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The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in the transportation sector aids in curbing global greenhouse gas emissions yet efficiently integrating them into the existing infrastructure presents challenges in guaranteeing the real-time availability of charging points and the dynamic nature of electric mobility. This paper presents a novel dynamic demand scheduling framework that utilizes predictive analytics to address the issue of emergency charging requests; situations where an EV urgently require to reach a charging point due to critically low battery levels. The framework is integrated with advanced dynamic demand scheduling algorithm (ADDSA), which utilizes real-time charging data collected from Trivandrum, Kerala state, India. Using the comprehensive dataset, the framework identifies delayed EVs and considers the charging point status (active, idle or faulty) and charging point pricing to optimize the charging station allocation. By employing the K-Means clustering algorithm, the ADDSA categorizes charging points based on their performance and availability. To evaluate the effectiveness of these clusters, we utilize internal metrics such as the Silhouette score, Calinski-Harabasz (CH) index, and Davies-Bouldin (DB) index. Our findings demonstrate that K-Means outperforms other clustering algorithms, including DBSCAN, K-Medoids, Agglomerative clustering, and Gaussian mixture models (GMM), with a CH score of 1200, a Silhouette score of 0.45, and a DB score of 0.74. In the final stage of ADDSA, groups of available charging points along with their pricing information is generated, facilitating informed decision-making for EV users. With the rapid growth of the EV population, our unique dynamic demand scheduling framework, featuring real-time constraints, offers a promising solution for efficiently addressing the emergency charging needs of EVs.

Transition metal oxides like ZnO nanostructures are pivotal in various scientific and technological fields due to their chemical stability, high electrochemical coupling efficiency, and broad radiation absorption spectrum. This study offers an in-depth examination of ZnO nanostructures synthesized via the green route using Piper Longum L, emphasizing their photocatalytic efficacy in degrading organic pollutants such as Sulphanilamide and Chromium. The ZnO nanostructures with a rod-like morphology exhibited an average crystallite size of 26 nm and an optical bandgap of 2.8 eV. Solid state structure of ZnO was investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Zinc in the synthesized organo zinc complex and zinc oxide was estimated to 324.325 and 133.02 ppm, respectively. The saturation magnetization obtained from Superconducting Quantum Interference Device-Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (SQUID-VSM) for organo zinc complex and ZnO is 2.1 × 10−3 and 1.7 × 10−3 emu/g, respectively. These nanostructures achieved 99 and 93 % degradation of chromium (VI) ions present in solutions of two different concentrations in about 30 and 80 min, respectively, under UV and visible radiation, a remarkable achievement. Almost the same efficiency was maintained during three consecutive runs and then deactivation of the catalyst was observed. Additionally, a rapid 84 % degradation of Sulphanilamide was observed in 42 min, underscoring the potential of ZnO nanostructures as efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation.

A male in his 40's with no known comorbidities developed severe COVID-19 pneumonia and received a four-week course of methylprednisolone. The patient subsequently developed disseminated Aspergillus endocarditis, manifesting as multiple organ involvement including the heart, eyes, and brain. Despite the poor prognosis generally associated with fungal endocarditis, the patient survived following aggressive medical management with a combination of liposomal amphotericin b and voriconazole therapy and is now doing well for over two years and is off antifungal therapy for a year.

Diffuse dermal angiomatosis (DDA) is a rare, benign disease that can serve as the precursor to critical limb ischemia. Pruritic, erythematous plaques form from a proliferation of endothelial cells in response to dermal hypoxia. We present the case of a 63-year-old female patient with DDA of the left medial thigh, followed by ischemia of her distal extremities. Revascularization of her left leg resulted in resolution of the DDA and healing of her ulcers. DDA can be an important clue to identify significant peripheral vascular disease.

Summary: Membraneless organelles, or biomolecular condensates, enable cells to compartmentalize material and processes into unique biochemical environments. While specific, attractive molecular interactions are known to stabilize biomolecular condensates, repulsive interactions, and the balance between these opposing forces, are largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that repulsive and attractive electrostatic interactions regulate condensate stability, internal mobility, interfaces, and selective partitioning of molecules both in vitro and in cells. We find that signaling ions, such as calcium, alter repulsions between model Ddx3 and Ddx4 condensate proteins by directly binding to negatively charged amino acid sidechains and effectively inverting their charge, in a manner fundamentally dissimilar to electrostatic screening. Using a polymerization model combined with generalized stickers and spacers, we accurately quantify and predict condensate stability over a wide range of pH, salt concentrations, and amino acid sequences. Our model provides a general quantitative treatment for understanding how charge and ions reversibly control condensate stability.

