Browse Articles

Role of AtCPK5 and AtCPK6 in the regulation of the plant immune response triggered by rhamnolipids in Arabidopsis

Rhamnolipids (RLs) are bacterial glycolipids with potential applications in the biocontrol of plant pathogens. Although RLs are known to activate plant immune responses, the underlying signaling mechanisms remain poorly understood. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) are a large family of kinases involved in various functions in plants including signaling of the plant immunity. Here, we investigated the contribution of At CPK5 and At CPK6 to RL-triggered immunity in Arabidopsis. RL treatment induced the expression of both AtCPK5 and AtCPK6 genes in Arabidopsis leaves. Functional analyses revealed that RL-induced responses, including reactive oxygen species production and the expression of defense-related genes ( AtWRKY46 , AtFRK1 and AtPR1 ), were enhanced in cpk5/6 mutants compared to wild-type plants. The cpk5 mutant exhibited intermediate responses, whereas cpk6 alone had little effect, except on AtFRK1 expression, indicating a predominant role for At CPK5 in regulating RL-triggered signaling. However, cpk5/6 mutations did not affect RL-induced electrolyte leakage or RL-mediated resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Together, these results suggest that At CPK5 and At CPK6 negatively modulate RL-triggered immune signaling, while additional components contribute to the regulation of downstream defense responses.

Mechanism and kinetics of reactive yellow 145 decolorization by catalytic nano zero-valent iron particles

Author Correction: Control of spatiotemporal activation of organ-specific fibers in the swine vagus nerve by intermittent interferential current stimulation

Retraction: Inclined analysis of water diversion project supply chain profits in the occurrence of whole supply chain damage in undeveloped regions of China

Propolis–carboxymethyl cellulose Janus nanoparticles as multifunctional bioactive additives in stirred yogurt

Abstract This study developed innovative Janus nanoparticles (JPs) using propolis and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to enhance the technological and functional properties of stirred yogurt. The synthesized propolis-CMC JPs, with an average particle size of 13.40 nm ± 3.56 μm, exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity in both DPPH and FRAP assays, along with potent antibacterial effects against common foodborne pathogens, including Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes , with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.5–2.0 mg/mL. Yogurt samples fortified with 0.5, 1, and 5% propolis-CMC JPs were evaluated during 21 days of storage. Incorporation of propolis-CMC JPs, particularly at 5%, significantly reduced syneresis, improved water-holding capacity, and inhibited microbial growth (3.55 ± 0.2 vs. 4.95 ± 0.3 log₁₀ CFU/g in control). Propolis-CMC JPs -enriched yogurts also showed enhanced antioxidant potential and favorable rheological characteristics. Sensory analysis revealed that yogurt with 1% propolis-CMC JPs achieved the highest color and aroma scores, while the 5% formulation exhibited the best texture attributes. These findings confirm that propolis-CMC JPs can act as natural emulsifiers, antioxidants, and antimicrobial agents, effectively addressing key technological limitations of yogurt production.

SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first trimester leads to profound immune dysregulation at the maternal-fetal interface despite limited virus detection in placental tissues

Development and reliability testing of a qualitative observational rating system for individuals with brachial plexus injury performing functional capacity evaluation tests

Background Individuals with brachial plexus injury may be more prone to develop musculoskeletal complaints, due to compensatory strategies. Quantifying compensatory strategies of these individuals may help to minimize the use of dysfunctional compensatory strategies and prevent musculoskeletal complaints. Purpose To develop and to explore the feasibility of an observational rating system for rating postures and movements of the shoulders and trunk in individuals with brachial plexus injury during the performance of the functional capacity evaluation one-handed-individuals (FCE-OH) and to explore the interrater and intrarater reliability of this rating system. Study design Psychometric study including development and reliability testing. Methods Individuals with brachial plexus injury (n = 15) and able bodied controls (n = 21) were videotaped during the performance of five FCE-OH tests. Abnormal shoulder and trunk movements and postures were identified. The rating system was developed pilot tested and adjusted. The interrater and intrarater reliability of the final draft were determined. Sixteen raters performed two rating sessions, two weeks apart and rated 40 video fragments. Absolute percentages of agreement, kappa (ĸ) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Feasibility was explored using a questionnaire. Results The interrater reliability of the rating system was: first session ĸ = 0.48, 95%CI = 0.36–0.60; second session ĸ = 0.59, 95%CI = 0.45–0.72. The intrarater reliability was ĸ = 0.64, 95%CI = 0.50–0.70. Half of the raters agreed that the system was easy to use in clinical practice. Conclusions A rating system for measuring postures and shoulder and trunk movements of individuals with brachial plexus injury was developed. The reliability appeared to be sufficient when the system was applied by the same rater. The interrater reliability was moderate for both rating sessions. The reliability of both overhead lifting tests of the FCE-OH was low. Variation in movement patterns due to differences in the remaining function of the affected arm may have caused difficulties in rating.

