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Antibiotic resistance (AR) is a growing health concern worldwide and the Arctic represents an understudied region in terms of AR. This study aimed to quantify AR genes (ARGs) from effluent released from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada, thus creating a baseline reference for future evaluations. Water, sediment, and truncate softshell clam (Mya truncata) tissue samples were compared from the wastewater, the receiving environment of Frobisher Bay, and nearby undisturbed freshwaters. The pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) atenolol, carbamazepine, metoprolol, naproxen, sulfapyridine, and trimethoprim were found in the wastewater, but the PPCPs were undetectable in the receiving environment. However, the relative abundances of ARGs were significantly higher in wastewater than in the receiving environment or reference sites. Abundances did not significantly differ in Frobisher Bay compared to undisturbed reference sites. ARGs in clams near the WWTP had similar relative abundances as those from pristine areas. The lack of ARG detection is likely due to Frobisher Bay tides flushing inputs to levels below detection. These data suggest that the WWTP infrastructure does not influence the receiving environment based on the measured parameters; more importantly, further research must elucidate the impact and fate of AR and PPCPs in Arctic communities.

Vietnamese cassava varieties constitute the fundamental and pivotal element in the sustainable development programme for cassava. This article aims to encapsulate the advancements made over nearly five decades in breeding and enhancing Vietnamese cassava varieties. It delineates the suitable cassava variety structures for each period and ecological region. The selection of cassava varieties exhibiting high starch yield and disease resistance, coupled with the establishment of a suitable and efficient cassava cultivation model, exemplified by 10T for Vietnamese cassava varieties KM568, KM539, KM537, KM569, and KM94, stands as a cornerstone for sustaining cassava development over the years. Presently, we advocate for farmers to cultivate promising cassava varieties such as KM568 or KM539 (an enhanced version of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) cassava variety C39, refined through multiple breeding cycles from 2004 onwards), KM537, KM569, or HN1 (originally known as TMEB419), alongside popular cassava varieties: KM440, KM419, KM94, KM7, STB1, KM414, KM98-7, KM140, KM98-5, KM98-1. We have conducted Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) and Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) tests, showcasing outstanding cassava varieties in large-scale farming, thereby providing compelling evidence for the prudent conservation and sustainable development of cassava. Vietnamese cassava progression (1975 to date) has traversed six stages, with five waves of restructuring cassava varieties, aligning with target orientations, farming conditions, and market demands, culminating in 16 popular cassava varieties and four promising cassava varieties KM568, KM539, KM537, and KM569.

Ribo-T is a tethered ribosome complex capable of orthogonal ribosome-mRNA functionality, but has low activity. Here the authors evolve new tether designs that support faster growth and increased protein expression.

Introduction Biased language influences health care providers' perceptions of patients, impacts their clinical care, and prevents vulnerable populations from seeking treatment. Training clinicians to systematically replace biased verbal and written language is an essential step to providing equitable care. Methods We designed and implemented an interactive workshop to teach health care professionals a framework to identify and replace stigmatizing language in clinical practice. The workshop included a reflective exercise, role-play, brief didactic session, and case-based discussion. We developed the program for a broad target audience of providers and initially delivered it at three academic conferences. We used descriptive statistics to analyze Likert-style items on course evaluations and identified themes in open-text responses. Results A total of 66 participants completed course evaluations; most believed the workshop met its objectives (4.8 out of 5.0) and strongly agreed that they would apply skills learned (4.8). Participants planned to incorporate reflection into their verbal and written language. Potential barriers to applying course content included perceived difficulty in changing entrenched practice habits, burnout, and fatigue. Suggestions for improvement included more time for group discussions and strategies to teach skills to colleagues. Discussion Participants found the course material highly engaging and relevant to their clinical practice. Learners left the workshop feeling motivated to engage in more mindful word choice and to share key concepts with their colleagues.

