An electrochemical sensor based on 2D Zn-MOFs and 2D C-Ti3C2Tx composite materials for rapid and direct detection of various foodborne pathogens.

Rapid screening for foodborne pathogens is crucial for food safety. A rapid and one-step electrochemical sensor has been developed for the detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium). Through the construction of aptamer/two-dimensional carboxylated Ti3C2Tx (2D C-Ti3C2Tx)/two-dimensional Zn-MOF (2D Zn-MOF) composites, the recognition elements, signal tags, and signal amplifiers are integrated on the electrode surface. Pathogens are selectively captured using the aptamer, which increases the impedance of the electrode surface，leads to a decrease in the 2D Zn-MOF current. Bacteria can be rapidly quantified using a one-step detection method and the replacement of aptamers. The detection limits for E. coli, S. aureus, and S. typhimurium are 6, 5, and 5 CFU·mL-1, respectively. The sensor demonstrated reliable detection capabilities in real-sample testing. Therefore, the one-step sensor based on the 2D Zn-MOF and 2D C-Ti3C2Tx has significant application value in the detection of foodborne pathogens.

Chemical profiling and probiotic viability assessment in Gueuze-style beer: Fermentation dynamics, metabolite and sensory characterization, and in vitro digestion resistance.

Probiotic viability, metabolite concentrations, physicochemical parameters, and volatile compounds were characterized in Gueuze beers formulated with probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast. Additionally, the sensory profile of the beers and the resistance of the probiotics to digestion were determined. The use of 2 International Bitterness Units resulted in high concentrations of probiotic LAB but a decline in probiotic yeast as pH decreased. Secondary fermentation led to the consumption of maltose, citric acid, and malic acid, and the production of lactic and propionic acids. Carbonation and storage at 4 °C had minimal impact on probiotic viability. The addition of probiotic LAB resulted in a distinct aroma profile with improved sensory characteristics. Our results demonstrate that sour beers produced with probiotic LAB and a probiotic yeast, and fermented using a two-step fermentation process, exhibited optimal physicochemical parameters, discriminant volatile compound profiles, promising sensory characteristics, and high probiotic concentrations after digestion.

Cross-step detection using center-of-pressure based algorithm for real-time applications.

BACKGROUND: Gait event detection is crucial for assessment, evaluation and provision of biofeedback during rehabilitation of walking. Existing online gait event detection algorithms mostly rely on add-on sensors, limiting their practicality. Instrumented treadmills offer a promising alternative by utilizing the Center of Pressure (CoP) signal for real-time gait event detection. However, current methods have limitations, particularly in detecting cross-step events during perturbed walking conditions. METHODS: We present and validate a CoP-based algorithm to detect gait events and cross-steps in real-time, which combines thresholding and logic techniques. The algorithm was evaluated on CoP datasets from healthy participants (age range 21-61 years), stroke survivors (age range 20-67 years), and people with unilateral transtibial amputation (age range 28-63 years) that underwent perturbation-based balance assessments, encompassing different walking speeds. Detected gait events from a simulated real-time processing operation were compared to offline identified counterparts in order to present related temporal absolute mean errors (AME) and success rate. RESULTS: The proposed algorithm demonstrated high accuracy in detecting gait events during native gait, as well as cross-step events during perturbed walking conditions. It successfully recognized the majority of cross-steps, with a detection success rate of 94%. However, some misclassifications or missed events occurred, mainly due to the complexity of cross-step events. AME for heel strikes (HS) during native gait and cross-step events averaged at 78 ms and 64 ms respectively, while toe off (TO) AME were 126 ms and 111 ms respectively. A statistically significant difference in the algorithm's success rate score in detecting gait events during cross-step intervals was observed across various walking speeds in a sample of 12 healthy participants, while there was no significant difference among groups. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithm represents an advancement in gait event detection on instrumented treadmills. By leveraging the CoP signal, it successfully identifies gait events and cross-steps in the simulated real-time processing operation, providing valuable insights into human locomotion. The algorithm's ability to accommodate diverse CoP patterns enhance its applicability to a wide range of individuals and gait characteristics. The algorithm's performance was consistent across different populations, suggesting its potential for diverse clinical and research settings, particularly in the domains of gait analysis and rehabilitation practices.

