Search Results (10,161)

CO₂ injection success hinges on the injectivity index, a major determinant of storage feasibility. This study develops a machine learning (ML)-driven framework optimized for CO₂ injectivity prediction, benchmarking its robustness and real-world applicability against an empirical correlation developed in the literature. The framework is applied to the Entrada Formation in the San Juan Basin, a laterally extensive sandstone unit with limited structural complexity across most of the basin, except for localized uplift in the Hogback region. A numerical model was calibrated to perform sensitivity analysis to identify the dominant parameters influencing injectivity. A dataset of these parameters generated through experimental design informs the development of several ML-based proxies and the best model is selected based on error metrics. These metrics include coefficient of determination (R²), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean squared error (MSE). The effective permeability-thickness product was obtained by the Peaceman’s well model, fractional flow slope, and Dykstra–Parsons coefficient were identified as the most influential parameters impacting the objective function. Train–test and blind test validation identified the Ridge model as the best, achieving an R² ≈ 0.994. The Ridge model which was used to map the Entrada Formation closely matches field-based correlations in the literature, confirming both its physical validity and the Entrada Formation’s strong injectivity potential, with slight deviations explained by the inclusion of additional parameters. This study reduces dependence on computationally intensive simulations while improving prediction accuracy. By benchmarking against established correlations, it enhances model reliability across diverse reservoir conditions. The proposed framework enables rapid, data-driven well placement and feasibility evaluations, streamlining decision-making for CO₂ storage projects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diets have been associated with reduced cardiovascular risk and enhanced overall health. However, nutrition education in medical training remains limited. This study evaluated an experiential WFPB intervention known as the “Plant Plunge.” Methods: A total of 64 medical student participants attended weekly one-hour nutrition seminars on campus led by a local nonprofit, received complimentary WFPB lunches, and were encouraged to eat a WFPB diet for four weeks. Semi-structured interviews explored program perceptions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured nutrition knowledge, and a post-program survey assessed attitudes toward the intervention. Results: We analyzed a total of 14 interviews, 25 pre- and post-intervention knowledge assessments, and 49 post-intervention surveys. Qualitative analysis identified seven major themes: (1) improved physical health outcomes; (2) increased awareness of nutrition’s role in medicine; (3) concerns about feasibility and accessibility of WFPB diets; (4) personal empowerment and behavioral change; (5) educational value of seminars; (6) social engagement and peer support; and (7) relevance to future clinical practice. Mean scores on the knowledge assessment significantly improved from 73.3% to 87.0% (p = 0.045) following the Plant Plunge. Survey responses revealed that 65% of participants agreed that they increased knowledge of food ingredients, 54% indicated increased likelihood of selecting plant-based options, and 43% agreed that finding WFPB foods was easy, with 16% disagreeing. Conclusions: The Plant Plunge improved medical students’ nutrition knowledge, dietary attitudes, and perceived readiness for lifestyle counseling while offering an experiential model of nutrition education. Short, experiential nutrition programs may serve as scalable approaches to strengthen nutrition training and support chronic disease prevention. Full article

This review explores how DNA folds into 3D higher-order chromatin structures that regulate gene activity. It highlights how epigenetic mechanisms and architectural proteins work together to shape the dynamic chromatin folding while allowing structural flexibility based on cellular needs. Disruption of these folding patterns leads to aberrant gene regulation, contributing to cancer, aging-related disorders, and certain congenital conditions. We emphasize specific genomic regions and epigenetic modulators that act as regulatory hubs for 3D organization, which could serve as promising biomarkers or therapeutic targets for cancer. Overall, it underscores the importance of a deeper understanding of DNA’s large-scale 3D architecture for advancing precision medicine and developing novel diagnostic approaches for cancer and other human diseases. Full article

