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Membrane distillation has gained significant interest as a promising technology for treating high-salt wastewater. However, membranes with large and nonuniform pore structures are prone to wetting, which compromises their salt rejection efficiency. In this study, a highly uniform porous poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) membrane was designed and prepared through the mixed solvent phase separation (MSPS) method, which was utilized in direct contact membrane distillation to treat salt concentration solutions as high as 5.85 wt%. The results showed 13 % polymer concentration, 26 % octane concentration, and 90 s of cooling duration exhibited an optimal structure with an average pore size of 53 ± 3 nm, a surface porosity of 24.79 %, and a liquid entry pressure (LEP) value of 3.5 bar. The optimum MSPS PVDF-HFP membrane demonstrated a vapor flux of 27 kg m−2 h−1 and high salt rejection (more than 99.94 %), superior than that of the controlled NIPS membrane with nonuniform pore sizes and lower surface porosity. This desalination performance is comparable with the commercial PTFE membrane (99.68 %, 29 kg m−2 h−1) featuring an order of magnitude higher pore sizes and greater LEP. Importantly, the MSPS PVDF-HFP membrane maintained its high performance over the duration of a long-term experiment (>140 h). [Display omitted] • Uniformly porous PVDF-HFP membranes were prepared via the MSPS method. • An average pore size of 53 ± 3 nm and a surface porosity of 24.79 % were observed. • A vapor flux of 27 kg m2 h−1 with more than 99.94 % salt rejection was achieved. • The optimum membrane achieves comparable performance to the commercial membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the safety and efficacy of once-daily tacrolimus (ODT) versus twice-daily tacrolimus (BDT) in adult live donor liver transplantation (LDLT). In this open-labelled randomized trial, 174 adult patients undergoing LDLT were randomized into ODT or BDT, combined with basiliximab induction and mycophenolate mofetil (steroid-free regimen). Tacrolimus was started at a total dose of 1 mg and the trough level was aimed at 3–7 ng/ml. The primary endpoint was eGFR at 1,3- and 6 months post-transplant, using CKD- EPI equation. Secondary endpoints included biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), metabolic complications, post-operative bilio-vascular complications and patient survival. There was no statistically significant difference in eGFR between the two groups at 6 months (ODT –96 ± 19, BDT –91 ± 21, p value-0.164). BPAR was comparable (18/84 in ODT, 19/88 in BDT, p value-0.981). For a similar dosage of tacrolimus, the median trough tacrolimus levels attained were significantly lower for ODT than BDT during the first-month post-transplant (p value-0.001). Metabolic complications due to immunosuppression, post-operative bilio-vascular complications and patient survival was similar between the two groups at 6 months. Once-daily tacrolimus has similar renal safety and efficacy as twice-daily tacrolimus when used in combination with basiliximab induction and mycophenolate in adult LDLT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The effect of a common polymorphism in the Growth Hormone (GH) receptor (d3-GHR) gene on growth, metabolism and body composition was examined in short children born small for gestational age (SGA) on GH treatment. Design In 96 prepubertal, short SGA children treated with high-dose GH (67 μg/kg/day) in the NESGAS study, insulin sensitivity (IS), insulin secretion and disposition index (DI) were determined during the first year of treatment. Body composition was analysed by DXA. The d3-GHR locus was determined by simple multiplex PCR. Results At baseline, children in the d3-GHR group (d3/fl (n = 37), d3/d3 (n = 7)) had significantly lower IS (median (25–75 percentile)) (223.3% (154.4–304.8)) vs. (269.7% (185.1–356.7)) (p = 0.03) and higher concentrations of glucose (mean (SD)) (4.4 mmol/L (0.6) vs. 4.2 mmol/L (0.7)) (p = 0.03), C-peptide (232.1 pmol/L (168.8–304.1) vs. 185.1 pmol/L (137.7–253.9)) (p = 0.04) and insulin (19.2 pmol/L (11.8–32.2)) vs. (13.7 pmol/L (9.3–20.8)) (p = 0.04) compared to children homozygous for the full length allele (fl/fl-GHR (n = 52)). There were no differences in DI or insulin secretion. Postnatal, spontaneous growth was significantly greater in the d3-GHR group compared to the fl/fl-GHR group (p = 0.02). There were no significant differences in growth response, body composition or metabolism after one year of GH therapy. Conclusion Short SGA children carrying the d3-GHR polymorphism had increased spontaneous growth, lower IS and a compensatory increase in glucose, C-peptide and insulin before GH therapy compared to children homozygous for the full-length allele. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrafiltration (UF) is a promising membrane process to remove surfactant-stabilized oil emulsions from produced water (PW). However, UF membranes prepared by conventional methods have suffered from low permeate flux and are susceptible to fouling due to the sparsity of pores on the surface. In this study, we used our recently developed mixed solvent phase separation (MSPS) method to fabricate a highly porous poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane for the treatment of produced water. The prepared MSPS PVDF membrane showed an asymmetric high-porous structure with a surface porosity of 23.66% and a narrow pore size distribution of 40 ± 19 nm. The MSPS PVDF membrane showed almost complete oil removal and high oily water permeance above 300 L m−2 h−1·bar−1 even after 72 h of continuous testing, which is an order of magnitude higher than the commercial PVDF membranes. In addition, the MSPS PVDF membrane showed excellent regeneration and recovery capabilities with a flux recovery ratio of 97% without any chemical cleaning, making the process economically and environmentally more viable. Moreover, we achieved optimal membrane performance without any further surface modification processes. [Display omitted] • High-porous PVDF membranes with 23.7% surface porosity was prepared by MSPS method. • Ultrafiltration of produced water showed flux >300 LMH/Bar even after 75 h. • Excellent antifouling properties with >97% flux recovery and 99.99% TOC removal. • Easy flux recovery by a low-pressure DI water backwash without chemical additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Angiosarcoma is an uncommon high-grade sarcoma in children. Visceral angiosarcoma involving the ovary is extremely rare. Because of the lack of recurrent cytogenetic alterations, histopathological identification of this uncommon tumor in unusual sites like the ovary demands pathologic expertise. Complete surgical resection and radiotherapy are the chief treatment modalities determining survival, with chemotherapy contributing a minor role. Case We discuss a 11-year-old prepubertal girl who presented with primary angiosarcoma of the ovary. Summary and Conclusion Early realization of such exceptional presentations of these tumors is needed to achieve the best treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The terminally-crosslinked sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) block copolymer (SPES-b) was developed for use as a proton exchange membrane in DMFC applications. The properties of the membrane prepared from SPES-b were compared with those of its non-crosslinked counterpart (SPES-bn) and Nafion®-117. The membrane displayed a well-defined morphology due to phase separation between the hydrophobic and hydrophilic ionic units in the SPES-b block copolymer. The terminally-crosslinked SPES-b membrane yielded a high proton conductivity of 0.09 S/cm and a low methanol permeability of 5.3 × 10−8 cm2/s at 20 °C, and the membrane displayed excellent dimensional, mechanical, hydrolytic, and oxidative stabilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An ethyl imidazolium-functionalized poly(arylene ether sulfone) (EI-PES) block copolymer was prepared as a novel anion exchange membrane. The EI-PES polymer was synthesized by polycondensation between the F- and OH-terminated oligomers, followed by benzylic bromination and imidazolium functionalization (homogeneous functionalization). The quaternary ammonium-functionalized PES (QA-PES) was also prepared by heterogeneous functionalization, and the properties were compared with EI-PES. The membrane obtained from EI-PES showed a well-defined phase separated morphology between hydrophobic and hydrophilic ionic units of the block copolymer. An IEC of 1.45 meq/g with hydroxide conductivity of 0.03 S/cm at r.t. was observed for EI-PES. The EI-PES membrane also displayed excellent dimensional, thermal, mechanical and chemical stabilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel terminally crosslinked block SPES-b membrane was prepared using an azide-assisted thermal curing of sulfonated multiblock poly(arylene ether sulfone). The membrane morphologies and conductivities were investigated as a function of temperature. The crosslinked block SPES-b membrane showed higher proton conductivities than Nafion® both at 20°C (0.09S/cm) and 100°C (0.77S/cm). High temperatures induced significant conduction enhancements and morphological changes for SPES-b. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults is a well-established constellation of cardiometabolic risk factors related to obesity, and is associated with an increased risk of development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, paucity of evidence for a unifying pathophysiologic mechanism and lack of a consensus definition until recently have resulted in controversies as to the relevance of the concept in clinical practice. Clustering of the risk factors is increasingly being recognized in children and adolescents with the rising prevalence of childhood obesity. Recent efforts at obtaining normative data of children for the components of MetS and a consensus definition for the use in childhood have enabled easier implementation of the concept in paediatrics. Emerging data from longitudinal cohorts of children points to tracking of these risk factors into adulthood and increased risk of adverse health outcomes in later life. The concept of MetS may help the clinician to focus on relevant risk factors and identify a subgroup of obese children with an increased risk of future complications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CD44 is a cell surface receptor for the extracellular matrix macromolecule hyaluronan. In addition, CD44 mediates the endocytosis of hyaluronan leading to its subsequent degradation within lysosomes. Using model systems of COS-7 and Flp-293 cells, we demonstrate that the association of CD44 with lipid rafts is essential for the endocytosis of hyaluronan but not the extracellular binding. Further, we demonstrate that palmitoylation of CD44 on two highly conserved cysteine residues is essential for the association with lipid rafts as determined by density gradient ultracentrifugation. Mutations of either cysteine residues or pretreatment of cells with the palmitic acid analog 2-bromopalmitate, reduced the [³H]palmitic acid incorporation into CD44 and prevented CD44-lipid rafts association. Preventing CD44 palmitoylation had no effect on the binding of hyaluronan but inhibited hyaluronan internalization. The turnover of the CD44 receptor itself was also affected by blocking its association with lipid rafts. Using cycloheximide to prevent de novo protein synthesis, palmitoylation-deficient cysteine mutants underwent slower turnover from cell surface compared with the palmitoylation-intact wild type, as determined by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. These results indicate that palmitoylation of CD44 is a critical driving determinant to CD44 association with lipid rafts and, concomitantly, the rates of hyaluronan endocytosis and CD44 turnover from cell surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoporous polyethersulfone (PES) membranes with high surface porosity and uniform pore size distribution were prepared by combining the phase separation in NMP/nonane mixed solvent system with the traditional nonsolvent induced phase inversion process. The effects of PES concentration, nonane concentration, evaporation time, casting solution temperature, and varied mixed solvent systems on the porous PES membrane surface morphology were thoroughly investigated and optimized. The optimized nanoporous PES membrane showed a high surface porosity with a uniform pore size of 20 nm, rendering an exceptional molecular weight cut-off of as low as 100 k Dalton. In addition, the membrane exhibited a significant molecular size exclusion with water permeance of 121 LMH bar−1, bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein rejection of 60.1%, and γ-globulin protein rejection of 99.5% at 0.5 bar, respectively, demonstrating the potential of the as-prepared nanoporous PES membrane for application in protein separation. [Display omitted] • PES membranes with high surface porosity were prepared by the MSPS method. • NMP/nonane system demonstrated a UCST phase behavior. • Asymmetric membrane structure was created by combining MSPS with NIPS. • Promising protein separation was demonstrated on PES membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) made from a porous covalent triazine piperazine polymer (CTPP) as filler embedded in poly ether-block-amide (PEBAX® 1657) were studied for the separation of CO 2 /N 2 and CO 2 /CH 4 gas systems. At a loading rate of 0.025 wt%, significant improvement was achieved for both CO 2 permeability (from 53 to 73 barrer) and selectivity (from 51 to 79 for CO 2 /N 2 and from 17 to 25 for CO 2 /CH 4) that were measured at 293 K and 3 bars. Results of FTIR, DSC, WAXS, and SEM revealed a strong interaction between CTPP and PEBAX due to the high density of hydrogen bonding in CTPP, which led to chain rigidification