Computerizing the first step of the two-step algorithm in dermoscopy: A convolutional neural network for differentiating melanocytic from non-melanocytic skin lesions.

IMPORTANCE: Convolutional neural networks (CNN) have shown performance equal to trained dermatologists in differentiating benign from malignant skin lesions. To improve clinicians' management decisions, additional classifications into diagnostic categories might be helpful. METHODS: A convenience sample of 100 pigmented/non-pigmented skin lesions was used for a cross-sectional two-level reader study including 96 dermatologists (level I: dermoscopy only; level II: clinical close-up images, dermoscopy, and textual information). Dermoscopic images were classified by a binary CNN trained to differentiate melanocytic from non-melanocytic lesions (FotoFinder Systems, Bad Birnbach, Germany). Primary endpoint was the accuracy of the CNN's classification in comparison with dermatologists reviewing level-II information. Secondary endpoints included dermatologists' accuracies according to their level of experience and the CNN's area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC). RESULTS: The CNN revealed an accuracy and ROC AUC with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of 91.0 % (83.8 % to 95.2 %) and 0.981 (0.962 to 1). In level I, dermatologists showed a mean accuracy of 83.7 % (82.5 % to 84.8 %). With level II information, the accuracy improved to 87.8 % (86.7 % to 88.9 %; p < 0.001). When comparing accuracies of CNN and dermatologists in level II, the CNN's accuracy was higher (91.0 % versus 87.8 %, p < 0.001). For experts with level II information results were on par with the CNN (91.0 % versus 90.4 %, p = 0.368). CONCLUSIONS: The tested CNN accurately differentiated melanocytic from non-melanocytic skin lesions and outperformed dermatologists. The CNN may support clinicians and could be used in an ensemble approach combined with other CNN models.

Naivety dies with the calf: calf loss to human hunters imposes behavioral change in a long-lived but heavily harvested ungulate.

BACKGROUND: In prey, patterns of individual habitat selection and movement can be a consequence of an individuals' anti-predator behavior. Adjustments of anti-predator behavior are important for prey to increase their survival. Hunters may alter the anti-predator behavior of prey. In long-lived animals, experience may cause behavioral changes during individuals' lifetime, which may result in altered habitat selection and movement. Our knowledge of which specific events related to hunting activity induce behavioral changes in solitary living species is still limited. METHODS: We used offspring loss in a solitary and long-lived ungulate species, moose (Alces alces), as our model system. We investigated whether offspring loss to hunters induces behavioral changes in a species subjected to heavy human harvest but free from natural predation. To test for behavioral change in relation to two proxies for experience (calf fate and age), we combined movement data from 51 adult female moose with data on their offspring survival and female age. We tested for adjustments in females' habitat selection and movement following calf harvest using Hidden Markov Models and integrated Step Selection Analysis to obtain behavioral state specific habitat selection coefficients. RESULTS: We found that females with a harvested calf modified habitat selection and movement during the following hunting season. Female moose selected for shorter distance to roads during the night, selected for shorter distance to forests and greater distance to human settlements following calf harvest than females who had not lost a calf. The survival of twins in a given hunting season was related to female age. Older females we more likely to have twins survive the hunting season. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that losing offspring to human harvest imposes behavioral changes in a long-lived ungulate species, leading to adjustments in females' habitat selection and movement behavior, which may lower the risk of encountering hunters. In our study, female moose that experienced calf loss selected for lower distance to forest and selected for greater distance to human settlements during periods of high hunting pressure compared to females without the experience of calf loss during the previous hunting season. We interpret this as potential learning effects.

Early Oral Step-Down Versus Continued Intravenous Antibiotic Treatment of Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection.