As bispecific T-cell engagers (TCEs) gain traction in the oncology treatment landscape, cancer centres must develop robust clinical pathways to ensure their safe and efficient delivery. Given the limited experience of the Canadian medical oncology community with TCEs, collecting and publishing early clinical experiences with these novel agents will be essential to inform best practices and support their safe and effective adoption across the broader Canadian oncology community. The approval of tarlatamab, the first-in-class delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3)-targeted TCE for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), underscores the importance of sharing early clinical experience with this agent, particularly given its unique safety profile, specific monitoring requirements, and use in a population that often has multiple comorbidities. Like other TCEs, tarlatamab is associated with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), adverse events (AEs) that necessitate the development of dedicated protocols by medical oncologists and multidisciplinary inpatient and outpatient clinical teams to ensure prompt recognition and management of these associated toxicities. By sharing insights into administration protocols, dose ramp-up procedures, post-cycle 1 monitoring, and AE management strategies implemented at their centres, early adopters of tarlatamab can help other institutions develop and refine their own protocols more efficiently. Lessons learned during the early implementation phase, including the roles of various healthcare providers and the transition from inpatient to outpatient care, should facilitate the smoother integration of tarlatamab and other TCEs for solid tumours into clinical pathways across Canada. Full article

Prostate cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in men. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a robust biomarker that is expressed in approximately 80% of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer; several theranostic strategies have emerged based upon targeting this biomarker. This report describes a dimeric aptamer complex (DAC) which is selective for PSMA⁺ cancer cells and is amenable to derivatization with additional diagnostic and therapeutic molecules. Confocal microscopy confirmed the selective nature of the DAC for PSMA⁺ LNCAP tumor cells. In addition, the affinity of the DAC for the PSMA protein was determined to be 2.16 ± 0.15 nM using biolayer interferometry (BLI). In proof-of-principle studies, this DAC was biotinylated (BioDAC; A10), complexed with streptavidin (SA), and radiolabeled with the positron-emitting radioisotope zirconium-89 (⁸⁹Zr: t_½ = 78.4 h, β⁺: 22.8%) to form the radiopharmaceutical [⁸⁹Zr]Zr-Df-SA-BioDAC ([⁸⁹Zr]Zr-A12). Acute biodistribution studies revealed elevated levels of radioactivity in PSMA⁺ tumors when compared to PSMA^- tumors. Radioactivity retention in the kidney was high due to the presence of streptavidin, while radioactivity retention in the liver was comparable with that of other radiolabeled aptamer complexes. Accordingly, the data suggests that the radiopharmaceutical will need to be redesigned using a strategy that is not reliant on a biotin–streptavidin paradigm before additional preclinical assessments are made and clinical translation can be attempted. Full article

Background: Anatomical lung resection is performed in cancer patients with severe emphysema who may also benefit from lung volume reduction (LVR). However, anatomical lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for emphysema alone is uncommon. This study compares the outcomes of anatomical and traditional LVRS. Methods: Patients undergoing surgery for emphysema were retrospectively analysed. They were grouped as anatomical LVRS (A-LVRS) and traditional LVRS (T-LVRS) patients. Various outcomes were compared between groups. Results: Thirty-three (33) patients were divided into A-LVRS (14) and T-LVRS (19) groups. The mean age was 62.1 ± 8.8 and 17 (51.5%) were females. Demographic and preoperative variables were similar between these groups. Overall complications, length of stay (LOS), critical care complex (CCC) re-admission, CCC-LOS and hospital re-admissions were similar. Drain stay duration was shorter in the A-LVRS vs. the T-LVRS group (6.4 vs. 12.6 days, respectively, p = 0.042) and air leak-related complications were also fewer in the A-LVRS group (21.4% vs. 57.9%, respectively, p = 0.036). Reduction in the COPD assessment test was greater in the A-LVRS vs. T-LVRS group (17 vs. 7.8, p = 0.045). Forced expiratory volume 1 s (FEV₁) was improved by 8.25% in the A-LVRS vs. 2.9% in the T-LVRS group (p = 0.049). The lung transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TLCO) increased by 7.9% in the A-LVRS group versus a decrease of −1.01% in the T-LVRS group (p = 0.031). More lung volume was removed in the A-LVRS vs. the T-LVRS group (1625.4 vs. 352.4 cm³, p = 0.035). In-hospital/30-day/90-day deaths and long-term survival were similar. Conclusions: Anatomical LVRS is safe and may provide better outcomes in selected parameters compared with traditional LVRS. Full article

