Macular Holes in Tractional Retinal Detachments Secondary to Diabetic Retinopathy.

Purpose: To characterize the visual outcomes and rate of macular hole (MH) closure with tractional retinal detachment (TRD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: Visit data of patients who had pars plana vitrectomy were retrospectively reviewed; patient demographics, other procedure(s), the MH closure rate, and visual outcomes were also collected. Paired t, Fisher exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed. Results: Ten patients (10 eyes) developed a TRD MH; 3 distinct MH presentations were identified. At the 3-month follow-up, 90% of MHs remained closed without the need for further reoperation (n = 6, type 1 closure; n = 3, type 2 closure). All MHs were closed 12 months after the initial surgery, with 1 eye requiring a single reoperation. The mean visual acuity (VA) at baseline and at 12 months was 20/235 and 20/138, respectively. Conclusions: MHs in the setting of fibrovascular proliferation resulting from PDR present with varied morphology. There is a high rate of MH closure and a trend toward improved VA.

UMobileNetV2 model for semantic segmentation of gastrointestinal tract in MRI scans.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is leading general tumour in the Gastrointestinal tract, which is fourth significant reason of tumour death in men and women. The common cure for GI cancer is radiation treatment, which contains directing a high-energy X-ray beam onto the tumor while avoiding healthy organs. To provide high dosages of X-rays, a system needs for accurately segmenting the GI tract organs. The study presents a UMobileNetV2 model for semantic segmentation of small and large intestine and stomach in MRI images of the GI tract. The model uses MobileNetV2 as an encoder in the contraction path and UNet layers as a decoder in the expansion path. The UW-Madison database, which contains MRI scans from 85 patients and 38,496 images, is used for evaluation. This automated technology has the capability to enhance the pace of cancer therapy by aiding the radio oncologist in the process of segmenting the organs of the GI tract. The UMobileNetV2 model is compared to three transfer learning models: Xception, ResNet 101, and NASNet mobile, which are used as encoders in UNet architecture. The model is analyzed using three distinct optimizers, i.e., Adam, RMS, and SGD. The UMobileNetV2 model with the combination of Adam optimizer outperforms all other transfer learning models. It obtains a dice coefficient of 0.8984, an IoU of 0.8697, and a validation loss of 0.1310, proving its ability to reliably segment the stomach and intestines in MRI images of gastrointestinal cancer patients.

Clinicopathologic Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer in Young Adults: A Multicenter Study From India.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) in young adults is a rising concern in developing countries such as India. This study investigates clinicopathologic profiles, treatment patterns, and outcomes of CRC in young adults, focusing on adolescent and young adult (AYA) CRC in a low- and middle-income country (LMIC). METHODS: A retrospective registry study from January 2018 to December 2020 involved 126 young adults (age 40 years and younger) with CRC. Patient demographics, clinical features, tumor characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were analyzed after obtaining institutional ethics committees' approval. RESULTS: Among 126 AYA patients, 62.70% had colon cancer and 37.30% had rectal cancer. Most patients (67%) were age 30-39 years, with no significant gender predisposition. Females had higher metastatic burden. Abdominal pain with obstruction features was common. Adenocarcinoma (65%) with signet ring differentiation (26%) suggested aggressive behavior. Limited access to molecular testing hindered mutation identification. Capecitabine-based chemotherapy was favored because of logistical constraints. Adjuvant therapy showed comparable recurrence-free survival in young adults and older patients. For localized colon cancer, the 2-year median progression-free survival was 74%, and for localized rectal cancer, it was 18 months. Palliative therapy resulted in a median overall survival of 33 months (95% CI, 18 to 47). Limited access to targeted agents affected treatment options, with only 27.5% of patients with metastatic disease receiving them. Chemotherapy was generally well tolerated, with hematologic side effect being most common. CONCLUSION: This collaborative study in an LMIC offers crucial insights into CRC in AYA patients in India. Differences in disease characteristics, treatment patterns, and limited access to targeted agents highlight the need for further research and resource allocation to improve outcomes in this population.