Innledning Computertomografi (CT) er en hyppig utført undersøkelse i Norge. Både mammae og thyroidea er strålefølsomme organer som eksponeres ved en CT thorax undersøkelse. For å få ned inngangsdosen (ESD) til slike strålefølsomme organer kan man enten benytte seg av en organspesifikk adaptiv dose reduksjons protokoll (X-CARE) eller isteden legge vismut beskyttelse over de strålefølsomme organene ved CT-undersøkelsen. I denne studien sammenligner vi huddosen (ESD) over mamma, samt bildekvalitet, ved bruk av disse to metodene ved en CT thorax lavdose undersøkelse? Material og metode 30 spiral skanninger, hvorav ti standard lavdose, ti med vismut beskyttelse og ti med X-CARE, ble utført på et Alderson fantom, kombinert med Care Dose 4D, på en Siemens SOMATOM Definition Edge 128 CT maskin. ESD ble målt, CTDIvol og Dose-lengde-produkt (DLP) ble hentet ut fra doserapporten. Den objektive bildekvaliteten ble analysert, og vurdert ved hjelp av tre Region Of Interest (ROI), plassert hhv i luft, i lungeparenkymet og i pleura parietale. Signal til støyforhold (SNR) og kontrast til støyforhold (CNR) ble regnet ut ifra ROI verdiene. Resultater ESD til mamma viste dosereduksjon sammenlignet med en standard CT thorax lavdose; hhv 16,5 % dosereduksjon ved bruk av vismut beskyttelse, og 0,44 % ved X-CARE. Det var ingen forskjell i CTDIvol og DLP ved standard lavdose skanningen eller skanningen med vismut beskyttelse. Skanningen med X-CARE ga en økning i CTDIvol og DLP på omtrent 12 %. SNR og CNR i lungeparenkymet og pleura parietale var høyest ved standard lavdose undersøkelsen. Bildestøyen økte 48 % ved vismut og 26,4 % ved X-CARE. Konklusjon ESD ble markant redusert ved CT thorax lavdose undersøkelsen med vismut beskyttelse, men ga samtidig en markant økning i bildestøyen. X-CARE reduserte ESD minimalt sammenlignet med standard lavdose skanningen, men ga økt bildestøy. Den mest effektive måten å oppnå en optimal lavdose undersøkelse på, er ved å utføre en standard CT thorax lavdose protokoll. Abstract Introduction Computed tomography (CT) is a frequent examination conducted in Norway. Mammae and thyroid gland are both dose sensitive body organs, which are being exposed during a thoracic CT examination. Therefore, an optimization of protocols is necessary and X-CARE (organ-based tube current modulation) or bismuth protection may be applied during a CT examination. Will the two methods give a difference in the entrance surface dose (ESD) to mamma and the image quality of a low-dose thoracic CT examination? Materials and methods Thirty spiral CT scans of which ten was standard low-dose, ten with bismuth shielding and ten with X-CARE was performed on an Alderson phantom, combined with CARE Dose 4D and carried out on a Siemens SOMATOM Definition Edge 128. Measures as ESD, CTDIvol and Dose-length-product (DLP) were obtained from the dose report. The image quality was analysed objectively and assessed using three Region of Interest (ROI), placed in air, lung parenchyma and parietal pleura. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were calculated from the ROI results. Results ESD to the mammary gland demonstrated a dose reduction compared to a standard thoracic CT low dose. Respectively; 16.5 % dose reduction with bismuth shielding and 0.44 % with X-CARE. There was no difference in CTDIvol and DLP between the standard low-dose scans and the scans with bismuth shielding. The CT scans with X-CARE gave an increase in CTDIvol and DLP by approximately 12 %. SNR and CNR in the lung parenchyma and parietal pleura were highest during the standard low-dose scans. Bismuth shielding increased the noise with 48 % and X-CARE with 26,4 %. Conclusion ESD was significantly reduced during the CT thoracic low-dose examination using bismuth shielding, however notably the bismut increased the image noise. X-CARE reduced the ESD minimally compared to the CT low-dose scans, and it also increased the image noise. The most efficient way to achieve an optimal thoracic CT examination is to use a standard low-dose protoco

Globalisierung, volatile Märkte und der vermehrte Rückzug der Agrarpolitik aus der Marktregulierung sorgen dafür, dass die Entscheidungsfindungsprozesse auf landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben an Komplexität zunehmen. Applikationen bieten durch ihre Mobilität und individuellen Ausgestaltungsmöglichkeiten Optionen, um den Landwirt bei seiner täglichen Arbeit zu unterstützen. In diesem Kontext nimmt diese Arbeit eine Bestandsaufnahme und Kategorisierung nativer Applikationen mit landwirtschaftlichem Bezug vor. Die Ergebnisse zeigen unter anderem einen Angebotsschwerpunkt im Produktionszweig Pflanzenbau und bei den Funktionen bestimmte häufig auftretende bedarfsbedingte Kombinationen (z. B. Planung und Analyse).