Fungi are a critical component of microbial biomass in agricultural soils, but their distribution across soil depths under different cover crops remains poorly understood. We used high-throughput sequencing of fungal ITS1 amplicons to characterize fungal communities across four soils depths (0–2, 2–4, 4–10, and 10–20 cm) in experimental field plots under four cover crop treatments: winter fallow reference (REF), cereal rye (CRYE), wild pennycress (WPEN), and a mixture of pea, crimson clover, radish, and oat (PCRO). There was no significant interaction between soil depth and cover crop treatment on both alpha diversity and beta diversity. CRYE and PCRO cover crops had low abundance of Fusarium, a genus including many important plant pathogens, and different fungal community composition relative to REF. Fungal diversity was significantly higher at 4–10 cm compared to 0–2 cm depth, but fungal richness was not affected by soil depth. Fungal community composition differed significantly between 0–4 and 10–20 cm soil depths. The relative abundance of Mortierella and unclassified Basidiomycota increased with increasing soil depth while that of Calvatia, Cryptococcus, Fusarium, and Idriella decreased with increasing soil depth. Most fungal taxa were assigned to more than one guild, but the few taxa that were classified as strict saprophytes decreased with increasing soil depth while those classified as strict symbionts increased with increasing soil depth. These differences were associated with low pH and high content of OM, K, S, P, and Zn in the topsoil layer compared to the deeper soil layer. The findings may inform the development of targeted soil management practices to promote beneficial fungi, but additional studies covering multiple study sites and sampling dates are needed for clarity. Full article

The sustainable management of brewer’s spent grain (BSG) is critical for advancing circular bioeconomy strategies in the brewing industry; however, its efficient conversion to bioenergy remains limited by lignocellulosic recalcitrance. In this study, subcritical water hydrolysis (SWH) is systematically evaluated under mild conditions as an environmentally friendly pretreatment to simultaneously enhance the solubilization of carbohydrates and proteins and improve the anaerobic digestion (AD) performance of BSG. Under relatively low-severity conditions (130 °C, 15 MPa), SWH promoted extensive depolymerization of BSG, releasing up to 146 mg g⁻¹ of total reducing sugars and 18 mg albumin g⁻¹ of soluble proteins, while generating organic acids that influenced hydrolysate pH. Unlike previous studies that primarily focused on solid BSG digestion or high-severity pretreatments, this work directly compares the biomethane potential of SWH-derived hydrolysate and solid BSG under controlled BMP assays. The hydrolysate supported stable microbial activity and efficient degradation of volatile fatty acids, achieving a maximum methane yield of 712 L CH₄ kg⁻¹ TVS, significantly exceeding the yield obtained at 12.5% solid BSG loading (469 L CH₄ kg⁻¹ TVS). These results demonstrate that mild SWH substantially enhances BSG biodegradability and methane recovery while revealing critical trade-offs between organic loading, conversion efficiency, and process stability. Overall, this study provides new process-level insights into the integrated use of SWH and AD for BSG valorization, positioning SWH as a scalable, low-chemical, and sustainable pretreatment strategy for maximizing renewable biogas production from agro-industrial residues. Full article