Duplication of right vertebral artery in Klippel-Feil anomaly.

The duplicated origin of the vertebral artery (VA) is an uncommon anatomical variant, which is generally identified incidentally during angiography and can be misdiagnosed as dissection in the setting of posterior circulation stroke. Here, we describe a case of the right V1 VA duplication with embryological aspects in a patient with Klippel-Feil anomaly, which was diagnosed during preoperative evaluation. Surgeons must be aware to avoid vascular injury from a duplicated VA before head-neck and spinal surgery.

Recent advances in synergistic use of GQD-based hydrogels for bioimaging and drug delivery in cancer treatment.

Graphene quantum dot (GQD) integration into hydrogel matrices has become a viable approach for improving drug delivery and bioimaging in cancer treatment in recent years. Due to their distinct physicochemical characteristics, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have attracted interest as adaptable nanomaterials for use in biomedicine. When incorporated into hydrogel frameworks, these nanomaterials exhibit enhanced stability, biocompatibility, and responsiveness to external stimuli. The synergistic pairing of hydrogels with GQDs has created new opportunities to tackle the problems related to drug delivery and bioimaging in cancer treatment. Bioimaging plays a pivotal role in the early detection and monitoring of cancer. GQD-based hydrogels, with their excellent photoluminescence properties, offer a superior platform for high-resolution imaging. The tunable fluorescence characteristics of GQDs enable real-time visualization of biological processes, facilitating the precise diagnosis and monitoring of cancer progression. Moreover, the drug delivery landscape has been significantly transformed by GQD-based hydrogels. Because hydrogels are porous, therapeutic compounds may be placed into them and released in a controlled environment. The large surface area and distinct interactions of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) with medicinal molecules boost loading capacity and release dynamics, ultimately improving therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, GQD-based hydrogels' stimulus-responsiveness allows for on-demand medication release, which minimizes adverse effects and improves therapeutic outcomes. The ability of GQD-based hydrogels to specifically target certain cancer cells makes them notable. Functionalizing GQDs with targeting ligands minimizes off-target effects and delivers therapeutic payloads to cancer cells selectively. Combined with imaging capabilities, this tailored drug delivery creates a theranostic platform for customized cancer treatment. In this study, the most recent advancements in the synergistic use of GQD-based hydrogels are reviewed, with particular attention to the potential revolution these materials might bring to the area of cancer theranostics.

Characterization of ectomycorrhizal fungal community of Abies Pindrow using sporocarp sampling, morphotyping, and metabarcoding through next-generation sequencing.

Abies pindrow, commonly known as the West-Himalayan Fir, holds great ecological importance as a native tree species in the Himalayas. Beyond its value as a fuel and timber source, it serves as a keystone species within the ecosystem. However, over recent years, extensive degradation and deforestation have afflicted A. pindrow forests. Utilizing ectomycorrhizal fungal symbionts of A. pindrow could prove pivotal in restoring these deteriorated forests. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity and composition of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community associated with A. pindrow. We employed ectomycorrhizal root tip morphotyping, sporocarp sampling, and Illumina MiSeq metabarcoding of the ITS region of fungal nrDNA. The ectomycorrhizal root tips were categorized into 10 morphotypes based on their morphological characteristics, exhibiting an average colonization rate of 74%. Sporocarp sampling revealed 22 species across 10 genera, with Russula being the most prevalent. The metabarcoding yielded 285,148 raw sequences, identifying 326 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 193 genera, 114 families, 45 orders, 22 classes, and 6 divisions. Of these, 36 OTUs across 20 genera were ectomycorrhizal, constituting 63.1% of the fungal community. Notably, Tuber was the most abundant, representing 37.42% of the fungal population, followed by Russula at 21.06%. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of mycorrhizal symbionts of A. pindrow. The findings hold significant implications for utilizing dominant ectomycorrhizal fungi in reforestation endeavors aimed at restoring this important Himalayan conifer.

LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS FOR BIOCHAR PRODUCTION: A GREEN INITIATIVE ON BIOWASTE CONVERSION FOR PHARMACEUTICAL AND OTHER EMERGING POLLUTANT REMOVAL.