We present the case of an 87-year-old man with a ruptured right internal iliac artery aneurysm with hemoperitoneum. The right internal iliac artery aneurysm appeared to fill from the retrograde profunda femoris artery in the setting of a previously repaired abdominal aortic aneurysm with aorta-bi-iliac bypass with ligation of the bilateral internal iliac arteries. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an aneurysm of the right internal iliac artery measuring 8.9 cm, with filling through the collateral vessels. Open repair was performed, leading to complete exclusion of the aneurysm with no perioperative complications.

Summary: Eukaryotic RNA pol II transcripts are capped at the 5′ end by the methylated guanosine (m7G) moiety. In higher eukaryotes, CMTR1 and CMTR2 catalyze cap-proximal ribose methylations on the first (cap1) and second (cap2) nucleotides, respectively. These modifications mark RNAs as “self,” blocking the activation of the innate immune response pathway. Here, we show that loss of mouse Cmtr1 or Cmtr2 leads to embryonic lethality, with non-overlapping sets of transcripts being misregulated, but without activation of the interferon pathway. In contrast, Cmtr1 mutant adult mouse livers exhibit chronic activation of the interferon pathway, with multiple interferon-stimulated genes being expressed. Conditional deletion of Cmtr1 in the germline leads to infertility, while global translation is unaffected in the Cmtr1 mutant mouse liver and human cells. Thus, mammalian cap1 and cap2 modifications have essential roles in gene regulation beyond their role in helping cellular transcripts to evade the innate immune system.

Intro: Tunneled catheters are a lifeline in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis. Intravascular access devices have significant potential for producing iatrogenic diseases resulting in catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI). CRBSI, a nosocomial infection is a significant clinical problem which is continuously evolving. They are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. The risk factors for blood stream infections in tunneled cuffed catheters include the duration of the catheter, past catheter related bacteraemia, hypoalbuminemia, immunosuppression. Gram positive organisms are the most common causative pathogens. Staph aureus CRBSI is more likely to require hospitalization or ICU admission. Metastatic infection like infective endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, spinal epidural abscess is relatively uncommon and most reported cases are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment of complicated CRBSI with sepsis, persistently positive blood cultures, or metastatic infection requires a longer course of antibiotics (6–8 weeks) compared with uncomplicated CRBSI. Methods: A 67 year old patient on dialysis via a tunneled catheter for 3 months duration presented with complaints of severe lower back pain. Blood cultures from catheter site and peripheral site grew Enterococcus fecalis. MRI spine was suggestive of epidural abscess. The tunneled catheter was removed and antibiotics were given based on the sensitivity reports. Findings: The differential diagnoses were multiple myeloma, TB spine, secondaries spine, osteoporosis. MRI contrast clinched the diagnosis of spinal epidural abscess, which is very uncommonly caused by Enterococcus fecalis. Conclusion: Atypical presentation of CRBSI should be kept in mind in all patients on intravascular access devices. Appropriate treatment with antibiotics and removal of the catheter is to be done if metastatic infection is present.

Determination of “Age” – the time elapsed since the last chemical purification – of a nuclear material is an important parameter in Nuclear Forensic analysis. Estimation of age may give crucial acumen of the possible production facility and the declared origin – if available – in case of a suspected nuclear material which is out of regulatory control. Mass spectrometry is the most common analytical technique used for chronological studies due to its superior precision (lower uncertainty). Though alpha spectrometry can be used for age determination, it better suits for irradiated fuel based radio-chronology because of higher specific activity of irradiated actinides (actinides formed by irradiation of actinides within a reactor) like plutonium. This paper describes the application of alpha spectrometry for the age determination in some natural U-metal samples with known history. The method utilises the radioactive non-equilibrium existing between 234U and 230Th isotopes in the sample for the elucidation of age of the material. Optimisation of a chemical procedure for the separation of ultra-trace amount of thorium isotopes from bulk uranium material using double column anion exchange chromatography is also presented. The chemical recoveries of uranium and thorium obtained with the present method were >95%. The uncertainty in age determination was