Background/Objectives: Serratia liquefaciens is a bacterium commonly found in the rhizosphere and may possess PGPR capabilities. The present study aimed to elucidate the genomic, phylogenomic, and metabolic characteristics of S. liquefaciens strain UNJFSC002 to determine whether it is an effective PGPR. Methods: The genome of strain UNJFSC002 was obtained from NCBI and annotated using Prokka. Functional genome prediction, phylogenetic reconstruction, and comparative genomics were performed using bioinformatics tools. A GEM model was reconstructed to simulate metabolic fluxes associated with nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and phytohormone biosynthesis. Computational phenotyping and in silico functional validation were also performed. Results: The draft genome (5.19 Mb, GC 55.33%) contained 4792 protein-coding genes, 4 rRNAs, and 81 tRNAs, with 100% completeness. ANI and core genome phylogeny confirmed its taxonomic position within S. liquefaciens, with an identity higher than 98.8%. Pangenome analysis of 25 Serratia genomes revealed an open and highly dynamic pangenome (30,515 orthologous groups), indicating extensive genetic plasticity. Functional annotation identified key genes associated with nitrogen and phosphate acquisition, as well as the biosynthesis of IAA and GABA, findings that were supported by GEM simulations, reinforcing its potential as a biofertilizer. Conclusions: The genomic approach confirmed that strain UNJFSC002 harbors multiple active genes and metabolic pathways associated with plant growth promotion and environmental resilience. Full article

What does “Big Bang” mean? What was the actual origin of these two words? There are many aspects hidden under this name, which are seldom explained. They are discussed here. To frame the analysis, help will be sought from the highly authoritative voices of two exceptional writers: William Shakespeare and Umberto Eco. Both have explored the tension existing between words and the realities they name. And this includes names given to outstanding theorems and spectacular discoveries, too. Stigler’s law of eponymy is recalled in this context. These points will be at the heart of the quest here, concerning the concept of “Big Bang”, which only a few people know what it means, actually. Fred Hoyle was the first to pronounce these words, in a BBC radio program, with a meaning that was later called inflation. But listeners were left with the image he was trying to destroy: the explosion of Lemaître’s primeval atom (an absolutely wrong concept). Hoyle’s Steady State will be carefully compared with inflation cosmology. They are quite different, and yet, in both cases, the possibility of creating matter/energy out of expanding space is rooted in the same fundamental principles: those of General Relativity. As is also, the possibility of having a universe with zero total energy, anticipated by R.C. Tolman, in 1934 already. It will be shown, how to obtain accelerated expansion from negative pressure; how to reconcile energy conservation with matter creation in an expanding universe; and a curious relation between de Sitter spacetime and Steady State cosmology. Concerning the naming issue, it will be remarked that, today, the same label “Big Bang” is used in very different contexts: (a) the Big Bang Singularity; (b) as the equivalent of cosmic inflation; (c) speaking of the Big Bang cosmological model; (d) to name a very popular TV program; and more. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition with an increasing life expectancy in recent years. As a result, addressing psychosocial aspects in this population has become an increasingly important concern. This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to update the current knowledge on the psychosocial aspects of living with CF in adults. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was conducted in November 2024 across several databases, including Scopus, ScienceDirect, Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, Supplemental Index, Complementary Index, APA PsycInfo, Business Source Complete, SciELO, and the Directory of Open Access Journals via EBSCO. Results: Of the 701 articles retrieved, 24 were analyzed, including a total of 2023 participants (mean age: 31.2 years; 57.2% female). Quantitative findings identified optimistic coping as the most frequent strategy associated with improved survival. High social support and gratitude emerged as key factors for treatment adherence and quality of life, while depression remained the primary mental health concern. Qualitatively, the findings highlighted concerns with adult life transitions and financial stressors. Participants described experiences of social stigma and embarrassment linked to chronic symptoms, often leading to selective disclosure to avoid discrimination. Conclusions: This review confirms that psychosocial factors are central to the adult CF experience, shifting the focus beyond biological survival and highlighting areas that require clinical intervention. As life expectancy increases, clinical care must evolve to incorporate interventions that address these factors to improve mental health and overall quality of life (QoL), ensuring that patients are supported through the unique challenges of extended adulthood. Full article

