Interface engineering of a MXenes/PVDF mixed-matrix membrane for superior water purification: efficient removal of oil, protein and tetracycline.

This study developed a high-performance polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) mixed matrix membrane incorporating MXene nanosheets for efficient wastewater treatment. The addition of MXene significantly enhanced the water permeability and antifouling properties of PVDF ultrafiltration membranes, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization of the nanoadditive and SEM analysis of the modified membranes. The optimal membrane, blended with 0.

Neuroimaging Correlates of Post-Stroke Pain After Ischemic Stroke: Secondary Analysis of the INSPiRE-TMS Trial.

Background: Post-stroke pain (PSP) affects nearly half of stroke survivors, severely compromising quality of life. The causes of PSP remain underexplored, although there is likely a complex interplay of lesion effects, psychological factors and mobility that play a role in the development of PSP. The aim of the study was to investigate clinical characteristics associated with PSP, as well as structural and functional correlates of PSP using lesion symptom (LSM) and network mapping (LNM).

Choosing the Right Extraction Pattern: First Premolars vs. Second Premolars.

Premolar extraction is a widely used orthodontic intervention to manage crowding, correct malocclusion, and achieve balanced facial aesthetics. Several factors, including the severity of crowding, facial profile requirements, and anchorage demands, influence the choice between extracting first or second premolars. However, this decision is complicated by the distinct impacts each extraction pattern has on tooth movement, soft tissue profile, vertical dimension, and third molar eruption.

Freeze-thaw recycling for fiber-resin separation in retired wind blades.

The disposal of decommissioned wind turbine blades represents a growing economic loss and environmental concern due to the non-recovery of durable glass fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Existing thermal and chemical recycling methods often require high temperatures and toxic chemicals, causing material degradation. Here, we present a novel freeze-thaw-based method for fiber-resin separation as an alternative.

A luminescent attenuated SARS-CoV-2 for the identification and validation of drug-resistant mutants.

Unlabelled: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants has necessitated a continuous updating of vaccines. In contrast, antivirals remained effective as they target conserved viral proteins that are essential for the viral life cycle. However, several mutations in SARS-CoV-2 that may affect the efficacy of United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antivirals have been recently identified.

NRAC controls CD36-mediated fatty acid uptake in adipocytes and lipid clearance in vivo.

Adipose tissue is a central organiser of systemic lipid homeostasis and a pharmacological target in obesity, orchestrating cellular responses to environmental cues. Nutritionally regulated adipose and cardiac enriched protein (NRAC) is a small adipocyte-specific transmembrane protein with unknown function. Here, we show that Nrac directly interacts with scavenger receptor CD36 via its first transmembrane domain.

Supported Copper(II) Arylhydrazone Complex on Synthesized FeO Nanoparticles Boosted with TiO for the Catalytic Oxidation of Alcohols.

For the modified progression of organo-oxidative reactions of alcohols, a monometallic copper(II) diarylhydrazone complex (CuONLCl) was constructed through the coordination of an arylhydrazone ligand (HONL) with a copper(II) ion. Its chemical structure was validated by alternative spectroscopic approaches. The heterogeneity of CuONLCl was constructed through successful surface covering of highly paramagnetic FeO/TiO nanoparticles (as CuONLCl@FeO/TiO).

Breast Cancer in the Middle East and North Africa: Economic Burden, Market Trends, and Care Challenges.

Breast cancer remains a critical global health challenge, with a high incidence rate and significant mortality. In 2022, it was the second most diagnosed cancer worldwide and ranked as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces considerable challenges in managing this burden.

Sustainable court surfaces using emulsion-waste rubber cushions and acrylic-rice husk top coatings.

This study explores a sustainable court surface system using styrene acrylic emulsion (SAE) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) binders combined with waste rubber powder (WRP) to develop cushioning layers that reduce surface impact. A pure acrylic top coat, reinforced with rice husk (RH), was formulated to improve slip resistance, abrasion durability, and UV stability on the cushions. A comparative analysis evaluated how filler amount, WRP proportion, and binder type and content influence the physical, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of the cushions.

Network meta-analysis of randomized control trials evaluating the effectiveness of various probiotic formulations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health concern with a rising prevalence. Recent studies indicate that the gut microbiota plays a role in the development of T2DM, making probiotics a promising avenue for proper glycemic control. This network meta-analysis aims to comprehensively assess various probiotic therapies in the management of T2DM.

Structure and function of a cross-neutralizing influenza neuraminidase antibody that accommodates recent N2 NA Asn245 glycosylation.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that recognize and inhibit a diverse range of influenza viruses, although relatively rare, have been isolated following infection or vaccination. Study of their ontology and mechanisms of action informs universal vaccine and therapeutic development. We have previously described a potent and broad neuraminidase (NA)-neutralizing human mAb, 1122A11, that neutralizes a wide range of H3N2 viruses.

Lesion-Network Mapping of Poststroke Depressive Symptoms: Evidence From Two Prospective Ischemic Stroke Cohorts.

Background: Poststroke depression affects up to one-third of stroke survivors, significantly impacting recovery and quality of life. However, its pathophysiology remains unclear.

Methods: We analyzed 2 independent, prospective ischemic stroke cohorts (PROSCIS-B [Prospective Cohort of Incident Stroke Berlin] and BAPTISe [Biomarkers and Perfusion-Training-Induced Changes After Stroke]; n=377) enrolled at the Charité Hospital, Germany, to identify brain regions and networks associated with depressive symptoms poststroke.

