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Strain-level heterogeneity in Vibrio parahaemolyticus limits the predictive value of baseline planktonic gene expression for surface-associated phenotypes
Abstract Vibrio (V.) parahaemolyticus is a ubiquitous marine bacterium that persists in dynamic marine environments through adaptive behaviors including motility and biofilm formation. Gene expression data obtained under planktonic conditions are widely used to infer surface-associated phenotypes, implicitly assuming that such measurements are informative of these behaviors. However, the extent to which this assumption holds across genetically diverse strains remains unclear. This study systematically assessed whether baseline transcriptional profiles provide predictive value for surface-associated phenotypes across a diverse panel of V. parahaemolyticus strains. Phenotypic traits and gene expression patterns varied substantially across individual strains. Correlation analyses revealed no robust associations between transcriptional levels and phenotypes after multiple-testing correction, and predictive modeling further demonstrated that transcriptional profiles do not reliably predict surface-associated phenotypes across strains (leave-one-out cross-validation R 2 < 0). Principal component analysis (PCA) further confirmed strong strain-dependent transcriptional variation, with no distinct clustering among strains (PC1 and PC2 explaining 44.5% of total variance). These findings demonstrate that strain-level heterogeneity dominates both phenotypic and transcriptional variation and limits the use of baseline planktonic transcription as a predictor of surface-associated traits, highlighting the need to account for strain-level heterogeneity and condition-specific regulation in predictive frameworks.
Process optimization of deep eutectic solvent mediated interfacial polymerization for high performance nanofiltration membranes
Theory of planned behaviour determinants mediate association between time since last training and resuscitation intention in Chinese lay-rescuers: a cross-sectional survey
Abstract Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED) rates remain low in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) crises in Hong Kong. Despite the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) based ‘Intention-focused’ training approach being advocated to boost lay-rescuers’ willingness to perform Basic Life Support (BLS), local refresher courses still focus on revisiting resuscitation knowledge and skills. Few studies have explored the underlying mechanisms by which refresher training boosts resuscitation willingness. This article aimed to investigate the association between time since last training and BLS intention, and the potential mediating role of knowledge and the three TPB determinants, namely, attitude, subjective norms (SN), and perceived behavioural control (PBC). A cross-sectional online survey of 678 non-healthcare adult lay-rescuers was conducted in 2022 using snowball sampling. Participants were categorised by years since last training: trained within 1 year (n = 289), 1–2 years (n = 141), 3–5 years (n = 129), and > 5 years (n = 119). The Intention to Deliver BLS scale was used. Mediation analysis was conducted using SPSS PROCESS Macro (Model 81). Controlling for demographics, years since the last training were negatively associated with knowledge (B = − 0.54, P < 0.001), attitude (B = − 0.07, P = 0.001), SN (B = − 0.14, P < 0.001) and PBC (B = − 0.24, P < 0.001). Higher BLS intentions were associated with attitude (B = 0.36; P < 0.001), SN (B = 0.24; P < 0.001), and PBC (B = 0.45; P < 0.001), but not knowledge (B = 0.02, P = 0.328). Mediation analysis revealed significant indirect effects of years since last training on BLS intention via attitude (B = − 0.02, 95%CI − 0.04 to − 0.01), SN (B = − 0.04, 95% CI − 0.06 to − 0.02), and PBC (B = − 0.11, 95% CI − 0.15 to − 0.08). Knowledge alone was not a significant mediator (B = − 0.01, 95% CI − 0.04 to 0.01), but the three serial mediation paths through knowledge and the TPB determinants were significant (B ranged from − 0.01 to − 0.03). The direct effect was insignificant (B = − 0.02, P = 0.502). Resuscitation intention was negatively associated with time since the last training through TPB determinants, but not knowledge. Comprehensive reviews of the current knowledge- and skill-focused refresher strategy are warranted. Future research should focus on developing culturally-adapted ‘Intention-focused’ refresher pedagogies that address these psychobehavioural factors.
Independent and combined associations with lifestyle behaviors on adolescents’ academic performance
Deep learning technique for grape leaf disease classification via deep high attention stage-by-stage forward Taylor network
A small lipidated peptide that inhibits transferrin uptake
A preoperative scoring model to predict intraoperative high end-tidal carbon dioxide in endoscopic resection of gastric submucosal tumors
Green spectrofluorimetric method using nitrogen–phosphorus carbon quantum dots and Box–Behnken optimized salting-out assisted extraction for valbenazine determination in environmental samples
Synergistic effects of chilling and brining on the quality and safety of freshwater fish species from Western Ethiopian reservoirs
Abstract This study evaluated the independent and synergistic effects of chilled storage (4 °C) and 8% (w/v) brining on the quality, shelf-life, and safety of these species over 28-days. Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ), African catfish ( Clarias gariepinus ), and Common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) are primary protein sources in Fincha’a, Amarti, and Nashe area of Ethiopia, but their high moisture and enzymatic activity can drive rapid spoilage under ambient conditions. Fish from Fincha’a, Amarti, and Nashe reservoirs were subjected to four treatments: unsalted chilled (control), brining chilled (8% NaCl brine), storage periods, and fish species with corresponding ambient controls. Quality was assessed via pH dynamics, Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVB-N), Total Viable Count (TVC), Psychrotrophic counts, and selective pathogen detection. A full factorial (3 × 4 × 2) experimental design GLM analyzed species, treatment, and time interactions. Chilling alone delayed spoilage but failed by day 7 (TVC > 7 log₁₀ CFU/g; TVB- N > 30 mg/100 g). In contrast, chilling combined with 8% brine extended the microbiological shelf-life to 14 days for Nile tilapia and African catfish based on TVC and TVB-N criteria, though Common carp exceeded the TVC limit by day 7. Presumptive v ibrio spp. emerged consistently by weeks 3–4 in brined samples, establishing a maximum safe storage limit of 14 days for brined-chilled Nile tilapia and African catfish. Common carp showed significantly higher microbial susceptibility than Nile tilapia or African catfish ( p < 0.001). While 8% brining combined with chilling significantly outperforms chilling alone, the delayed emergence of presumptive Vibrio species precludes storage beyond 14 days. These findings provide preliminary evidence-based safety guidance for small-scale fisheries in Ethiopia and similar resource-limited settings where continuous cold chain infrastructure is unavailable.