Lignocellulosic waste generation and their improper disposal has accelerated the problems associated with increased greenhouse gas emissions and associated environmental pollution. Constructive ways to manage and mitigate the pollution associated with lignocellulosic waste has propelled the research on biochar production using lignocellulose-based substrates. The sustainability of various biochar production technologies in employing lignocellulosic biomass as feedstock for biochar production not only aids in the lignocellulosic biomass valorization but also helps in carbon neutralization and carbon utilization. Functionalization of biochar through various physicochemical methods helps in improving their functional properties majorly by reducing the size of the biochar particles to nanoscale and modifying their surface properties. The usage of engineered biochar as nano adsorbents for environmental applications like dye absorption, removal of organic pollutants and endocrine disrupting compounds from wastewater has been the thrust areas of research in the past few decades. This review presents a comprehensive outlook on the up-to-date research findings related to the production and engineering of biochar from lignocellulosic biomass and their applications in environmental remediation especially with respect to wastewater treatment. Further a detailed discussion on various biochar activation methods and the future scope of biochar research is presented in this review work.

DFT and TDDFT exploration on electronic transitions and bonding aspect of DPA and PTDC ligated transition metal complexes.

CONTEXT: In this study, we have investigated the structure, reactivity, bonding, and electronic transitions of DPA and PDTC along with their Ni-Zn complexes using DFT/TD-DFT methods. The energy gap between the frontier orbitals was computed to understand the reactivity pattern of the ligands and metal complexes. From the energies of FMO's, the global reactivity descriptors such as electron affinity, ionization potential, hardness (η), softness (S), chemical potential (µ), electronegativity (χ), and electrophilicity index (ω) have been calculated. The complexes show a strong NLO properties due to easily polarization as indicated by the narrow HOMO-LUMO gap. The polarizability and hyperpolarizabilities of the complexes indicate that they are good candidates for NLO materials. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps identified electrophilic and nucleophilic sites on the surfaces of the complexes. TDDFT and NBO analyses provided insights into electronic transitions, bonding, and stabilizing interactions within the studied complexes. DPA and PDTC exhibited larger HOMO-LUMO gaps and more negative electrostatic potentials compared to their metal complexes suggesting the higher reactivity. Ligands (DPA and PDTC) had absorption spectra in the range of 250 nm to 285 nm while their complexes spanned 250 nm to 870 nm. These bands offer valuable information on electronic transitions, charge transfer and optical behavior. This work enhances our understanding of the electronic structure and optical properties of these complexes. METHODS: Gaussian16 program was used for the optimization of all the compounds. B3LYP functional in combination with basis sets, such as LanL2DZ for Zn, Ni and Cu while 6-311G** for other atoms like C, H, O, N, and S was used. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis is carried out to find out how the filled orbital of one sub-system interacts with the empty orbital of another sub-system. The ORCA software is used for computing spectral features along with the zeroth order regular approximation method (ZORA) to observe its relativistic effects. TD-DFT study is carried out to calculate the excitation energy by using B3LYP functional.

Repeated dose toxicity studies of Trichostatin A in Swiss albino mice through oral and intravenous route of administration with special emphasis on genotoxicity.

Intravenous and oral 14 d repeated dose toxicity studies of Trichostatin A (TSA) were carried out in Swiss albino mice using low, intermediate, and high doses. Intravenous doses were 10, 25, and 50 µg/kg b.w while the oral doses were 20, 50, and 100 µg/kg b.w. Respective control groups of mice were administered phosphate buffered saline (vehicle only) for 14 consecutive days. All external morphological, hematological, biochemical, urine, histopathological, food intake in addition to body weight and vital organ weight were recorded. During the study no mortality in any animal was observed in either treatment routes. There were no significant changes in morphology, food intake, hematology, biochemical, urine analysis, organ weight. Animals treated high dose of TSA intravenously (50 µg/kg b.w) and orally (100 µg/kg b.w) had enlarged, congested, and discolored kidneys which were statistically significant. Histopathological studies had shown statistically significant degenerated glomerulus in high dose of intravenous and orally treated animals and degenerated tubule were found in orally treated animals. Genotoxicity was evaluated using micronucleus frequency at 14 and 21 d after treatment and chromosomal aberration at 21 d after treatment. Micronucleaus assay and chromosomal assay however did not show any significant changes at any doses and administration routes. Therefore, this study concludes that dose ∼25 µg/kg and ∼50 µg/kg b.w may be considered as No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for intravenous and oral administration of TSA respectively.