Background: Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) require a combined tactic, of source control and antimicrobial therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of oral step-down antimicrobial therapy in cIAIs after initial intravenous (IV) antimicrobial therapy. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included hospitalized adult patients diagnosed with a cIAI who received more than seven days of IV therapy from March 2017 to October 2021. Exclusion criteria included primary/peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis, necrotizing pancreatitis, fistulizing inflammatory bowel disease, or upper gastrointestinal tract infection. Patients were assigned into two groups: IV-only or oral step-down therapy. The primary outcome was infection recurrence, defined as re-initiation of antimicrobial agents after a treatment-free period of more than or equal to three days. Secondary outcomes included treatment escalation, repeat source control procedure, treatment-related complications, and all-cause mortality. Results: The cohort consisted of 248 patients (199 IV-only and 49 oral step-down). Patients receiving IV-only therapy had a shorter median antimicrobial duration than the oral step-down group (13 vs. 23 d; p <0.0001). Infection recurrence occurred in 26 (13.1%) and 6 (12.2%) patients in the IV-only and oral step-down groups, respectively (p = 0.88). Treatment escalation, repeat source control, and 28-day mortality were similar between groups. Oral step-down therapy resulted in more adverse drug events (10.2% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.04). Discussion: Transition to oral step-down after initial IV therapy had a similar rate of infection recurrence as IV-only therapy but was associated with a longer duration of antimicrobial therapy and an increased rate of adverse drug reactions. Larger randomized non-inferiority studies are needed to confirm this approach.

Fabrication of Highly Dispersed Ru Catalysts on CeO2 for Efficient C3H6 Oxidation.

Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) threaten both the environment and human health. To realize the elimination of VOCs, Ru/CeO2 catalysts have been intensively investigated and applied. Although it has been widely acknowledged that the catalytic performance of platinum group metal catalysts was highly determined by their dispersion and coordination environment, the most reactive structures on Ru/CeO2 catalysts for VOCs oxidation are still ambiguous. In this work, starting from Ce-BTC (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) materials, atomically dispersed Ru catalysts and agglomerated Ru catalysts were successfully created via one-step hydrothermal method (Ru-CeO2-BTC) and conventional incipient wetness impregnation method (Ru/CeO2-BTC), respectively. In a typical model reaction of C3H6 oxidation, atomically dispersed Ruδ+ species with the formation of abundant Ru-O-Ce linkages on Ru-CeO2-BTC were found to perform much better than agglomerated RuOx species on Ru/CeO2-BTC. Further characterizations and mechanism study disclosed that Ru-CeO2-BTC catalyst with atomically dispersed Ru ions and more superior low temperature redox performance compared to Ru/CeO2-BTC could better facilitate the adsorption/activation of C3H6 and the decomposition/desorption of intermediates, thus exhibiting superior C3H6 oxidation activity. This work elucidated the reactive sites on Ru/CeO2 catalysts in the C3H6 oxidation reaction and provided insightful guidance for designing efficient Ru/CeO2 catalysts to eliminate VOCs.

Nuclear interactions between the Pseudo-Response Regulator clock proteins and the Multi-Step Phosphorelay mediator Histidine-containing phosphotransfers in the moss Physcomitrium patens.

Pseudo-Response Regulator (PRR) proteins constitute a fundamental set of circadian clock components in plants. PRRs have an amino acid sequence stretch with similarity to the receiver (REC) domain of response regulators (RRs) in the Multi-Step Phosphorelay (MSP). However, it has never been elucidated whether PRRs interact with Histidine-containing Phosphotransfer (HPt) proteins, which transfer a phosphate to RRs. Here, we studied whether PRRs interact with HPts in the moss Physcomitrium patens by the Yeast Two-Hybrid system and Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation. P. patens PRR1/2/3 interacted with HPt1/2 in the nucleus, but not with HPt3, suggesting that P. patens PRRs function as authentic RRs. We discuss these results in relation to the evolution and diversity of the plant circadian clocks.

Innovations in one-step point-of-care testing within microfluidics and lateral flow assays for shaping the future of healthcare.