The use of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block to provide either analgesia or anesthesia to the anterior abdominal wall is well described. The technique yields high analgesic effectiveness and is opioid sparing and potentially of long duration with reported analgesia lasting up to 36 hours. When compared to neuraxial analgesia, TAP blocks are associated with a lower incidence of hypotension and motor blockade. TAP blocks are typically described as providing somatic analgesia only without any effect on visceral pain. There may be, however, certain conditions in which TAP blocks can provide effective analgesia in pain of visceral or mixed somatic and visceral origin. We describe two cases in which TAP blockade provided complete control of pain considered to be of visceral origin.

The association of B7-1/CD28 between antigen presenting cells (APCs) and T-cells provides a second signal to proliferate and activate T-cell immunity at the induction phase. Many reports indicate that tumor cells transfected with B7-1 induced augmented antitumor immunity at the induction phase by mimicking APC function; however, the function of B7-1 on antitumor immunity at the effector phase is unknown. Here, we report direct evidence of enhanced T-cell antitumor immunity at the effector phase by the B7-1 molecule. Our experiments in vivo and in vitro indicated that reactivity of antigen-specific monoclonal and polyclonal T-cell effectors against a Lass5 epitope presented by RMA-S cells is increased when the cells expressed B7-1. Use of either anti-B7-1 or anti-CD28 antibodies to block the B7-1/CD28 association reduced reactivity of the T effectors against B7-1 positive RMA-S cells. Transfection of Lass5 cDNA into or pulse of Lass5 peptide onto B7-1 positive RMA-S cells overcomes the requirement of the B7-1/CD28 signal for T effector response. To our knowledge, the data offers, for the first time, strong evidence that supports the requirement of B7-1/CD28 secondary signal at the effector phase of antitumor T-cell immunity being dependent on the density of an antigenic peptide.

The extensive deposits of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) generated by marine organisms constitute the largest and oldest carbon dioxide (CO2) reservoir. These organisms utilize macromolecules like peptides and proteins to facilitate the nucleation and growth of carbonate minerals, serving as an effective method for CO2 sequestration. However, the precise mechanisms behind this process remain elusive. In this study, we report the use of sequence-defined peptoids, a class of peptidomimetics, to achieve the accelerated calcite step growth kinetics with the molecular level mechanistic understanding. By designing peptoids with hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks, we systematically investigated the acceleration in step growth rate of calcite crystals using in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM), varying peptoid sequences and concentrations, CaCO3 supersaturations, and the ratio of Ca2+/HCO3-. Mechanistic studies using NMR, three-dimensional fast force mapping (3D FFM), and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) were conducted to reveal the interactions of peptoids with Ca2+ and HCO3- ions in solution, as well as the effect of peptoids on solvation and energetics of calcite crystal surface. Our results indicate the multiple roles of peptoid in facilitating HCO3- deprotonation, Ca2+ desolvation, and the disruption of interfacial hydration layers of the calcite surface, which collectively contribute to a peptoid-induced acceleration of calcite growth. These findings provide guidelines for future design of sequence-specific biomimetic polymers as crystallization promoters, offering potential applications in environmental remediation (such as CO2 sequestration), biomedical engineering, and energy storage where fast crystallization is preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical self‐assembly represents a powerful strategy for the fabrication of functional materials across various length scales. However, achieving precise formation of functional hierarchical assemblies remains a significant challenge and requires a profound understanding of molecular assembly interactions. In this study, we present a molecular‐level understanding of the hierarchical assembly of sequence‐defined peptoids into multidimensional functional materials, including twisted nanotube bundles serving as a highly efficient artificial light harvesting system. By employing synchrotron‐based powder X‐ray diffraction and analyzing single crystal structures of model compounds, we elucidated the molecular packing and mechanisms underlying the assembly of peptoids into multidimensional nanostructures. Our findings demonstrate that incorporating aromatic functional groups, such as tetraphenyl ethylene (TPE), at the termini of assembling peptoid sequences promotes the formation of twisted bundles of nanotubes and nanosheets, thus enabling the creation of a highly efficient artificial light harvesting system. This research exemplifies the potential of leveraging sequence‐defined synthetic polymers to translate microscopic molecular structures into macroscopic assemblies. It holds promise for the development of functional materials with precisely controlled hierarchical structures and designed functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a gel-like substance made up of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine units, capable of absorbing and retaining water, present in hydrated gel form across human and animal tissues. It aids in joint lubrication and moisture retention and acts as a cushion for shock absorption. HA has unique biological properties, promoting