Using stock price movements to estimate the harm from collusive drug patent litigation settlements.

The tradeoff between incentives to invest in R&D and efficient pricing takes a special form in the pharmaceutical sector. Brand drugs command high prices until generic competition begins, the timing of which usually depends on the outcome of patent infringement litigation. One potential outcome is a collusive agreement between the brand and a potential generic competitor that delays competition, with the brand sharing the profits from the delay by paying the generic challenger.

Analysis of non-volatile organic acids based on silanization combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and chemometrics: A robust strategy to discriminate geographical origin of sauce-flavor Baijiu.

The quality and aroma of sauce-flavor Baijiu exhibited significant regional characteristics, and the authenticity of its provenance served as the foundation of market value and consumer trust. Non-volatile organic acids (NVOAs) were the principal taste-modifying substances in liquors. Traditional identification methods, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), have limitations such as fewer compounds and higher detection limits in the analysis of NVOAs.

Bacterial Diversity Dynamics in Sandy Loam Soils in Tanzania Under Varying Fertilizer-Derived Uranium Concentrations.

The presence of radiotoxic uranium (U) in mineral fertilizers is of global concern. A pilot study was conducted in Tabora (Tanzania) to determine the release of U from three brands of phosphate fertilizers and its impact on soil bacteria. The experiment used three types of fertilizer: Minjingu Powder (MP), Nafaka Plus (NP), a mixed and granulated fertilizer made from Minjingu Phosphate Rock (MPR), and YaraMila Cereal (YC) fertilizer.

One Health approach uncovers emergence and dynamics of Usutu and West Nile viruses in the Netherlands.

Mosquito-borne arboviruses, including Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV), are emerging threats in Europe, with changes in climate, land use shifts, and increasing global connectivity influencing their dynamics. Understanding how these viruses emerge and establish in new regions is critical for mitigating risks and improving public and wildlife health preparedness. Here, we present a seven-year study (2016-2022, inclusive) documenting the emergence and spread of USUV and WNV in the Netherlands.

Optimisation of Photo-KeratinoSens™ for in vitro photoallergenicity assessment.

The aim of this work was to develop and validate a cell-based in vitro assay for predicting photoallergenicity by expanding the scope of our previously reported in vitro method, photo-KeratinoSens™, which is a luciferase-based assay dependent on activation of the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway. First, we increased the maximum starting test concentration from a fixed 2000 µM in the original KeratinoSens™ to either 5000 μg/mL or 4 times the concentration providing a cell viability of 75% (under UV irradiation), depending on the cytotoxicity. Then, we established that 0.

Alkaline Earth Metal-Based Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Perovskite-Like Ferroelectrics.

Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) with the ABX formula have garnered significant scientific interest owing to their substantial technological promise in photovoltaics, optoelectronics and ferroelectrics. Their structural diversity and molecular-scale chemical programmability provide an exceptional platform for engineering diverse functional HOIP architectures through targeted compositional design. However, the strategic potential of alkaline earth metals (e.

Forensic analysis of cigarette tipping papers using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Cigarettes are addictive in nature and smokers over time develop a preference toward smoking a particular brand. Therefore, identification and discrimination of different brands could be important during forensic investigations. It could serve as corroborative evidence not only in cases of physical and sexual assaults, theft, burglary, and dacoity but also in cases of illegal trading and smuggling of illicit and counterfeit cigarettes.

Efficacy and Safety of TV-46000 and Second-Generation Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics for Schizophrenia: A Systematic Literature Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: TV-46000 [once monthly (q1m) or once every 2 months (q2m)] is a subcutaneously administered long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) formulation of risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. As second-generation LAIs become available, understanding comparative efficacy and safety is needed.

Methods: We undertook a systematic literature review (SLR; January 1, 2020 to May 11, 2023) and network meta-analyses (NMAs) of randomized controlled clinical trials to compare the efficacy and safety of TV-46000 q1m and q2m with second-generation LAIs approved in Canada and used for treatment of schizophrenia [intramuscular aripiprazole monohydrate q1m, paliperidone palmitate q1m (PP1M), and paliperidone palmitate once every 3 months (PP3M)].