Fruit Quality Assessment of Novel Hybrid Pummelo × Sweet Orange and Its Molecular Characterization Using Acidity Specific Markers.

Research background: There is considerable diversity in newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids. Most hybrids showed lower peel thickness and high juice yield but there is a lack of information on fruit quality parameters and molecular characterization. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the content of antioxidants and properties of the fresh juice of 24 new pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids (Citrus maxima [Burm. f.] Osbeck × Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) and the parental genotypes along with molecular characteristics determined using acidity specific markers. Experimental approach: The correlation and estimate of inheritance of the fruit juice properties: ascorbic acid, total phenol, total flavonoid, total antioxidant, total soluble solid and sugar contents, pH, titratable acidity, along with sensory evaluation was performed. Molecular characterization of these hybrids was carried out using de novo generated acidity specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Results and conclusions: The main constituents of the fruit juice of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids were observed in the range of w(ascorbic acid)=40.00-58.13 mg/100 g, total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents w(GAE)=40.67-107.33 mg/100 g, total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalents b(Trolox)=2.03-5.49 µmol/g, total flavonoids expressed as quercetin equivalents w(QE)=23.67-59.33 mg/100 g, along with other properties: total soluble solids=7.33-11.33 %, w(total sugar)=2.10-5.76 %, w(reducing sugar)=1.69-2.78 %, w(non-reducing sugar)=0.39-3.17 % and titratable acidity 1.00-2.11 %. The above parameters differed significantly in the fruit juice of the evaluated pummelo × sweet orange hybrids. Considering these parameters, the hybrids SCSH 17-9, SCSH 13-13, SCSH 11-15 and SCSH 3-15 had superior antioxidant properties in terms of these parameters. A higher heritability (≥80 %) was also observed for all juice properties. Molecular characterization of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids showed that >50 % of the hybrids were grouped with medium acidity parents. Both molecular and biochemical parameter-based clustering showed that interspecific hybrids exhibit transgressive segregation with increased antioxidants that help alleviate the health problems. Novelty and scientific contribution: These newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids are a valuable source of high-quality antioxidants for a healthy diet. The identification of trait markers that enable selection at the seedling stage is of great benefit to citrus breeders, as the characteristic features of a mature tree are not yet visible at the juvenile stage.

Kaolinite nanoclay-shielded dsRNA drenching for management of Globodera pallida: An environmentally friendly pest management approach.

Globodera pallida, an obligate sedentary endoparasite, is a major economic pest that causes substantial potato yield losses. This research aimed to study the effects of gene silencing of three FMRFamide-like peptides (FLPs) genes to reduce G. pallida infestation on potato plants by using kaolinite nanoclay as a carrier to deliver dsRNAs via drenching. A dsRNA dosage of 2.0 mg/ml silenced flp-32c by 89.5%, flp-32p by 94.6%, and flp-2 by 94.3%. J2s incubated for 5 and 10 h showed no phenotypic changes. However, J2s of G. pallida efficiently uptake dsRNA of all targeted genes after 15 h of incubation. On the other hand, J2s that had been kept for 24 h had a rigid and straight appearance. Under fluorescence microscopy, all dsRNA-treated nematodes showed fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) signals in the mouth, nervous system, and digestive system. The untreated population of J2s did not show any FITC signals and was mobile as usual. The drenching of potato cultivar Kufri Jyoti with the dsRNA-kaolinite formulations induced deformation and premature death of J2s, compared with untreated J2s that entered J3 or J4 stages. This study validates that the nanocarrier-delivered RNAi system could be employed effectively to manage G. pallida infestations.