Impact of reinforcement additives on physical and electrical properties of fly ash-based geopolymer materials

Abstract The utilization of carbon-based additives, generated from waste managed materials, to synthesize fly ash (FA)-based geopolymers with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties offers benefits in environmental protection and waste reduction. This study focused on preparing FA-based geopolymers at ambient conditions through alkali activation with a combination of NaOH-activated quartz (AQ) and water glass (Na 2 SiO 3 solution). The weight ratio of FA:AQ in the FA/AQ geopolymer was kept at 1:1 (wt:wt). Carbon-based additives, including carbon fibers (CFs) and thermally stabilized microcrystalline cellulose (SMCC), were separately mixed to FA/AQ geopolymer paste in two proportions (1% and 3% wt/wt) relative to FA. The formulated geopolymers were analyzed physically using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV/Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and EDX. SEM analysis reveals the presence of voids and cavities in the neat FA geopolymer. However, integrating AQ into the FA-based geopolymer leads to significant matrix densification and reduced porosity, restricting ion mobility, resulting in high mechanical strength, and low electrical conductivity. Additionally, the enhanced compatibility of a higher percentage of CFs and SMCC (CFs(3%)@FA/AQ and SMCC(3%)@FA/AQ) with the geopolymer matrix forms dense, amorphous sodium aluminum silicate hydrate (N-A-S–H) links. This is confirmed by the increased compressive strength (11.1 MPa and 18.1 MPa) and higher intensities of SMCC’s XRD patterns. SMCC(3%)@FA/AQ demonstrates the lowest electric and dielectric properties (σ = 1.4 × 10 –7 S/cm and ε′ = 7 × 10 4 ), indicating superior insulating properties. In contrast, the CFs(3%)@FA geopolymer matrix exhibits higher values (σ = 4.4 × 10 –6 S/cm and ε′ = 2.5 × 10 6 ) compared to other matrices after shielding AQ that interrupt the conductive pathways.

Unleashing potential: assessing Africa’s readiness for the data science revolution to impact health

Abstract Data Science can revolutionize biomedical sciences, and ultimately, health. However, this relies on core elements, including computing infrastructure, data science skills, and well-curated contextually relevant data, which are limited in low- and middle-income countries. Many big data biomedical projects that have emerged over the last decade have been instrumental in development of datasets, computing infrastructure and skills; yet large disparities remain. Here, we review the data science development within Africa over recent years and identify key gaps and challenges that still hinder its implementation for health. We provide recommendations for establishing a sustainable data science ecosystem within Africa.

Recurrent episodes of pneumonia are associated with worse lung function in people with HIV

Background HIV is associated with a decreased diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), decreased spirometry, and an increased risk for developing obstructive lung disease, even in never-smokers. Pneumonia is a risk factor for impaired pulmonary function in people with HIV (PWH), but whether recurrent pneumonia results in a commensurate decline in lung function is unknown. Methods We reviewed the electronic medical records and PFT data for PWH in San Francisco, CA. Participants were categorized by number of pneumonias since HIV diagnosis. We analyzed the association between the number of pneumonias and lung function using linear and logistic regression models after adjusting for substance use and HIV-associated factors. Results Among 259 participants, the mean age was 51 years, 15% were female, and 42% were current smokers. One hundred (39%) participants had no prior pneumonia, 52 (20%) had 1 pneumonia, 50 (19%) had 2 pneumonias and 57 (22%) had ≥3 pneumonias. Multiple pneumonias were associated with a stepwise decline in FEV1, FVC, and DLCO %predicted (p-trend <0.001 for all) when controlling for demographic and clinical covariates. Having ≥3 pneumonias was associated with 2.84 higher odds of airflow obstruction (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC < LLN, 95% CI 1.02, 8.23) as well as 5.53 higher odds of impaired DLco (DLco < LLN, 95% CI 2.29, 14.0) compared to those who never had pneumonia. There were no significant differences in PFT outcomes between participants with bacterial pneumonia versus Pneumocystis pneumonia during their first episode. Conclusion In PWH with a high prevalence of inhalational substance use, recurrent episodes of pneumonia are associated with a commensurate decline in lung function in PWH characterized by airflow obstruction and diffusion limitations. While further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism, this work highlights the importance of preventing recurrent pneumonia in PWH in order to preserve lung function.