Point-of-care testing (POCT) technology, using lateral flow assays and microfluidic systems, facilitates cost-effective diagnosis, timely treatment, ongoing monitoring, and prevention of life-threatening outcomes. Aside from significant advancements demonstrated in academic research, implementation in real-world applications remains frustratingly limited. The divergence between academic developments and practical utility is often due to factors such as operational complexity, low sensitivity and the need for trained personnel. Taking this into consideration, our objective is to present a critical and objective overview of the latest advancements in fully integrated one-step POCT assays for home-testing which would be commercially viable. In particular, aspects of signal amplification, assay design modification, and sample preparation are critically evaluated and their features and medical applications along with future perspective and challenges with respect to minimal user intervention are summarized. Associated with and very important for the one-step POCT realization are also readout devices and fabrication processes. Critical analysis of available and useful technologies are presented in the SI section.

Effects of heat treatment on rumen degradability and protein intestinal digestibility of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) in goat.

The black soldier fly larvae (BSF) are used as a substitute for soybean meal due to their high crude protein content. This experiment aims to assess the impact of heat treatment on the rumen degradability of BSF and protein digestion in the small intestine using the in situ nylon bag method and the three-step in vitro method. This study comprises a total of 8 groups (n = 6). The negative control group includes only full-fat soybeans (FFS) and BSF (FF group and BS group). The positive control groups consist of a 95% BSF or 95% FFS mixed with 5% cassava (FFC and BSC groups). The treatment groups involve adding 75% water to the positive control mixture, followed by vigorous kneading to achieve uniform mixing. The resulting mixture was then pressed to a thickness of approximately 5 cm, placed in an oven, and dried for 120 min at temperatures of 120 °C and 140 °C (12FFC, 14FFC, 12BSC, and 14BSC groups). Nylon bags will be incubated in the rumen for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h, and the small intestine protein digestion rate will be analyzed at 16 h. Compared to the BS group, heat-treated BSF showed increased (P < 0.05) rumen DM degradability and effective degradability. The 14BSC group increased (P < 0.05) rumen CP degradability and degradation kinetic parameters, while the 12BSC group decreased (P < 0.05) these parameters. The CP degradability of BSF was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of full-fat soybeans. The Idg and IDCP of heat-treated full-fat soybeans were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of other treatment groups. At the same time, heat treatment was beneficial for increasing (P < 0.05) the Idg and IDCP of BSF, and the 14BSC treatment effect was significantly better (P < 0.05) than that of the 12BSC group. Therefore, based on the results of this experiment, it is recommended to supplement BSF with cassava and subject them to heat treatment at 140 °C.

Genetic profiles and phenotypic patterns in Taiwanese Phalaenopsis orchids: a two-step phenotype and genotype strategy using modified genetic distance algorithms.

This study establishes the first core collection (CC) for Taiwanese Phalaenopsis orchids to preserve genetic diversity and key traits essential for breeding and research, thereby enhancing breeding efficiency without the need for a large maintained parent population. We examined 207 commercial orchid cultivars from ten nurseries, characterized by two phenotypes and genotypic data from eight simple sequence repeat markers. Multiple imputation was applied to estimate missing phenotypes, minimizing potential uncertainties and ensuring the reliability of population structure analysis. Weighted k-means clustering identified seven distinct clusters, highlighting substantial genetic diversity. We proposed a two-step phenotype and genotype strategy and modified genetic distance algorithms to effectively preserve both phenotypic and genetic diversity while retaining key features. Consequently, 22 core accessions were selected, distributed across seven clusters, and representing the orchid germplasm collection. Our evaluation revealed significant diversity preservation, particularly in distinct characteristics and rare features, outperforming other methodologies. Pedigree background analysis further confirmed the representativeness of the CC in maintaining diverse genetic materials. We emphasized the importance of evaluating the CC by detailing the criteria and statistical analyses used to ensure the quality, representativeness, and effectiveness of the selected accessions. This study contributes to orchid breeding, conservation efforts, and sustainable agricultural practices by providing a valuable and comprehensive resource. In conclusion, our research establishes a groundbreaking CC, offering insights into the genetic landscape of Taiwanese Phalaenopsis orchids and highlighting potential advancements in breeding commercially desirable varieties.