Recent advances and synergistic effect of bioactive zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) for biosensing applications.

The rapid developments in the field of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) in recent years have created unparalleled opportunities for the development of unique bioactive ZIFs for a range of biosensor applications. Integrating bioactive molecules such as DNA, aptamers, and antibodies into ZIFs to create bioactive ZIF composites has attracted great interest. Bioactive ZIF composites have been developed that combine the multiple functions of bioactive molecules with the superior chemical and physical properties of ZIFs. This review thoroughly summarizes the ZIFs as well as the novel strategies for incorporating bioactive molecules into ZIFs. They are used in many different applications, especially in biosensors. Finally, biosensor applications of bioactive ZIFs were investigated in optical (fluorescence and colorimetric) and electrochemical (amperometric, conductometric, and impedance) fields. The surface of ZIFs makes it easier to immobilize bioactive molecules like DNA, enzymes, or antibodies, which in turn enables the construction of cutting-edge, futuristic biosensors.

Cleft lip and palate surgery simulator: Open source simulation model.

Objective: Cleft lip and palate is the most common craniofacial birth anomaly and requires surgery in the first year of life. However, craniofacial surgery training opportunities are limited. The aim of this study was to present and evaluate an open-source cleft lip and palate hybrid (casting and three-dimensional (3D) printing) simulation model which can be replicated at low cost to facilitate the teaching and training of cleft surgery anatomy and techniques. Design: The soft tissue component of the cleft surgery training model was casted using a 3D printed 5-component mold and silicone. The bony structure was designed to simulate the facial anatomy and to hold the silicone soft tissue. Setting: Two groups, one group of trainees and one group of expert surgeons, at University Hospital Basel in Switzerland and Pontifical Catholic University of Chile in Santiago, Chile, tested the cleft lip and palate simulation model. Participants completed a Likert-based face and content validity questionnaire to assess the realism of the model and its usefulness in surgical training. Results: More than 70 % of the participants agreed that the model accurately simulated human tissues found in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Over 60 % of the participants also agreed that the model realistically replicated surgical procedures. In addition, 80-90 % of the participants found the model to be a useful and appropriate tool for teaching the anatomy and surgical techniques involved in performing unilateral cleft lip and palate repair. Conclusion: This open-source protocol provides a cost-effective solution for surgeons to introduce the cleft morphology and surgical techniques to trainees on a regular basis. It addresses the current financial barrier that limits access to commercially available models during the early stages of surgeon training prior to specialization in the field.

Mycorrhizal symbiosis in Taxus: a review.

Taxus, a genus of conifers known for its medicinal significance, faces various conservation challenges with several species classified under different threat categories by the IUCN. The overharvesting of bark and leaves for the well-known chemotherapy drug paclitaxel has resulted in its population decline. Exploring the mycorrhizal relationship in Taxus is of utmost importance, as mycorrhizal fungi play pivotal roles in nutrition, growth, and ecological resilience. Taxus predominantly associates with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM), and reports suggest ectomycorrhizal (EM) or dual mycorrhizal associations as well. This review consolidates existing literature on mycorrhizal associations in Taxus species, focusing on structural, physiological, and molecular aspects. AM associations are well-documented in Taxus, influencing plant physiology and propagation. Conversely, EM associations remain relatively understudied, with limited evidence suggesting their occurrence. The review highlights the importance of further research to elucidate dual mycorrhizal associations in Taxus, emphasizing the need for detailed structural and physiological examinations to understand their impact on growth and survival.

A Comparative In Vitro Analysis of Antimicrobial Effectiveness and Compressive Strength of Ginger and Clove-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement.