fibroblast cell growth, aiding wound healing, and exhibiting low solubility and viscosity, making it an organic ingredient in tissue culture techniques. It is utilized in eye drops and skin ointments and plays a vital role in the extracellular matrix, rendering it invaluable in medical and cosmetic applications, such as treating osteoarthritis and enhancing skin wound recovery. Methods: The methods employed in this study involve isolating microorganisms, screening bacterial strains capable of synthesizing HA, identifying bacteria using molecular biological methods, and researching optimal conditions to select bacterial strains that produce the highest HA concentrations. Results: In this study, strain Priestia flexa N7 was studied for suitable conditions for HA biosynthesis. Bacterial strains were fermented for 48 h on medium containing the following ingredients: glucose (60 g/L); yeast extract (5.0 g/L); peptone (20 g/L); K2HPO4 (2.0 g/L); Na2HPO4 (1.0 g/L); NaCl (2.0 g/L); FeSO4 (1.0 g/l); sodium glutamate (9.0 g/L); and MgSO4.7H2O (2.0 g/L) and pH 8.0 at 37°C under the condition of continuous shaking at 150 rpm. The maximum HA production achieved was 1105 mg/L. Conclusions: The mentioned bacterial strain exhibits significant potential for HA synthesis and is extensively employed in producing items across the health care, medical, food, and cosmetic industries. These findings revealed the most effective HA acid manufacturing strategy for achieving maximum output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the co‐precipitation method for producing terbium orthoferrite (TbFeO3), the final products were denoted as TbFeO3‐650, −750, and −850. A single‐phase of orthorhombic TbFeO3 crystals (o‐TbFeO3) was obtained with a calcination temperature of up to 850 °C, while in the range of 650–750 °C there was still a small amount of terbium and iron oxide phases. The average size of o‐TbFeO3 crystallites for the TbFeO3‐850 sample was about 76 nm and was larger than that of TbFeO3‐650 (~45 nm) and TbFeO3‐750 (~47 nm). The o‐TbFeO3 crystal structure in all samples was found to be distorted. In the applied field from −15 to +15 kOe, all of the samples had low values of coercive field (5–11 ⋅ 10−3 Oe) but high values of net magnetization (2.06–2.40 emu ⋅ g−1); the samples appeared to behave as paramagnetic materials. It was shown that the TbFeO3‐850 sample has slightly better magnetic properties than the two others. An average grain size of about 79 nm was found in the TbFeO3‐850 sample, which exhibited a morphology of sphere‐like shapes with highly agglomerated grains. The TbFeO3‐850 sample demonstrated a high absorbance at wavelengths of 400–600 nm, with a direct bandgap of about 2.68 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several previous studies in the field of assisted reproduction have focused on the use of blood gel derivatives, such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), as a treatment for endometrial rehabilitation. However, the ability to release growth factors and the gel form of this product led to the evolution of platelet lysates. In this study, blood gel derivatives, including PRF lysate, which was in liquid form, and PRF gel, were collected and evaluated for growth factors. It was shown to be effective in endometrial wound healing and regeneration in mouse injured uterine tissue models through structure and function (pinopode expression, embryo implantation) evaluation. The results demonstrated that the concentrations of growth factors, including PDGF-AB and VEGF-A, were higher in the PRF lysate compared to the PRF gel (p < 0.05). PRF lysate could release these growth factors for 8 days. Furthermore, both PRF gel and PRF lysate restored the morphology of injured endometrial tissues in terms of luminal and glandular epithelia, as well as uterine gland secretory activity. However, the presence of pinopodes and embryonic implantation were only observed in the PRF lysate group. It can be concluded that PRF lysate promotes wound healing in mouse injured tissue models in vitro, which can act as healing products in tissue repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually becoming not only an emerging technology in the development policies and strategies for the national economy but also a significant challenge posed to various issues of law, including the patent law. Alongside the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the rapid technological and scientific advancement has enabled AI to approach the level of natural intelligence of humans or more. Noswadays, the development of technology has been demonstrated that AI is likely to autonomously generate inventions. In light of the fact that the identification of the inventor impacts the patentability of AI-generated inventions, this poses a new challenge regarding the inventorship of AI, with the most confusing question being whether AI should be recognized as an inventor. This article provides an overview of AI and patentability challenges to clarify the fundamental understanding of AI and material concerns regarding AI-generated inventions. Simultaneously, the authors examine the laws and practices in selected countries to provide the viewpoints of competent authorities on patent protection for AI-generated inventions and the inventorship of AI. Finally, the authors conclude with a discussion of the recognition of AI inventorship, patent protection for AI-generated inventions, an evaluation of the recognizability of Vietnamese patent law, and a call for further research on relevant matters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change impacts ocean nutrient availability and will likely alter the marine food web. While climate models predict decreased average ocean