[Establishment and evaluation of haloalkane dehalogenase tagged α1A-adrenergic receptor chromatography].

Receptor chromatography is an efficient analytical technique that combines the high separation ability of chromatography with the high specificity of receptors for drug recognition. In addition, this technique offers the advantages of active recognition, online separation, and convenient multidimensional target tracking. This strategy allows target active ingredients in complex systems, such as traditional Chinese medicines, to be efficiently screened and accurately identified. Furthermore, the interactions between ligands and immobilized proteins can be studied. To avoid a loss in function, receptor chromatography requires efficient, mild, and simple immobilization methods that do not damage the structure of the immobilized receptors. Improvements in the activity, stability, and ligand-recognition specificity of immobilized functional proteins can be achieved by selecting appropriate immobilization conditions. Notably, the protein immobilization method is not only closely related to the recognition ability of receptor chromatography but also determines the accuracy of the technique. Common methods for immobilizing functional proteins include physical adsorption, chemical reactions, biological affinity reactions, and click chemistry. Despite being easy to operate under mild reaction conditions, these methods have shortcomings, including poor reaction specificity and the necessity of using high-purity functional proteins to prepare chromatography columns. Maintaining the high activity of immobilized receptors and ensuring excellent identification and separation abilities are key challenges in the further development of receptor chromatography. In this work, these issues were addressed by introducing a specific bioorthogonal reaction involving haloalkane dehalogenase (Halo) and 6-chlorohexanoic acid for the immobilization of the α1A-adrenergic receptor (α1A-AR). Specifically, Halo-α1A-AR was immobilized on the surface of 6-chlorohexanoic acid-modified aminopropyl silica gel in one step. The stationary phase with immobilized Halo-α1A-AR was characterized using scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the activity of the Halo-α1A-AR chromatographic column was evaluated using specific ligands (terazosin hydrochloride, phentolamine mesylate, tamsulosin hydrochloride, and urapidil) and nonspecific ligands (yohimbe and metoprolol) for α1A-AR. Halo-α1A-AR was successfully immobilized on the silica gel surface with good stability over 30 days, and the Halo-α1A-AR chromatographic column exhibited good ligand-recognition activity. The nonlinear chromatography results indicated that prazosin hydrochloride, terazosin hydrochloride, and urapidil interacted with immobilized Halo-α1A-AR through one type of binding site, with association constants of 3.85×105, 5.00×105, and 5.90×105L/mol, respectively. In contrast, phentolamine mesylate and tamsulosin hydrochloride interacted with immobilized Halo-α1A-AR through two types of binding site. The association constants with the high- and low-affinity binding sites were 3.12×106 and 6.01×105L/mol, respectively, for phentolamine mesylate and 9.98×105 and 0.21×105L/mol, respectively, for tamsulosin hydrochloride. Compared with the traditional carbonyldiimidazole method, the immobilization method developed in this work did not require receptor purification and thus minimized the loss of receptor activity. The affinity constants obtained with immobilized Halo-α1A-AR were consistent with the values determined for receptor-ligand binding in solution, indicating that the Halo-α1A-AR chromatography column is suitable for studying drug-protein interactions. This approach also provides a foundation for the efficient screening and accurate determination of target active ingredients in complex systems.