Sensor films are finding wide range of applications. Different type of sensing films is fabricated for the identification of chemicals, ions, heavy metals, changes in the pH, etc. The present report is on the fabrication of pH sensitive films from completely natural sources-soy protein isolate, chitin nano whiskers and flower extract. The highly crystalline chitin nano whiskers (CNW) were extracted from prawn shell under neutral condition via steam explosion technique. Multifunctional Soy protein isolate (SPI) films were prepared by adding chitin nanowhisker and Clitoria ternatea flower extract and its effect on thermal, mechanical and moisture properties of SPI film was investigated. The isolated CNW presented a needle like morphology with a diameter of 10–50 nm and a crystallinity index of 99.67%. The extracted chitin nanowhisker was used to prepare biodegradable films with soy protein isolate immobilized with anthocyanin from Clitoria ternatea flower extract. The prepared Soy protein -chitin nanowhisker films was found to have a tensile strength of about 15.45 ± 0.97 MPa with 8% chitin nanowhisker addition. The addition of CTE was found to decrease the tensile strength of SPI-CNW film but was found to make the film pH sensitive. The developed indicator film showed visible color changes in acidic and basic medium and hence can be used to monitor the freshness of food materials.

Summary: Na/K-ATPase (NKA), besides its ion transporter function, is a signal transducer by regulating Src family kinases (SFK). The signaling NKA contributes to oxidized LDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation and interacts with TLR4. However, its role in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced signaling and glycolytic switch in macrophages remains unclear. Using peritoneal macrophages from NKA α1 haploinsufficient mice (NKA α1+/−), we found that NKA α1 haploinsufficiency led to enhanced LPS-stimulated NF-κB pathway, ROS signaling, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Intraperitoneal injection of LPS resulted in more severe lung inflammation and injury with lower survival rate in NKA α1+/− mice. Additionally, LPS induced a higher extent of the metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. Mechanistically, NKA α1 interacted with TLR4 and Lyn. The presence of NKA α1 in this complex attenuated Lyn activation by LPS, which subsequently restricted the downstream ROS and NF-κB signaling. In conclusion, we demonstrated that NKA α1 suppresses LPS-induced macrophage pro-inflammatory signaling through Lyn.

Summary: Mechanisms driving the prolonged meiotic prophase I in mammals are poorly understood. RNA helicase YTHDC2 is critical for mitosis to meiosis transition. However, YTHDC2 is highly expressed in pachytene cells. Here we identify an essential role for YTHDC2 in meiotic progression. Specifically, YTHDC2 deficiency causes microtubule-dependent telomere clustering and apoptosis at the pachytene stage of prophase I. Depletion of YTHDC2 results in a massively dysregulated transcriptome in pachytene cells, with a tendency toward upregulation of genes normally expressed in mitotic germ cells and downregulation of meiotic transcripts. Dysregulation does not correlate with m6A status, and YTHDC2-bound mRNAs are enriched in genes upregulated in mutant germ cells, revealing that YTHDC2 primarily targets mRNAs for degradation. Furthermore, altered transcripts in mutant pachytene cells encode microtubule network proteins. Our results demonstrate that YTHDC2 regulates the pachytene stage by perpetuating a meiotic transcriptome and preventing microtubule network changes that could lead to telomere clustering.

Summary: Recent studies suggest that a western diet may contribute to clinical neurodegeneration and dementia. Adipocyte-specific expression of the Na,K-ATPase signaling antagonist, NaKtide, ameliorates the pathophysiological consequences of murine experimental obesity and renal failure. In this study, we found that a western diet produced systemic oxidant stress along with evidence of activation of Na,K-ATPase signaling within both murine brain and peripheral tissues. We also noted this diet caused increases in circulating inflammatory cytokines as well as behavioral, and brain biochemical changes consistent with neurodegeneration. Adipocyte specific NaKtide affected by a doxycycline on/off expression system ameliorated all of these diet effects. These data suggest that a western diet produces cognitive decline and neurodegeneration through augmented Na,K-ATPase signaling and that antagonism of this pathway in adipocytes ameliorates the pathophysiology. If this observation is confirmed in humans, the adipocyte Na,K-ATPase may serve as a clinical target in the therapy of neurodegenerative disorders.