New artificial neural network models for risk assessment of skin sensitization using amino acid derivative assay, KeratinoSens™, human cell line activation test and in silico structural alert parameter.

In the next-generation risk assessment (NGRA) of skin sensitization, estimating the point of departure (PoD) is crucial. The murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) has been considered the 'gold standard' for evaluating the skin sensitizing potential of chemicals, with the LLNA EC3 values serving as the PoD for dermal quantitative risk assessment (QRA). This study presents artificial neural network (ANN) models that predict EC3 values, enhanced by integrating the Amino Acid Derivative Reactivity Assay (ADRA) to expand the applicability domain.

Can early postoperative radiographs predict fracture union? A case-control study of femoral shaft nails.

Objective: To determine if 4-8-week radiographs are useful for predicting nonunions in patients with femoral shaft fractures treated with an intramedullary nail (IMN).

Methods: A retrospective case-control study; 1:2 ratio was conducted at a level I trauma center. Adult patients with a femoral shaft fracture (OTA/AO 32) treated with IMN between 2016 and 2022 were identified via Current Procedural Terminology code.

A New, Fast, and Sensitive UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Analysis of 13 Neurotransmitters in Rat Brain.

Neurotransmitters are crucial for the chemical signaling in the central nervous system. The present work proposes a novel UPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for simultaneously determining 13 neurotransmitters in the amygdala brain region in rats. A Zorbax SB C18 column and a gradient mobile phase consisting of a mixture of water and acetonitrile comprising 0.

Dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance of Reciproc® Blue, One Reci®, R-Motion®, and two Replica-Like endodontic files after autoclave sterilisation and/or immersion in sodium hypochlorite: A comparative study.

Background: To compare the cyclic fatigue resistance (CFR) of Reciproc® Blue (RB), One Reci® (OR), R-Motion® (RM), Roll Wave Gold (RW) and RCS Blue T (RCS B-T) instruments.

Material And Methods: 525 files (105 RB (25/0.08), 105 OR (25/0.

Separation and photostability analysis of retinoic acid isomers and their derivatives based on ion mobility mass spectrometry and theoretical calculations.

Retinoic acid (RA) regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis and exists in three primary isomers: all-trans-RA (ATRA), 9-cis-RA (9cRA), and 13-cis-RA (13cRA). RA derivatives, such as bexarotene (BT) and arotinoid acid (TTNPB), are used to treat cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and induce cellular pluripotency. Due to their distinct biological activities, accurate identification and analysis of these isomers are crucial.

Albuterol Digihaler in COPD Disease Management: A Real-World Study to Assess Digihaler Inhalation Parameters, Thresholds and Their Use to Identify Deterioration in Clinical Practice.

Purpose: Despite increasing awareness, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are often unrecognized, not reported or not treated. Assisting patients and caregivers to better identify deteriorations in COPD can help improve care. This study was designed to collect usage and inhalation parameters from albuterol Digihaler devices and its associated Digihaler dashboard, to identify potential inhalation parameters and alerts that might predict worsening COPD.

Development of disk diffusion susceptibility test methods for spp. and updates to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute MIC breakpoints.

Unlabelled: spp. are uropathogenic gram-positive bacteria that occasionally cause invasive infections. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints published by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) were evaluated, and disk diffusion criteria developed, by testing 174 isolates of spp.

Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in e-cigarettes: A thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) approach.

This study investigates 67 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled e-cigarette aerosol using thermal desorption coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). As e-cigarettes become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional smoking, it is essential to understand the chemical composition of their emitted aerosol and their potential health and environmental impacts. The methods employed were optimized and validated, demonstrating high accuracy, excellent linearity, and robust detection limits.

Cascaded logic gate-based electrochemical analysis of multiple miRNAs for cancer recognition.