Levels and outcomes of 12-step participation among sexual and gender minority subgroups.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual minority (e.g., bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer) and gender minority (e.g., transgender, non-binary, gender expansive) individuals (SGMI) experience higher rates of alcohol and other substance use disorders than their heterosexual and cisgender (i.e., non-transgender) counterparts. 12-Step programs are currently the most common source of support for alcohol and other substance use-related problems in the United States. Little is known about rates and levels of participation and outcomes of SGMI in 12-Step programs. Examining SGMI with a lifetime alcohol or other substance use disorder, this study aims to: 1) describe lifetime attendance rates (any vs. none) and levels of participation (number of program activities) in 12-Step groups among SGMI overall and compare rates of attendance and levels of participation across sexual and gender minority identities and 2) determine how lifetime level of participation in 12-Step programs relates to past-year alcohol and other substance use outcomes. METHODS: We used data collected through The PRIDE Study, a national, large-scale, longitudinal health study of adult SGMI, administering supplemental questions to assess alcohol and other substance use disorders and 12-step participation. Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial models (N = 1353) run with sexual and gender identities as predictors of lifetime 12-step attendance (yes/no) and level of 12-Step participation determine if greater levels of 12-Step participation were associated with lower levels of past-year Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder (AUD & SUD) symptoms. The study ran models for those with lifetime AUD (n = 1074) and SUD (n = 659) separately. RESULTS: Participants who engaged in greater levels of 12-Step participation had lower levels of past-year AUD and SUD symptoms. Gay and queer respondents with AUD were more likely and lesbian respondents with SUD were less likely than other participants to have ever participated in 12-Step programs. All other associations between sexual/gender identities and 12-Step participation disappeared when age was added to the model. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence that 12-Step participation may be an effective resource for reducing AUD and SUD symptoms among SGMI. Younger SGMI and SGMI holding sexual/gender identities other than gay and queer may require additional support to initiate participation in 12-Step programs.

A nanoluciferase-encoded bacteriophage illuminates viral infection dynamics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells.

Bacteriophages (phages) are increasingly considered for both treatment and early detection of bacterial pathogens given their specificity and rapid infection kinetics. Here, we exploit an engineered phage expressing nanoluciferase to detect signals associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa lysis spanning single cells to populations. Using several P. aeruginosa strains we found that the latent period, burst size, fraction of infected cells, and efficiency of plating inferred from fluorescent light intensity signals were consistent with inferences from conventional population assays. Notably, imaging-based traits were obtained in minutes to hours in contrast to the use of overnight plaques, which opens the possibility to study infection dynamics in spatial and/or temporal contexts where plaque development is infeasible. These findings support the use of engineered phages to study infection kinetics of virus-cell interactions in complex environments and potentially accelerate the determination of viral host range in therapeutically relevant contexts.

Effect of plant species on wastewater treatment performance of a subsurface vertical-flow constructed wetland with step-feeding at low temperature.

To improve the treatment performance of constructed wetlands under low-temperature conditions, this study investigated the effects of plant species on wastewater treatment performance at low temperature and the associated microbiological characteristics in a subsurface vertical-flow constructed wetland (VFCW) with step-feeding. The results showed that the redox microenvironment in the VFCW filter with step-feeding could be restored and optimized by planting appropriate species that can tolerate low temperature, ensuring a high nitrification performance for the system. Correspondingly, the abundance and activity of three functional microbes (namely nitrifiers, denitrifiers, and anammox bacteria) increased to different degrees in the system, eventually ensuring ideal nitrogen removal by the VFCW. Compared with the VFCW planted with Phragmites australis and Acorus gramineus, the operation performance of the VFCW planted with Iris wilsonii could be recovered at low temperature, and its chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and ammonium nitrate removal rates could respectively reach 95.7%, 99.2%, 93.0%, and 94.4%, respectively. Moreover, nitrogen removal in the system relied on the nitrification/denitrification and partial denitrification - anaerobic ammonium oxidation processes. Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Thauera, and Candidatus Brocadia were the four dominant bacterial genera in the filter layer.

Characterisation of growth parameters for the extremely acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma acidiphilum DSM 12658 using a two-step turbidimetric growth measurement method.

The acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma acidiphilum exhibits remarkable adaptations to life in highly acidic environments. Nevertheless, the investigation of its molecular biology is challenging because of the slow growth of the organism, low biomass yield, and limitations of standard growth measurement techniques caused by iron oxidation.•A novel two-step turbidimetric growth measurement (2TGM) method was developed to address the shortcomings associated with iron precipitation in culture media. The method comprises two distinct preparation steps.•The initial 2TGM step involves centrifuging culture samples at high speed to remove F. acidiphilum cells and iron precipitates, thus preparing a blank.•The second 2TGM step involves centrifuging the culture at a lower speed with the objective of selectively removing iron precipitates, thus allowing F. acidiphilum cells to remain suspended in the supernatant. This preparation enables subsequent measurement of cell density.A study on the growth of F. acidiphilum showed a standard logistic pattern with a 35-h lag phase, approximately 9-h doubling time, and 0.042 OD carrying capacity. A new two-step turbidimetric growth measurement (2TGM) method overcomes limitations of existing approaches, enabling further investigation of F. acidiphilum.

Characteristics Associated with Successful Residency Match in General Surgery.

Objective: To evaluate characteristics of matched and unmatched general surgery residency (GSR) applicants. Background: Given the recent change of the United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1 grading to pass/fail, understanding the factors that influence GSR match success is integral to identifying potential interventions to improve match rates for diverse medical students. Methods: Retrospective review of GSR National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) applicant and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) active resident data between 2011 and 2022. Data included application characteristics for United States ("US") and "independent" applicants, factors cited by program directors in the interview and ranking process, paths pursued if applicants went unmatched, and racial/ethnic representation. Results: A total of 9149 US and 3985 independent applicants applied to GSR between 2011 and 2021. Matched versus unmatched applicants had higher step 1 scores (US: 236 vs 218, P = 0.005; independent: 237 vs 228, P = 0.001), higher step 2 scores (US: 248 vs 232, P = 0.006; independent: 245 vs 234, P < 0.001), more likely to belong to alpha omega alpha (US: 17.1% vs 1.6%, P = 0.002) or to attend a top 40 National Institutes of Health-funded school (US: 31.0% vs 19.4%, P = 0.002) compared to unmatched applicants. Program directors heavily factored step 1 and step 2 scores, letters of recommendation, interactions with faculty and trainees, and interpersonal skills when interviewing and ranking applicants. The proportion of active general surgery residents versus applicants was lower for Asians (12.3% vs 20.9%, P < 0.001), Black/African American (5.0% vs 8.8%, P < 0.001), Hispanic/Latino (5.0% vs 9.4%, P = 0.001), and underrepresented in medicine students (10.3% vs 19.1%, P < 0.001). Conclusions: In the pass/fail step 1 era, factors including step 2 score and other subjective metrics may be more heavily weighted in the GSR match process.

Effect of Comprehensive Balance Modulating Strategies on Physical Performance Among the Elderly in Care Home Settings in Southern India.

Purpose Globally, the proportion of the elderly population is rising. Age-related physical performance impairments are more common and affect quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a new exercise regimen called Comprehensive Balance-Modulating Strategies (CBMS) on the physical performance of older adults living in care home settings. Methods Forty-eight functionally independent elderly individuals were randomized into two groups: group A received the CBMS programme for eight weeks, and group B received routine medical care. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the Four Square Step Test (FSST) were outcome measures. Outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and eight weeks after the intervention. Results The mean and standard deviation of subjects' ages in both groups were 72.46 (8.28) and 68.12 (6.95), respectively. The CBMS programme significantly improved physical performance among the intervention group (p = <0.0001). Conclusion The present study found that CBMS was effective in improving physical performance among institutionalized elderly. Large-scale clinical trials and research exploring the effect of CBMS among community-dwelling elderly individuals are recommended.

Improvement of Li and Mn bioleaching from spent lithium-ion batteries, using step-wise addition of biogenic sulfuric acid by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans.