productivity, the extent of these changes, especially in the marginal seas upon which large human populations depend, is not well understood. Here, we reconstructed changes in seawater phosphate concentration and nitrate source over the past 400 years, which reveals a more than 50% decline in residence time of seawater phosphate, and 8%–48% decline in subsurface nitrogen supply following the coldest period of Little Ice Age. Our data indicates a link between surface ocean nutrient supply and the East Asian Summer Monsoon strength in an economically important marginal sea. As climate models predict that the East Asian Summer monsoon will strengthen in the future, our study implies that surface ocean primary productivity may increase in the South China Sea, contrary to the predicted decrease in global average ocean productivity. Plain Language Summary: Global climate models predict that surface ocean nutrient concentrations will significantly decrease over the next 100 years as our climate changes. However, in the world's marginal seas, which human populations depend on most heavily for food security, the surface ocean biogeochemical changes are still difficult to predict with global‐scale models. Here, using coral‐based paleoclimate proxies, we reconstruct changes to surface phosphate concentration and to sources of surface nitrogen over the past four centuries in the South China Sea (SCS). Combined with box model simulations, our data reveal a more than 50% decline in phosphate residence time and an 8%–48% decline in subsurface nitrate supply from the 1600s to present. Such a decline implies a significant decrease in primary productivity and likely a community shift toward nitrogen‐fixing phytoplankton. Importantly, our data indicate that the decrease in nutrient supply was driven by weakened monsoon‐induced upwelling, demonstrating strong ties between nutrient supply and monsoon strength in the SCS. Climate change is predicted to strengthen the East Asian Summer Monsoon, and our results suggest that primary productivity in this economically important region may increase, contrary to the widely predicted decreases in average global ocean productivity. Key Points: Coral skeletal phosphorus content with scattered nitrogen isotopes is reconstructed over the past 400 yearsNutrient supply declined up to 48% since the Little Ice Age in the western South China SeaThe coral record from links nutrient supply to monsoon wind, implying higher productivity under a stronger monsoon in the future [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vietnam is a country that experiences extreme climate conditions and annual accumulated damage due to typhoons and floods, which seriously destroy houses and cause many deaths. Approximately half a million people currently living within 200 m from the coastline live in unsafe houses. Therefore, the Coastal Resilience Project (the project) was implemented to build 4000 storm- and flood-resistant houses for five coastal provinces in Central Vietnam. The paper is carried out to review existing policies and practices related to the maintenance of resilient houses, as well as to propose feasible maintenance solutions for houses to ensure the sustainability of the project. The result shows that currently, there are no technical instructions or manuals on the maintenance and repair of individual houses in general, or the project houses in particular. Most of the households in the project also have very low and unstable incomes. In addition, as they lack knowledge of how construction works, they know little to nothing about the maintenance of a house. From these findings, the authors recommend several solutions for better maintenance policies and practices on the resilient houses of the project in Vietnam. The project provides several lessons in terms of the maintenance of the resilient houses of future projects in Vietnam and elsewhere, by reviewing existing policies and current practices, as well as proposing feasible measures to ensure the sustainability of the project. The findings in this paper provide valuable information for better maintenance policies and practices of resilient houses for other vulnerable coastal provinces in Vietnam and similar contexts elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the end of the year 2021, all 4000 resilient houses that are under the project "Improving the resilience of vulnerable coastal communities to climate change-related impacts in Vietnam" were completed. However, the project sponsor and implementor need to be aware of the level of satisfaction of the stakeholders of these resilient houses, especially for local beneficiaries. This study is carried out to answer several practical questions such as what are the strengths and weaknesses of the project house designs, focusing on the basic needs of beneficiaries. Or, are the beneficiaries satisfied with the house constructed with support from the project, and what are their suggestions to improve either the relevant procedures and processes or future houses to be built by the project or other stakeholders. The findings show several aspects of design and construction of resilient houses such as utilization effectiveness, satisfaction of beneficiaries, and participation of local communities. However, several practical limitations of this phase have been identified, namely, the approved designs do not fully reflect the needs of beneficiaries, the designs lack some essential and basic functionalities, some technical shortcomings exist in design drawings, and support funding is limited. On the basis of that, the authors recommended several valuable measures for effective and sustainable designing and constructing resilient houses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]