of PEBAX at very low loading rate compared to other literature reported systems. On the other hand, CTPP contains rich nitrogen in the framework, which favourites the adsorption of CO 2 more than N 2 and CH 4. Hence, although the chain rigidification decreased the CO 2 adsorption sites in PEBAX matrix, the intrinsic porosity and high surface area of CTPP compensated the diffusivity and solubility which in turn improved the overall permeability and selectivity at a very low loading rate. CTPP is highly stable in acid, base, and high temperature up to 400 °C. Hence, this novel type material is a very promising filler for preparation of mixed matrix membranes for the separation of CO 2 /N 2 and CO 2 /CH 4 systems. Image 1 • MMMs prepared from a covalent porous polymer filler CTPP in polymer PEBAX. • Strong interactions between CTPP and PEBAX were discovered. • Multiple effects in CTPP/PEBAX MMMs were discovered. • Enhancement in both permeability and selectivity was achieved at very low loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corticosteroids are an integral part of immunosuppression following solid organ transplantation, despite their metabolic complications. We conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of steroid-free immunosuppression following live donor liver transplantation (LDLT). We randomized 104 patients stratified based on pre-transplant diabetic status to either a steroid-free arm (SF-arm) (Basiliximab + Tacrolimus and Azathioprine,n = 52) or Steroid arm (S-Arm) (Steroid + Tacrolimus + Azathioprine,n = 52). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of metabolic complications (new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT), new-onset systemic hypertension after transplant (NOSHT), post-transplant dyslipidemia) within 6 months after transplant. Secondary endpoints included biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) within six months, patient and graft survival at 6 months. The incidence NODAT was significantly higher in S-arm at 3 months (64.5%vs. 28.1%,p-0.004) and 6 months (51.6% vs. 15.6%,p-0.006). Likewise, the incidence of NOSHT (27.8% vs. 4.8%,p-0.01) and hypertriglyceridemia (26.7% vs. 8%,p-0.03) at six months was significantly higher in S-arm. However, there were no differences in BPAR (19.2% vs. 21.2%, p-0.81), time to first rejection (58 vs. 53 days, p-0.78), patient and graft survival (610 vs. 554 days,p- 0.22). Following LDLT, basiliximab induction with tacrolimus and azathioprine maintenance resulted in significantly lower metabolic complications compared to the triple-drug regimen of steroid, tacrolimus, and azathioprine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key challenge is to produce the uniform morphology and regular pore design of inorganic hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) due to involvement of multiple parameters including, fabrication process and materials chemistry. Inorganic HFMs required technical innovations via novel structural design and artificial intelligence (AI) to produce the uniform structure and regular pore design. Therefore, this review aims at critical analysis on the most recent and relevant approaches to tackle the issues related to tune the morphology and pore design of inorganic HFMs. Structural design and evaluation of routes towards the dope suspension, spinning, and sintering of inorganic HFMs are critically analysed. AI, driving forces and challenges involved for harnessing of materials are revealed in this review. AI programs used for the prediction of pore design and performance of HFMs have also been explained in this review. Overall, this review will provide the understanding to build the equilibrium in spinning and sintering processes to control the design of micro-channels, and structural properties of inorganic HFMs. This review has great significance to control the new design of membranes via AI programs. This review also explain the inorganic membrane efficiency as algal-bioreactor. [Display omitted] • A key challenge is to produce the regular pore design of inorganic membranes. • Membranes required novel structural design and AI to produce regular pore design. • Fabrication process and materials chemistry controls the structural design of membranes. • Equilibrium in spinning processes controls the structural properties of membrane. • AI could provide new design of membranes via control on spinning parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultimate structure of the membrane is determined using two important effects: (i) thermodynamic effect and (ii) kinetic effect. Controlling the mechanism of kinetic and thermodynamic processes in phase