Current miRNA detection methods mainly focus on the detection of discrete targets while overlooking the logical relationship among biomoleculars. Integrating electrochemical sensor, DNA framework probes and DNA logic gate technology for analyzing miRNAs with diverse combinations in bodily fluids provide a potential way for recognition of multiple cancers. In this work, a novel cascaded logic gate-based electrochemical (EC) analysis strategy was designed and fabricated for the discrimination of pancreatic cancer (PC), breast cancer (BC) and lung cancer (LC).

Rapid and accurate identification and quantification of Lycium barbarum L. components: Integrating deep learning and NMR for nutritional assessment.

Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum), revered for its nutritional and commercial value, exhibits variable nutritional contents depending on the consumption method.

Detection of whey protein concentrate adulteration using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with machine learning.

In recent years, food fraud issues related to whey protein supplements have disrupted the market and caused significant concern among consumers. Conventional analytical methods such as HPLC and ion exchange chromatography are commonly used to detect adulteration in whey protein supplements. However, these methods are costly, time-consuming and require specialised operation, making them less suitable for a wider range of users.

Towards Practical Conservation Cloning: Understanding the Dichotomy Between the Histories of Commercial and Conservation Cloning.

Over 40 years ago, scientists imagined ways cloning could aid conservation of threatened taxa. The cloning of Dolly the sheep from adult somatic cells in 1996 was the breakthrough that finally enabled the conservation potential of the technology. Until the 2020s, conservation cloning research efforts yielded no management applications, leading many to believe cloning is not yet an effective conservation tool.

Advancing low-cost air quality monitor calibration with machine learning methods.

Low-cost monitors for measuring airborne contaminants have gained popularity due to their affordability, portability, and ease of use. However, they often exhibit significant biases compared to high-cost reference instruments. For optimal accuracy, these monitors require calibration and validation in their specific environment using expensive reference instruments, which are often scarce and costly.

An extension to the OVH concept for knowledge-based dose volume histogram prediction in lung tumor volumetric-modulated arc therapy.

Purpose: Volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment planning allows a compromise between a sufficient coverage of the planning target volume (PTV) and a simultaneous sparing of organs-at-risk (OARs). Particularly in the case of lung tumors, deciding whether it is possible or worth spending more time on further improvements of a treatment plan is difficult. Therefore, this work aims to develop a knowledge-based, structure-dependent, automated dose volume histogram (DVH) prediction module for lung tumors.

[The application of sequential analysis for continuous post-market vaccine safety surveillance].

To explore the application of sequential analysis in post-market safety dynamic surveillance of vaccines. Under the dynamic monitoring data of vaccines post-market approval, this research introduces the fundamental principles of maximizing sequential probability ratio test (MaxSPRT) and Bayesian sequential analysis, employing R software. Through an example of dynamic safety monitoring data of vaccines post-market approval, we analyze using the MaxSPRT and Bayesian sequential analysis.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of insulin lispro 25 versus the original preparation (Humalog25) in Chinese healthy male volunteers.

There are approximately 537 million adults with diabetes worldwide, and insulin still plays an important role in its treatment. However, the long-term use of insulin imposes a significant financial burden on patients. This study aims to explore the pharmacokinetic (PK)/ pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters of generic premixed insulin lispro 25 (25% insulin lispro and 75% protamine zinc lispro) and evaluate the bio-equivalence between generic and brand-name preparations to reduce medical costs while ensuring the effectiveness and safety of treatment.

Efficient Generation of Negative Hydrogen with Bimetallic-Ternary-Structured Catalysts for Nitrobenzene Hydrogenation.

Transition metal-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation (TH) with in situ negative hydrogen (H) has received extensive attention as an alternative to conventional high-pressure hydrogenation processes. However, the insufficient activity of hydrogen production and unclear the conversion process of hydrogenation remain a great challenge. In this work, brand new bimetallic ternary-structured catalysts (RuM-TiO, M=Co, Cu, Fe, Ni) were synthesized to efficiently generate H donors from ammonia borane (AB, NHBH) for nitrobenzene hydrogenation under moderate conditions.