Background Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is widely recognized for its self-adhesive characteristics and biocompatibility, making it commonly used as a restorative material. However, challenges related to limited antibacterial effectiveness and relatively low mechanical properties have hindered its widespread clinical use. Clove and ginger are recognized for their potent antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogenic microorganisms. The present study aims to enhance the clinical applicability of GIC by modifying it with clove and ginger extract. Aim The objective of the study is to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness and compressive strength of GIC modified with ginger and clove extract. Materials and methods Ginger and clove extracts were prepared and incorporated into conventional GIC at three concentrations for each, creating ginger-modified GIC groups (Group A, Group B, and Group C) and clove-modified GIC groups (Group D, Group E, and Group F), with Group G as the control (conventional GIC without modification). The antimicrobial assessment was conducted on disc-shaped GIC specimens (3.0 mm height x 6.0 mm diameter) prepared using molds. Bacterial strains were used to evaluate antimicrobial properties, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays conducted at intervals of one to four hours for both modified and unmodified groups. Compressive strength specimens were prepared using cylindrical molds (6.0 mm height × 4.0 mm diameter), according to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) guidelines. The evaluation was conducted using a Zwick universal testing machine (ElectroPuls® E3000, Instron, Bangalore, India), with the highest force at the point of specimen fracture recorded to determine compressive strength. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) alongside Tukey's post hoc test, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.01. Results The antimicrobial effectiveness of clove and ginger-modified GIC was assessed through a MIC assay, revealing a statistically significant improvement in antimicrobial potency against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus within the modified groups compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Increased extract concentration correlated with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Clove-modified GIC exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to ginger extract. Compressive strength was higher in clove-modified GIC groups (p < 0.01), with Group F showing a maximum value of 175.88 MPa, while other modified groups demonstrated similar results to the control, with a value of 166.81 MPa (p > 0.01). Conclusion The study concludes that both clove-modified GIC and ginger-modified GIC exhibited antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species. The antimicrobial activity was notably higher in clove-modified GIC compared to ginger-modified GIC. Additionally, the compressive strength of clove-modified GIC surpassed all other groups. Thus, clove-modified GIC emerges as a promising restorative material for addressing recurrent caries. Future investigation is necessary to assess the long-term durability of the material.

Patient-specific implants made of 3D printed bioresorbable polymers at the point-of-care: material, technology, and scope of surgical application.

BACKGROUND: Bioresorbable patient-specific additive-manufactured bone grafts, meshes, and plates are emerging as a promising alternative that can overcome the challenges associated with conventional off-the-shelf implants. The fabrication of patient-specific implants (PSIs) directly at the point-of-care (POC), such as hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers, allows for more flexible, faster, and more efficient processes, reducing the need for outsourcing to external manufacturers. We want to emphasize the potential advantages of producing bioresorbable polymer implants for cranio-maxillofacial surgery at the POC by highlighting its surgical applications, benefits, and limitations. METHODS: This study describes the workflow of designing and fabricating degradable polymeric PSIs using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The cortical bone was segmented from the patient's computed tomography data using Materialise Mimics software, and the PSIs were designed created using Geomagic Freeform and nTopology software. The implants were finally printed via Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF) of medical-grade poly (L-lactide-co-D, L-lactide) with 30% ß-tricalcium phosphate and evaluated for fit. RESULTS: 3D printed implants using APF technology showed surfaces with highly uniform and well-connected droplets with minimal gap formation between the printed paths. For the plates and meshes, a wall thickness down to 0.8 mm could be achieved. In this study, we successfully printed plates for osteosynthesis, implants for orbital floor fractures, meshes for alveolar bone regeneration, and bone scaffolds with interconnected channels. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the feasibility of using 3D printing to create degradable polymeric PSIs seamlessly integrated into virtual surgical planning workflows. Implementing POC 3D printing of biodegradable PSI can potentially improve therapeutic outcomes, but regulatory compliance must be addressed.

Long-Term Robustness and Failure Mechanisms of Electrochemical Stripping for Wastewater Ammonia Recovery.