separation is essential for enhancing membrane performance. However, the relationship between system parameters and the ultimate membrane morphology is still largely empirical. This review focuses on the fundamental ideas behind thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) methods, including both kinetic and thermodynamic elements. The thermodynamic approach to understanding phase separation and the effect of different interaction parameters on membrane morphology has been discussed in detail. Furthermore, this review explores the capabilities and limitations of different macroscopic transport models used for the last four decades to explore the phase inversion process. The application of molecular simulations and phase field to understand phase separation has also been briefly examined. Finally, it discusses the thermodynamic approach to understanding phase separation and the consequence of different interaction parameters on membrane morphology, as well as possible directions for artificial intelligence to fill the gaps in the literature. This review aims to provide comprehensive knowledge and motivation for future modeling work for membrane fabrication via new techniques such as nonsolvent-TIPS, complex-TIPS, non-solvent assisted TIPS, combined NIPS-TIPS method, and mixed solvent phase separation. [Display omitted] • Review of modeling for membrane synthesis through NIPS and TIPS methods. • Discussion of macroscopic, mesoscopic, and molecular scales. • Analysis of limitations associated with different macroscopic transport models. • Provision of motivation for future modeling work in the field. • In-depth discussion of current difficulties faced in membrane synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biliary complications continue to be the "Achilles heel" of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The use of biliary stents in LDLT to reduce biliary complications is a controversial issue. We performed a randomized trial to study the impact of intraductal biliary stents on postoperative biliary complications after LDLT.Study Design: Of the 94 LDLTs that were performed during a period of 16 months, ABO-incompatible transplants, left lobe grafts, 3 or more bile ducts on the graft, and those requiring bilioenteric drainage were excluded. Eligible patients were randomized to either a study arm (intraductal stent, n = 31) or a control arm (no stent, n = 33) by block randomization. Stratification was done, based on the number of ducts on the graft requiring anastomosis, into single (n = 20) or 2 ducts (n = 44). Ureteric stents of 3F to 5F placed across the biliary anastomosis and exiting into the duodenum for later endoscopic removal at 3 months were used. The primary end point was postoperative bile leak.Results: Bile leak occurred in 15 of 64 (23.4%), the incidence was higher in the stented group compared with the control group (35.5% vs 12.1%; p = 0.03). Multiplicity of bile ducts and stenting were identified as risk factors for bile leak on multivariate analysis (p = 0.031 and p = 0.032). During a median follow-up of 2 years, biliary stricture developed in 9 patients (14.1%). Postoperative bile leak is a significant risk factor for the development of biliary stricture (p = 0.003).Conclusions: Intraductal transanastomotic biliary stenting and multiplicity of graft ducts were identified as independent risk factors for the development of postoperative biliary complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KAL1 is implicated in 5% of Kallmann syndrome cases, a disorder which genotypically overlaps with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD). To date, a reporter-based assay to assess the functional consequences of KAL1 mutations is lacking. We aimed to develop a luciferase assay for novel application to functional assessment of rare KAL1 mutations detected in a screen of 422 patients with SOD. Quantitative analysis was performed using L6-myoblasts stably expressing FGFR1, transfected with a luciferase-reporter vector containing elements of the FGF-responsive osteocalcin promoter. The two variants assayed [p.K185N, p.P291T], were detected in three females with SOD (presenting with optic nerve hypoplasia, midline and pituitary defects). Our novel assay revealed significant decreases in transcriptional activity [p.K185N: 21% (p < 0.01); p.P291T: 40% (p < 0.001)]. Our luciferase-reporter assay, developed for assessment of KAL1 mutations, determined that two variants in females with hypopituitarism/SOD are loss-of-function; demonstrating that this assay is suitable for quantitative assessment of mutations in this gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]