Conventional spent lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling procedures, which employ powerful acids and reducing agents, pose environmental risks. This work describes a unique and environmentally acceptable bioleaching method for Li and Mn recovery utilizing Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, a sulfur-oxidizing bacteria that may produce sulfuric acid biologically. The novel feature of this strategy is the step-by-step addition of biogenic sulfuric acid, which differs significantly from conventional methods that use chemical reagents. We expected that gradually introducing biogenic sulfuric acid produced by A. thiooxidans would improve metal leaching at high pulp density. To investigate this, LIBs were disassembled and bioleached with or without a step-wise addition of the biogenic sulfuric acid approach. The impact on leaching efficiency, time, and ultimate product quality was assessed. Direct bioleaching yielded modest Li (43 %) and Mn (15 %) recoveries. However, bioleaching greatly increased metal recovery with the step-wise addition of biogenic acid. Li and Mn leaching efficiency were 93 % and 53 %, respectively, at a high pulp density of 60 g/L, while leaching time was reduced from 16 to 8 days. Following bioleaching, Mn(OH)2 and Li2CO3 were successfully precipitated from the leachate at more than 90 % purity. This study shows that gradually adding biogenic sulfuric acid can efficiently recover Li and Mn from waste LIBs. This approach has several environmental and economic advantages over conventional methods. The step-wise addition optimizes the leaching environment, increasing metal recovery rates while reducing the development of hazardous byproducts. This approach is environmentally friendly because it decreases greenhouse gas emissions and chemical waste. Economically, this technology offers potential cost savings through less chemical usage, shorter processing times, and lower energy needs, making it a more sustainable and cost-effective option for LIB recycling. This study shows that the step-wise addition of biogenic sulfuric acid may efficiently recover Li and Mn from wasted LIBs. This method provides a sustainable alternative to traditional procedures by limiting environmental impact while reducing process time and energy consumption.

Smartphone-Based Digital Peer Support for a Walking Intervention Among Public Officers in Kanagawa Prefecture: Single-Arm Pre- and Postintervention Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Digital peer support, defined as peer support delivered through technology such as smartphone apps, may be promising to promote activity in the form of step counts. Interactions among users have a positive impact on retention rates, and apps with social elements show significant improvements in daily step count. However, the feasibility of digital peer support in promoting physical activity (PA) is unknown; therefore, its effectiveness on step count and the clinical implications remain unconfirmed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the feasibility of digital peer support over a 3-month intervention period using the retention rate as the outcome. Moreover, changes in daily step count and physical measurements were compared between pre- and postintervention. METHODS: The study design was a 3-month 1-arm intervention with participants from local government offices in Kanagawa, Japan. We used an available smartphone app, Minchalle, as the tool for the group intervention. Participants were required to report their daily step count to a maximum of 5 members composed exclusively of study participants. The primary outcome was the retention rate. Secondary outcomes included daily step count, the rate of achieving daily step goals, physical measurements, and lifestyle characteristics. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson coefficient were used to examine the relationship between goal achievement and step count, as well as changes in step count and various variables including physical measurements. RESULTS: Of the 63 participants, 62 completed the intervention. The retention rate was 98% (62/63). The average daily step count during the intervention was 6993 (SD 2328) steps, an 1182-step increase compared with the count observed 1 week before the intervention began. The rate of achieving the daily step count during the intervention was 53.5% (SD 26.2%). There was a significant correlation (r=0.27, P=.05) between achieving daily step goals and increasing daily step count. Comparative analyses showed that changes in weight (68.56, SD 16.97 kg vs 67.30, SD 16.86 kg; P<.001), BMI (24.82, SD 4.80 kg/m2 vs 24.35, SD 4.73 kg/m2; P<.001), somatic fat rate (28.50%, SD 7.44% vs 26.58%, SD 7.90%; P=.005), systolic blood pressure (130.42, SD 17.92 mm Hg vs 122.00, SD 15.06 mm Hg; P<.001), and diastolic blood pressure (83.24, SD 13.27 mm Hg vs 77.92, SD 11.71 mm Hg; P=.002) were significantly different before and after the intervention. Similarly, the daily amount of PA significantly improved from 5.77 (SD 3.81) metabolic equivalent (MET)-hours per day to 9.85 (SD 7.84) MET-hours per day (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that digital peer support is feasible for maintaining a high retention rate and can, therefore, effectively promote PA. It can be a promising tool to improve daily step count, subjective PA, and clinical outcomes, such as weight and somatic fat rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000042520; https://tinyurl.com/46c4nm8z.