Nitrogen in wastewater has negative environmental, human health, and economic impacts but can be recovered to reduce the costs and environmental impacts of wastewater treatment and chemical production. To recover ammonia/ammonium (total ammonia nitrogen, TAN) from urine, we operated electrochemical stripping (ECS) for over a month, achieving 83.4 ± 1.5% TAN removal and 73.0 ± 2.9% TAN recovery. With two reactors, we recovered sixteen 500-mL batches (8 L total) of ammonium sulfate (20.9 g/L TAN) approaching commercial fertilizer concentrations (28.4 g/L TAN) and often having >95% purity. While evaluating the operation and maintenance needs, we identified pH, full-cell voltage, product volume, and water flux into the product as informative process monitoring parameters that can be inexpensively and rapidly measured. Characterization of fouled cation exchange and omniphobic membranes informs cleaning and reactor modifications to reduce fouling with organics and calcium/magnesium salts. To evaluate the impact of urine collection and storage on ECS, we conducted experiments with urine at different levels of dilution with flush water, extents of divalent cation precipitation, and degrees of hydrolysis. ECS effectively treated urine under all conditions, but minimizing flush water and ensuring storage until complete hydrolysis would enable energy-efficient TAN recovery. Our experimental results and cost analysis motivate a multifaceted approach to improving ECS's technical and economic viability by extending component lifetimes, decreasing component costs, and reducing energy consumption through material, reactor, and process engineering. In summary, we demonstrated urine treatment as a foothold for electrochemical nutrient recovery from wastewater while supporting the applicability of ECS to seven other wastewaters with widely varying characteristics. Our findings will facilitate the scale-up and deployment of electrochemical nutrient recovery technologies, enabling a circular nitrogen economy that fosters sanitation provision, efficient chemical production, and water resource protection.

Phenotypic screening reveals a highly selective phthalimide-based compound with antileishmanial activity.

Pharmacophores such as hydroxyethylamine (HEA) and phthalimide (PHT) have been identified as potential synthons for the development of compounds against various parasitic infections. In order to further advance our progress, we conducted an experiment utilising a collection of PHT and HEA derivatives through phenotypic screening against a diverse set of protist parasites. This approach led to the identification of a number of compounds that exhibited significant effects on the survival of Entamoeba histolytica, Trypanosoma brucei, and multiple life-cycle stages of Leishmania spp. The Leishmania hits were pursued due to the pressing necessity to expand our repertoire of reliable, cost-effective, and efficient medications for the treatment of leishmaniases. Antileishmanials must possess the essential capability to efficiently penetrate the host cells and their compartments in the disease context, to effectively eliminate the intracellular parasite. Hence, we performed a study to assess the effectiveness of eradicating L. infantum intracellular amastigotes in a model of macrophage infection. Among eleven L. infantum growth inhibitors with low-micromolar potency, PHT-39, which carries a trifluoromethyl substitution, demonstrated the highest efficacy in the intramacrophage assay, with an EC50 of 1.2 +/- 3.2 µM. Cytotoxicity testing of PHT-39 in HepG2 cells indicated a promising selectivity of over 90-fold. A chemogenomic profiling approach was conducted using an orthology-based method to elucidate the mode of action of PHT-39. This genome-wide RNA interference library of T. brucei identified sensitivity determinants for PHT-39, which included a P-type ATPase that is crucial for the uptake of miltefosine and amphotericin, strongly indicating a shared route for cellular entry. Notwithstanding the favourable properties and demonstrated efficacy in the Plasmodium berghei infection model, PHT-39 was unable to eradicate L. major infection in a murine infection model of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Currently, PHT-39 is undergoing derivatization to optimize its pharmacological characteristics.

A perspective on muscle phenotyping in musculoskeletal research.

Musculoskeletal research should synergistically investigate bone and muscle to inform approaches for maintaining mobility and to avoid bone fractures. The relationship between sarcopenia and osteoporosis, integrated in the term 'osteosarcopenia', is underscored by the close association shown between these two conditions in many studies, whereby one entity emerges as a predictor of the other. In a recent workshop of Working Group (WG) 2 of the EU Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action 'Genomics of MusculoSkeletal traits Translational Network' (GEMSTONE) consortium (CA18139), muscle characterization was highlighted as being important, but currently under-recognized in the musculoskeletal field. Here, we summarize the opinions of the Consortium and research questions around translational and clinical musculoskeletal research, discussing muscle phenotyping in human experimental research and in two animal models: zebrafish and mouse.