meet this challenge, though further understanding is needed regarding how coadsorbed gases influence or interfere with the electrical response. To probe the influence of competitive gases on trace NO2 detection in a simulated flue gas stream, a combined structure-property study integrating synchrotron powder diffraction and pair distribution function analyses was undertaken, to elucidate how structural changes associated with gas binding inside Ni-MOF-74 pores correlate with the electrical response from Ni-MOF-74-based sensors. Data were evaluated for 16 gas combinations of N2, NO2, SO2, CO2, and H2O at 50 °C. Fourier difference maps from a rigid-body Rietveld analysis showed that additional electron density localized around the Ni-MOF-74 lattice correlated with large decreases in Ni-MOF-74 film resistance of up to a factor of 6 × 103, observed only when NO2 was present. These changes in resistance were significantly amplified by the presence of competing gases, except for CO2. Without NO2, H2O rapidly (<120 s) produced small (1-3×) decreases in resistance, though this effect could be differentiated from the slower adsorption of NO2 by the evaluation of the MOF's capacitance. Furthermore, samples exposed to H2O displayed a significant shift in lattice parameters toward a larger lattice and more diffuse charge density in the MOF pore. Evaluating the Ni-MOF-74 impedance in real time, NO2 adsorption was associated with two electrically distinct processes, the faster of which was inhibited by competitive adsorption of CO2. Together, this work points to the unique interaction of NO2 and other specific gases (e.g., H2O, SO2) with the MOF's surface, leading to orders of magnitude decrease in MOF resistance and enhanced NO2 detection. Understanding and leveraging these coadsorbed gases will further improve the gas detection properties of MOF materials.

The effect of postpartum lifestyle interventions on blood pressure: a systematic literature review.

Postpartum lifestyle modification is recommended to hypertension risk. We conducted a systematic literature review to assess the evidence for postpartum lifestyle interventions to reduce blood pressure. We searched for relevant publications from 2010 through November 2022. Two authors independently conducted article screening and data extraction; a third resolved discrepancies. Ultimately, nine studies met inclusion criteria. Most were randomized controlled trials and had sample sizes <100. In all but one of the eight studies reporting race data, nearly all participants identified as White. None of the studies reported a significant intervention effect on blood pressure. However, most interventions were associated with improvements in other outcomes, such as physical activity. Overall, the evidence for postpartum lifestyle interventions to reduce blood pressure is limited to a handful of studies characterized by small sample sizes and a lack of racial diversity. Additional research with larger samples, more diverse populations, and intermediate outcomes is warranted.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the high ribosomal inhibitory action of 1,4-naphthoquinone on Meloidogyne luci infective second-stage juveniles.

The root-knot nematode (RKN) Meloidogyne luci presents a threat to the production of several important crops. This nematode species was added to the European Plant Protection Organization Alert list in 2017. The scarce availability of efficient nematicides to control RKN and the phasing out of nematicides from the market have intensified the search for alternatives, such as phytochemicals with bionematicidal properties. The nematicidal activity of 1,4-naphthoquinone (1,4-NTQ) against M. luci has been demonstrated; however, knowledge of the potential mode(s) of action of this compound is still scarce. In this study, the transcriptome profile of M. luci second-stage juveniles (J2), the infective stage, in response to 1,4-NTQ exposure was determined by RNA-seq to identify genes and pathways that might be involved in 1,4-NTQ's mode(s) of action. Control treatments, consisting of nematodes exposed to Tween® 80 (1,4-NTQ solvent) and to water, were included in the analysis. A large set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was found among the three tested conditions, and a high number of downregulated genes were found between 1,4-NTQ treatment and water control, reflecting the inhibitory effect of this compound on M. luci, with a great impact on processes related to translation (ribosome pathway). Several other nematode gene networks and metabolic pathways affected by 1,4-NTQ were also identified, clarifying the possible mode of action of this promising bionematicide.

Successful management of minoxidil 5% toxicosis in 2 cats from the same household.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the successful management of 2 cats following ingestion of minoxidil 5%. SERIES SUMMARY: Two 2-year-old neutered male Savannah cats were presented following suspected minoxidil 5% ingestion. Both cats developed significant myocardial injury, and clinical signs were consistent with congestive heart failure, supported by cardiac troponin I concentrations, echocardiogram, and thoracic radiographs. They required vasopressor therapy and were decontaminated with intravenous lipid emulsion therapy. Following decontamination, both cats were successfully discontinued from vasopressor therapy, and their clinical signs resolved within 24 hours. The cats were successfully discharged without long-lasting cardiac compromise. Their echocardiograms and cardiac troponin concentration 7 weeks after discharge were within reference intervals. NEW OR UNIQUE INFORMATION: This is the first detailed report of the successful management of cats following minoxidil 5% ingestion.