Background: Plethora of efforts fails to yield a single drug to reverse the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related α-synucleopathies. Methods: Using chemical biology, we identified a small molecule inhibitor of c-abl kinase, PD180970 that could potentially clear the toxic protein aggregates. Genetic, molecular, cell biological and immunological assays were performed to understand the mechanism of action. In vivo preclinical disease model of PD was used to assess its neuroprotection efficacy. Findings: In this report, we show the ability of a small molecule inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, PD180970, to induce autophagy (cell lines and mice midbrain) in an mTOR-independent manner and ameliorate the α-synuclein mediated toxicity. PD180970 also exerts anti-neuroinflammatory potential by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 (interleukin-6) and MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) through reduction of TLR-4 (toll like receptor-4) mediated NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) activation. In vivo studies show that PD180970 is neuroprotective by degrading the toxic protein oligomers through induction of autophagy and subsiding the microglial activation. Interpretation: These protective mechanisms ensure the negation of Parkinson's disease related motor impairments. Fund: This work was supported by Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Intermediate Fellowship (500159-Z-09-Z), DST-SERB grant (EMR/2015/001946), DBT (BT/INF/22/SP27679/2018) and JNCASR intramural funds to RM, and SERB, DST (SR/SO/HS/0121/2012) to PAA, and DST-SERB (SB/YS/LS-215/2013) to JPC and BIRAC funding to ETA C-CAMP.

We present a rare case of simultaneous esophageal and tracheal atresia with trachea-esophageal fistula in a premature infant with VACTERL association. Although multiple surgical interventions were attempted in the management of this patient, the patient expired, reflecting the low survival rates associated with both esophageal atresia and tracheal atresia. This case highlights the difficulty and urgency in diagnosing this rare constellation of congenital anomalies.

Several studies have suggested that bone marrow stromal steam cells (BMSC) exist in a quiescent state (G0) within the in vivo niche; however, an explicit analysis of the biology of G0 state-BMSC has not been reported. We hypothesized that induction of G0 in BMSC might enhance their stem cell properties. Thus, we induced quiescence in BMSC in vitro by (a) suspension culture in a viscous medium or (b) culture on soft polyacrylamide substrate; and examined their molecular and functional phenotype. Induction of G0 was confirmed by bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labelling and analysis of cell cycle gene expression. Upon reactivation and re-entry into cell cycle, G0 state-BMSC exhibited enhanced clonogenic self-renewal, preferential differentiation into osteoblastic rather than adipocytic cells and increased ectopic bone formation when implanted subcutaneously in vivo in immune-deficient mice, compared to asynchronous proliferating (pre-G0) BMSC. Global gene expression profiling revealed reprogramming of the transcriptome during G0 state including significant alterations in relevant pathways and expression of secreted factors, suggesting altered autocrine and paracrine signaling by G0 state-BMSC and a possible mechanism for enhanced bone formation. G0 state-BMSC might provide a clinically relevant model for understanding the in vivo biology of BMSC. Keywords: Quiescence (G0), BMSC, Transcriptome, Suspension culture, Adhesion, Substrate stiffness, Cell cycle, Osteoblastic differentiation, Reprogramming

Summary: RNA polymerase II transcripts receive a protective 5ʹ,5ʹ-triphosphate-linked 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap, and its removal by decapping enzymes like DCP2 is critical for initiation of RNA decay. Alternative RNA caps can be acquired when transcription initiation uses metabolites like nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), generating NAD-RNAs. Here, we identify human NUDT12 as a cytosolic NAD-RNA decapping enzyme. NUDT12 is active only as homodimers, with each monomer contributing to creation of the two functional catalytic pockets. We identify an ∼600-kDa dodecamer complex between bleomycin hydrolase (BLMH) and NUDT12, with BLMH being required for localization of NUDT12 to a few discrete cytoplasmic granules that are distinct from P-bodies. Both proteins downregulate gene expression when artificially tethered to a reporter RNA in vivo. Furthermore, loss of Nudt12 results in a significant upregulation of circadian clock transcripts in mouse liver. Overall, our study points to a physiological role for NUDT12 in the cytosolic surveillance of NAD-RNAs. : Wu et al. identify NUDT12 as a decapping enzyme for NAD-capped RNAs and demonstrate a role for the enzyme in regulation of circadian clock transcripts in mice. They reveal the existence of a BLMH-NUDT12 complex that facilitates localization of NUDT12 to distinct cytoplasmic granules. Keywords: human NUDT12, BLMH, NAD-RNA, m7G, RNA decay, deNADding, circadian clock