Restorative justice within the juvenile justice system has gained increasing attention as an alternative to punitive approaches, particularly in relation to the social reintegration of adolescents in conflict with the law, while complementary interventions such as music therapy are often implemented to support emotional regulation, social skills, and personal development within restorative contexts. This observational, cross-sectional study examined the associations between restorative justice practices, participation in music therapy, and indicators of social reintegration among 317 adolescents involved in restorative programs in Peru. Data were collected using a structured survey composed of ordinal-scale items assessing dimensions of restorative practices, engagement in music therapy, and perceived social reintegration, with the instrument demonstrating satisfactory internal consistency. Statistical associations were analysed using Somers’ d, a non-parametric measure appropriate for assessing ordinal associations in observational research. The results revealed statistically significant and directionally consistent associations between restorative justice practices and social reintegration outcomes, as well as positive associations between participation in music therapy and higher levels of reported social reintegration. These findings should be interpreted in light of the study’s cross-sectional design and non-probability sampling strategy, which limit causal inference and generalizability. While the results are consistent with the potential relevance of integrating music-based activities within restorative contexts, future research employing experimental or longitudinal designs is required to examine causal mechanisms and long-term effects and to further clarify the role of therapeutic interventions in supporting the social reintegration of justice-involved adolescents. Full article

The study of human skeletal remains from historic contexts is uniquely positioned to explore inequality over time by linking the underlying sociocultural factors that enforce marginalization with lived experiences and health outcomes. We analyzed mortality rates among historic individuals of low socioeconomic status from a documented human skeletal collection, to examine how culture and identity become biologically embodied. Because pre-existing health conditions affect mortality risk, we examined whether individuals with short stature experienced earlier mortality. Kaplan–Meier analyses and log rank tests indicated significant differences in survivorship over time and among social race groups, indicating that African American individuals showed significantly higher mortality, but no sex differences were observed within population groups. Logistic regressions tested for the effects of age-at-death, combined sex and population group, and birthdate on the outcome of bone length. Age and birthdate were not significant, suggesting no relationship between short stature and age-at-death, which also did not change over time. However, odds ratios indicated fewer African Americans were surviving up to adulthood. While many individuals in the collection likely suffered some poverty and marginalization, survivorship was significantly worse for African Americans. The likely effects of systematic racism resulting in further socioeconomic marginalization significantly affected the health of the African American community. Full article

Peach yield production prediction models are little known worldwide. This gap can be filled by combining machine learning techniques and well-documented databases. The aims of this study are: (i) to assess the effect of different prediction variable inputs applied to peach yield prediction models adopted to peach trees grown in orchards under different subtropical climate; (ii) to test the prediction accuracy performance of models calibrated through different machine learning methods; and (iii) to quantify the relevance of peach trees’ yield predictor variables. A database (soil and leaf nutrient content, climatic and plant variables) with information from 208 peach trees (Prunus persica) in production, belonging to the cultivars ‘Maciel’ and ‘Chimarrita’ grown in Southern Brazil, was used. The models were developed by using three machine learning methods: Radom Forest, Multiple Linear Regression, and Support Vector Machine. We demonstrate that the calibration of the models was affected by machine learning method as well as by different predictor variable inputs. The model Random Forest showed the greatest potential to predict peach yield. The variable presenting the greatest relevance to explain peach yield variations was ‘hours of chilling’, which was followed by K and N content in leaves and mean temperature, which recorded relevance of >55%. Full article

Purpose: To develop a transparent and adaptable methodological framework for the analysis of microsatellite status using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), addressing current limitations in clinical implementation. Methods: Microsatellite status was assessed using NGS with a custom-designed panel. The approach was validated against polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) results in a cohort of 32 patients with various tumor entities. A Python-based analysis pipeline was developed to process raw sequencing data and quantify mutational burden within microsatellite regions. Results: The proposed method demonstrated 100% concordance with PCR and 90.32% concordance with IHC results. The framework enabled quantitative assessment of microsatellite instability. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study demonstrates reliable determination of microsatellite status. The transparent and panel-adaptable framework offers flexibility for clinical implementation and provides a robust foundation for further validation in larger cohorts and across diverse tumor entities. Full article