Analysis of a caputo fractional-order modeling approach to dietary-gut-brain interactions in autism spectrum disorder
Green synthesis of spheroid silver nanoparticles using cyanobacteria with multifunctional biological activities
Assessment of hydrogeophysical delineation of groundwater zones using vertical electrical sounding (VES) in Jeypore Block, Koraput District, Odisha
Abstract Groundwater occurrence in hard-rock terrains is complex and spatially heterogeneous, controlled by weathered and fractured zones with limited surface expression. This research integrates Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with remote sensing, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for groundwater potential mapping of Jeypore Block, Koraput District, Odisha. This area is underlain by Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt rocks such as khondalites, charnockites, and granite gneisses. Fifteen VES surveys using Schlumberger configuration were conducted across the study area, with electrode spreads up to 800 m. Resistivity data were interpreted using IPI2WIN software, producing one-dimensional resistivity models and Dar-Zarrouk parameters. Subsurface profiling revealed distinct lithological layers consisting of topsoil, laterite, sandstone, weathered/fractured granite, and compact bedrock. Layer thicknesses ranged from 0.6 to 20.4 m in the first layer to 99.5 m in the third layer. Iso-resistivity maps generated using Surfer-25 showed significant lateral heterogeneity. Low-resistivity zones (2.6–105.2 Ωm) indicated saturated formations, whereas high-resistivity values (> 150 Ωm) represented compact basement rocks. Curve-type analysis identified predominantly AAA-type curves, which indicate increasing resistivity with depth. HA-type curves observed at two locations suggested the presence of conductive, water-saturated layers favourable for aquifer development. VES-derived parameters were integrated with twelve geospatial thematic layers, including geology, geomorphology, soil, NDVI, lineament density, drainage density, rainfall, slope, physiography, land use, groundwater fluctuation, and hydrogeology, using the AHP framework. The consistency ratio of the model was 2.36%, indicating reliable thematic weighting. Validation via pumping tests and ROC analysis (AUC = 0.86) confirmed model reliability. This approach offers a scientifically robust framework for sustainable groundwater management in structurally complex hard-rock terrains.
Evaluation of the simplicity, representativeness, data completeness and timeliness of the national surveillance system for invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease in Italy, 2016–2023
Elders’ authority and evolving roles in death rituals in rural South Africa and their relevance for minimally invasive tissue sampling
Smooth muscle cell spheroids as 3D model of phenotypic plasticity and matrix deposition revealed by 2D–3D proteomics
Abstract Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are regulators of vascular homeostasis and play a role in cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. Together with endothelial cells (ECs), they control vascular remodeling by producing extracellular matrix (ECM), regulating the expression of adhesion molecules, and releasing signaling factors. Since changes in the ECM composition critically determine disease progression, models that reproduce authentic cell–ECM interactions are indispensable. Two-dimensional (2D) cultures fail to capture the mechanical integration of vascular cells within their ECM environment. We established a scaffold-free three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model of murine and human aortic VSMCs derived from heart failure patients to mimic their multicellular organization, cell plasticity, and interactions with the ECM. Using mass spectrometry, we provided to our knowledge the first comprehensive proteomic profiling of relevant 3D-cultured VSMCs in comparison to conventional 2D culture. VSMCs formed compact spheroids with a protein signature indicative of a synthetic phenotype, characterized by active ECM organization, adhesion, and energy homeostasis pathways. We demonstrated that the spheroid protocol can also be used to generate EC spheroids, offering opportunities to study VSMC-EC crosstalk. Our findings show that VSMC 3D culture promotes the transition from contractile to synthetic VSMC phenotypes with ECM deposition, providing a translational in vitro system to investigate VSMC-mediated repair mechanisms and vascular remodeling in cardiovascular diseases.
Regional water stress dynamics in oil palm under ENSO in Malaysia and Indonesia using 22-year multiple climate data
Abstract The increasing frequency of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events due to climate change poses significant challenges to oil palm production, highlighting the need for effective adaptation strategies. However, few studies have examined the regional heterogeneity of climate stressors. This study investigates regional climate risks to oil palm during ENSO phases to support effective adaptation in Malaysia and Indonesia. We analyzed 22 years of annual Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) yield data and seven climate variables representing soil, atmosphere, water input, and plant water status. Regions highly sensitive to ENSO were identified, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine seasonal relationships between FFB yield and each variable. Climate anomalies during ENSO phases were assessed to determine regional impacts, and key climate risk variables were identified. GRACE satellite data was used for validation. The results revealed that elevated atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) particularly affected regions in the Malay Peninsula during El Niño. GRACE data indicated that water deficits were the dominant stressor during El Niño, while non-water-mass-related factors also contributed to reduced FFB yields during La Niña. These findings provide insights for jurisdiction-level adaptation planning to enhance climate resilience in the oil palm sector.