Summary: PIWI proteins and their associated small RNAs, called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), restrict transposon activity in animal gonads to ensure fertility. Distinct biogenesis pathways load piRNAs into the PIWI proteins MILI and MIWI2 in the mouse male embryonic germline. While most MILI piRNAs are derived via a slicer-independent pathway, MILI slicing loads MIWI2 with a series of phased piRNAs. Tudor domain-containing 12 (TDRD12) and its interaction partner Exonuclease domain-containing 1 (EXD1) are required for loading MIWI2, but only Tdrd12 is essential for fertility, leaving us with no explanation for the physiological role of Exd1. Using an artificial piRNA precursor, we demonstrate that MILI-triggered piRNA biogenesis is greatly reduced in the Exd1 mutant. The situation deteriorates in the sensitized Exd1 mutant (Exd1−/−;Tdrd12+/−), where diminished MIWI2 piRNA levels de-repress LINE1 retrotransposons, leading to infertility. Thus, EXD1 enhances MIWI2 piRNA biogenesis via a functional interaction with TDRD12. : Pandey et al. demonstrate that EXD1 functionally partners with TDRD12 in the biogenesis of nuclear piRNAs, which is essential for transposon suppression and fertility in mice. Keywords: EXD1, TDRD12, PIWI, MIWI2, MILI, piRNA, L1ORF1p, LINE1, tRF, MVH

Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. petals have an impressive range of medicinal uses and are edible with high nutritional value. In the present study, the anti-diabetic potential of Hibiscus was evaluated. HPLC-DAD and LCMS analyses of ethyl acetate fraction of Hibiscus (EHRS) revealed the presence of eight potent phytochemicals. Anti-diabetic effect was evaluated by the intra-gastric administration of EHRS at the dose of 25 mg/kg body weight in streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetic rats and compared with metformin. Streptozotocin-induced alterations of blood glucose, glycated haemoglobin, toxicity markers and antioxidant defence system were normalised by EHRS administration. EHRS significantly modulated the expressions of marker genes involved in diabetic stress signalling pathway, such as NF-κB, P38MAPK, AKT, PI3K and Nrf2. The histopathological studies of liver reinforce our findings. The overall effect was comparable with metformin. The study reveals the efficacy of Hibiscus as a potent source of phytochemicals in ameliorating diabetic complications.

PIWI proteins and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) mediate repression of transposons in the animal gonads. Primary processing converts long single-stranded RNAs into ∼30-nt piRNAs, but their entry into the biogenesis pathway is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that an RNA element at the 5′ end of a piRNA cluster—which we termed piRNA trigger sequence (PTS)—can induce primary processing of any downstream sequence. We propose that such signals are triggers for the generation of the original pool of piRNAs. We also demonstrate that endonucleolytic cleavage of a transcript by a cytosolic PIWI results in its entry into primary processing, which triggers the generation of non-overlapping, contiguous primary piRNAs in the 3′ direction from the target transcript. These piRNAs are loaded into a nuclear PIWI, thereby linking cytoplasmic post-transcriptional silencing to nuclear transcriptional repression.

Scrotal leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor arising from the dartos layer of the scrotum presenting as firm, rubbery, non-tender, irregular mass. To date about 37 cases of leiomyosarcoma of scrotum have so far been reported. Treatment involves wide surgical excision with tumor free margins. We report a case of scrotal leiomyosarcoma in a 48-year-old man which was treated by a wide surgical excision and follow up of 14 months showed no recurrence of tumor.