Changes in microvessel density in normal-appearing white matter in relation to cerebral small vessel disease: A cohort study.

Background And Purpose: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin describe structural alterations of cerebral white matter, thought to result from cerebral small vessel disease. However, the in vivo effects of WMH on normal-appearing white matter microvasculature remain elusive. Therefore, we conducted an exploratory investigation of microvascular density in normal-appearing and pathological white matter in patients with WMH.

Prophylactic drain placement versus non-drainage following gastric cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Gastric cancer remains a significant global health burden and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Surgical resection is the primary curative treatment, but postoperative complications can negatively impact outcomes. Prophylactic drainage (PD) has been widely used to reduce these complications by facilitating early detection and management of fluid collections.

Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score and short-term outcomes in ambulatory patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: an exploratory study.

Background: Venous congestion significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score, a multi-parameter sonographic assessment of systemic venous congestion, has shown prognostic utility in hospitalized HFrEF. However, its role in risk-stratifying ambulatory HFrEF patients remains unclear.

Tirofiban Combination Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Standard antiplatelet therapies, while partially effective, do not fully inhibit all pathways of platelet aggregation, leaving patients at risk of recurrent thrombotic events. Tirofiban, a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor, has shown promise as an adjunctive treatment in AIS.

Bridging surgical oncology and personalized medicine: the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in thoracic surgery.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, often detected in advanced stages with poor prognosis. While surgical resection is the mainstay of curative treatment, early detection remains a significant challenge. Advances in personalized medicine, including genomic profiling and low-dose CT scans, have led to more tailored therapies, offering improved outcomes.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants Compared to Warfarin in Patients with Intermediate- to High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Despite recent advances in clinical therapeutics in patients with venous thromboembolism, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal anticoagulation strategy in patients with intermediate- to high-risk pulmonary embolism. We aimed to evaluate the direct oral anticoagulants' effectiveness and safety compared to warfarin in patients with intermediate- and high-risk pulmonary embolism.

Methods: In this meta-analysis, we systematically searched databases PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from their inception to April 30, 2024, for eligible studies that satisfy inclusion criteria.

Calibration-free picosecond LIPS for quantifying heavy metals in soils near Egyptian industrial sites.

Excessive fertilizer and chemical usage have led to soil contamination by toxic heavy metals near the Abu-Zaabal industrial complex in Egypt. We introduce a groundbreaking calibration-free methodology using ultrafast Picosecond Laser-Induced Plasma Spectroscopy (CF-Ps-LIPS) for quantifying contaminant elements (Cd, Zn, Fe, Ni) in soils near Egypt's Abu-Zaabal industrial complex. This study pioneers applying 170 ps laser pulses (Nd: YAG, 1064 nm) to achieve calibration-free analysis, eliminating matrix-matched standards and offering ± 1% agreement with ICP-OES.

A luminescent attenuated SARS-CoV-2 for the identification and validation of drug-resistant mutants.

Unlabelled: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has necessitated continuous updating of vaccines. In contrast, antivirals remained effective as they target conserved viral proteins that are essential for the viral life cycle. However, several mutations in SARS-CoV-2 that may affect the efficacy of United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antivirals have been recently identified.

Microneedle-Integrated FePc-MOF-MXene Nanozyme Patch for In Vivo L-Cysteine Monitoring.

Advancing clinical diagnostics requires platforms that combine catalytic efficiency, biocompatibility, and real-time, in vivo accessibility. Herein, this study reports a structurally integrated FePc-ZIF-8-MX nanozyme that combines the redox activity of FePc, the porous confinement of ZIF-8, and the electrical conductivity of MX. Synthesized via a low-energy, ambient-condition process, this hybrid enables efficient electron transfer, enhanced analyte enrichment, and sustained catalytic activity in physiological environments.

Heteroatom co-doped green pea peel-derived biochar for high-performance energy storage applications.

Green pea peel (GPP) is a waste, and it is abundant and available to be used for biochar synthesis. GPP-derived biochar (GP) is used vastly in wastewater treatment. Moreover, heteroatom co-doping of GP could be better than its single-doped and undoped in enhancement of active sites and conductivity, and in developing electrodes for supercapacitor applications.

Carbon dioxide-enriched atmosphere diminished the phytotoxicity of neodymium in wheat ( L.).

Introduction: Neodymium (Nd), a rare earth element (REEs), is widely utilized in industry. Although the detailed biological role of Nd in plant biology is unclear, recent reports have noted its oxidative phytotoxicity at concentrations higher than 200 mg kg soil. At present it is unclear if these detrimental effects could be offset by the global rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO]) which has been shown to enhance photosynthesis and growth in a wide range of C3 plant species.

DiffInvex identifies evolutionary shifts in driver gene repertoires during tumorigenesis and chemotherapy.

Somatic cells can transform into tumors due to mutations, and the tumors further evolve towards increased aggressiveness and therapy resistance. We develop DiffInvex, a framework for identifying changes in selection acting on individual genes in somatic genomes, drawing on an empirical mutation rate baseline derived from non-coding DNA that accounts for shifts in neutral mutagenesis during cancer evolution. We apply DiffInvex to >11,000 somatic whole-genome sequences from ~30 cancer types or healthy tissues, identifying genes where point mutations are under conditional positive or negative selection during exposure to specific chemotherapeutics, suggesting drug resistance mechanisms occurring via point mutation.