Estimation of maximum local scour at the pier site is necessary for safety and economy of the designed bridge. Numerous formulae are available for predicting maximum local scour depth at the pier site. Almost all of these formulae were developed based on laboratory data. Validation of these formulae using field data is necessary to recommend the formulae with a reasonable estimation. In this study, four formulae were selected for validation process using field data recorded from bridges subjected to scour in Pakistan, Canada and India and the data obtained from Qadar [7]. The selected formulae which were used for validation process had been proposed by Colorado State University (CSU), Melville and Sutherland, Jain and Fisher, and Lauren and Toch. Three statistical tests were carried out to determine the formulae equation with minimum prediction errors. They were mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and Theil’s Coefficient (TC). The statistical tests showed that error in the prediction of maximum local scour depth using CSU formula was minimum compared to the errors in the prediction of the other three formulae. For CSU formula, the computed values of MAE, RMSE and TC were found to be 0.11, 0.93 and 1.24 respectively. Keywords: Bridge, Local scour, Field data, Formulae, Validation

Primary renal synovial sarcoma is a rare tumor having a specific chromosomal translocation t(X; 18) (p11.2; q11.2). The clinical features of this tumor and radiologic appearances are quite similar to those of renal cell carcinoma. Confirmatory diagnosis requires fluorescent in situ hybridization or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction validation for differentiating the tumors from sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma. We present a case of primary renal synovial sarcoma that was diagnosed in a middle-aged man.

Infections in acute liver failure (ALF) increase the associated morbidity and mortality, and often hamper the possibility of transplantation. Two-thirds of the infections in ALF are bacterial while one-third is fungal. High suspicion for infection is essential whenever there is clinical deterioration. Multi-drug resistant infections are frequently encountered with prolonged ICU stay, invasive lines, ventilation and renal replacement therapy. Since most of the infections in ALF are nosocomial, prevention of infections is crucial by infection control practices in the ICU. Although markers such as CRP, procalcitonin (for bacterial infections), 1,3-beta-D glucan, and galactomannan (fungal infections) aid in the diagnosis, the gold standard is blood culture. Therapy for respiratory infections must be based on BAL or mini-BAL culture. In this article, we discuss the common infections occurring in ALF, methods for early diagnosis and recommended prophylactic, pre-emptive as well as therapeutic options for treating infections in ALF., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The relationship between structural properties and functional characteristics of starch remains a hot subject among researchers. The crystalline property is a substantial characteristic of starch granules, undergoing different changes during modification techniques. These changes are closely related to the functional properties of modified starches. Physical modifications are eco-friendly techniques and are widely adopted for starch modifications. Therefore, understanding the impact of changes in crystalline properties during different physical modifications on starch functionality is the ultimate way to improve their industrial utilization. However, the existing literature still lacks the elucidation of changes in functional properties of starch in accordance with its crystalline properties during different physical treatments. Hence, this review summarizes the effects of the most important and widely used physical modifications on starch crystalline properties, highlighting the alterations in various functional properties such as hydration, pasting, gelatinization, and in vitro digestibility resulting from changes in crystalline characteristics in a single comprehensive discussion. Furthermore, the current review gives direction for envisaging the functionalization of starches based on deviations in the crystalline properties during several physical treatments., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The emergence of sustainable polymers and technologies has led to the development of innovative materials with minimal carbon emissions which find extensive applications in wearable electronics, biomedical sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based monitoring systems. Nanocellulose which can be generated from abundant biomass materials has been widely recognized as a sustainable alternative for a diverse range of applications due to its remarkable properties and eco-friendly nature. By making use of the unique and easily accessible coordination transformation property of Co(II) ions and associated visible light absorption changes, we report a novel Co(II) cation-incorporated nanocellulose/malonic acid hybrid aerogel material that exhibits reversible thermochromism induced by thermal stimulus in the presence of atmospheric moisture. This effect is accentuated by the highly porous nature of the nanocellulose aerogel material we have developed. Besides the reversible thermochromic property which Co(II) ions exhibit, the metal ions act as very efficient reinforcing units contributing significantly to the structural stability and rigidity of the hierarchical aerogels by coordinative cross-linking through carboxylate moieties present in the TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TCNF) and additionally adding malonic acid to provide sufficient COO - for cross-linking. Thorough characterization and detailed investigation of as-prepared hybrid aerogels was conducted to evaluate their overall properties including reversible thermochromism and moisture sensor behaviour. Further, an Android mobile-based application was developed to demonstrate the real-world application of the aerogels for atmospheric humidity sensing., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors do not declare any competing financial interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Flue gases are the gases which are produced from industries related to chemical manufacturing, petrol refineries, power plants and ore processing plants. Along with other pollutants, sulfur present in the flue gas is detrimental to the environment. Therefore, environmentalists are concerned about its removal and recovery of resources from flue gases due to its activation ability in the atmosphere to transform into toxic substances. This review is aimed at a critical assessment of the techniques developed for resource recovery from flue gases. The manuscript discusses various bioreactors used in resource recovery such as hollow fibre membrane reactor, rotating biological contractor, sequential batch reactor, fluidized bed reactor, entrapped cell bioreactor and hybrid reactors. In conclusion, this manuscript provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of thermotolerant and thermophilic microbes in sulfur removal. Additionally, it evaluates the efficacy of a multi-enzyme engineered bioreactor in this process. Furthermore, the study introduces a groundbreaking sustainable model for elemental sulfur recovery, offering promising prospects for environmentally-friendly and economically viable sulfur removal techniques in various industrial applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Abstract: Assessment of measurable residual disease (MRD) by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is strongly prognostic in patients with NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with intensive chemotherapy; however, there are no data regarding its utility in venetoclax-based nonintensive therapy, despite high efficacy in this genotype. We analyzed the prognostic impact of NPM1 MRD in an international real-world cohort of 76 previously untreated patients with NPM1-mutated AML who achieved complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete hematological recovery following treatment with venetoclax and hypomethylating agents (HMAs) or low-dose cytarabine (LDAC). A total of 44 patients (58%) achieved bone marrow (BM) MRD negativity, and a further 14 (18%) achieved a reduction of ≥4 log10 from baseline as their best response, with no difference between HMAs and LDAC. The cumulative rates of BM MRD negativity by the end of cycles 2, 4, and 6 were 25%, 47%, and 50%, respectively. Patients achieving BM MRD negativity by the end of cycle 4 had 2-year overall of 84% compared with 46% if MRD was positive. On multivariable analyses, MRD negativity was the strongest prognostic factor. A total of 22 patients electively stopped therapy in BM MRD-negative remission after a median of 8 cycles, with 2-year treatment-free remission of 88%. In patients with NPM1-mutated AML attaining remission with venetoclax combination therapies, NPM1 MRD provides valuable prognostic information., (© 2024 American Society of Hematology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.)

Background: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) of childhood is a rare and devastating infection-associated acute encephalopathy. While there are no consensus treatments for ANE, recent case reports suggest a beneficial role for the use of tocilizumab, a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. The correlation of the timing of add-on tocilizumab in relation to long-term outcome has not been reported., Methods: We report on the timing of administration of tocilizumab in two patients classified as high-risk using the ANE severity score (ANE-SS) with respect to the long-term outcome at 2 years., Results: Case 1 was a 19-month-old previously well boy who presented to a tertiary children's hospital with seizures, evolving status dystonicus and shock. Case 2 was a three-year-old boy who presented to a peripheral hospital with fever, sepsis and encephalopathy. The patients were transferred to the tertiary intensive care unit and MRI confirmed ANE with extensive brainstem involvement. Case 1 received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), methylprednisolone and tocilizumab at 21, 39 and 53 h respectively. His modified Rankin scale (mRS) at discharge and two years was unchanged at 5. The functional independence measure - for children (WeeFIM) at two years was very low (19/126). Case 2 received dexamethasone at 1 h, methylprednisolone at 21 h and IVIg and tocilizumab at 22 h. The mRS at discharge and two years was 4 and 3 respectively. The WeeFIM score at two years showed substantial improvement (96/126)., Conclusion: The very early use of interleukin-6 blockade as 'add-on' immunotherapy in the first 24 h demonstrates potential for improving the long-term outcome in patients classified as high-risk using the ANE-SS., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: [Dr Michelle Farrar is the recipient of a National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia Investigator grant (APP1194940), but we have no conflicts of interest to disclose.], (Copyright © 2023 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)