Risk factors influencing construction supply chain management in Saudi Arabia

Geospatial green ammonia co-firing in China’s coal power fleets to avoid CO2 emissions lock-in

Maternal Zika virus exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes: A longitudinal study of preschool children in the ZIKAlliance Colombian Cohort

Background Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been inconsistently associated with neurodevelopmental delay (ND). We aimed to compare the incidence of ND between ZIKV-exposed and ZIKV-unexposed children within the ZIKAlliance (ZA) cohort, in Colombia, assessed 2 years after birth (2018–2021). Methods We performed a neurodevelopmental evaluation on normocephalic children (aged 40–72 months) from the ZIKAlliance cohort. Children were classified as ZIKV-exposed (maternal positive RT-qPCR or virus neutralization test – VNT) or unexposed (maternal negative IgG ELISA or VNT in paired antenatal samples). A trained psychologist, blinded to exposure status, administered the Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II). Children were considered at ND risk if they presented ≥1 delay or ≥2 cautions in one or more areas, within their age range in the DDST-II scale. Inconclusive initial tests were re-evaluated. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression. Results We analyzed conclusive DDST-II results from 153 children (mean age: 4.7 years; 53.8% male). Overall, 57.2% (n = 83) were classified as cases of ND. Children with ND were more likely to be male (61.4% versus 43.5%) and less likely to attend daycare or school (42.2% versus 11.3%) than children with normal development. After adjusting for child age, sex, household size, and education, the association between in utero ZIKV exposure and ND was not statistically significant (OR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.32–1.59, p = 0.320). However, children attending daycare or school had a significantly lower risk of ND compared to those who stayed at home. Conclusions Prenatal ZIKV exposure was not associated with ND in this cohort of normocephalic preschool children. Instead, attending a community daycare or school emerged as a significant protective factor against developmental delays.

Atomically Precise Interfacial Engineering on Tin‐Silicon Oxo Clusters for Sub‐8 nm Lithography

ABSTRACT Tin oxo clusters (TOCs) have been recognized as the most promising photoresist candidates for high numerical aperture extreme ultraviolet (High‐NA EUV) lithography. To enhance the adhesion between the exposed cluster species and the silicon dioxide substrate, herein, we incorporate silane moieties to functionalize the surface of TOCs for the first time. By synergistically integrating the high radiation sensitivity of Sn and substrate affinity of Si, ultrahigh resolution patterning at the sub‐8 nm scale has been successfully achieved, which represents the best performance in TOC photoresists. Multiple spectroscopic analyses and theoretical calculations on reaction mechanisms indicate that the incorporated Si moieties function dually by capturing scattered secondary electrons (SEs) to produce silyl radicals that guide the formation of dense Si‐O‐Si structure, while simultaneously enhancing interfacial adhesion to the SiO 2 substrate. Such a synergistic process yields diverse and abundant Sn‐O‐Sn/Sn‐O‐Si/Si‐O‐Si networks, collectively realizing higher resolution and lower line‐edge roughness (LER). This work not only introduces a new family of Sn‐Si oxo cluster resists but also demonstrates the potential of atomic‐level interfacial engineering for next‐generation ultrahigh‐resolution semiconductor manufacturing technologies.

TLR7/8 signaling balances cytokine responses in neonatal monocytes

Abstract Newborns are particularly vulnerable to nosocomial infection, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Age-dependent differences in the expression of innate immune receptors and thus a reduced or delayed antimicrobial host response might contribute. Here we discovered that neonatal cord blood monocytes (CBMo) express lower levels of Toll-like receptor TLR8 but similar levels of TLR7 as compared to adult peripheral blood monocytes (PBMo). We investigated the TLR7/8 signal transduction by stimulating monocytes of adults (PBMo) and neonates (CBMo) with imiquimod (R 837 ) and resiquimod (R 848 ). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) bind various constituents of invading pathogens and trigger defense reactions. We found differential expressions of TLR7 and TLR8 which both bind to ssRNAs. We could show, that inflammatory cytokine response represented by TNF-α is comparable in PBMo and CBMo. This effect was stronger in resiiquimod (R 848 ) treated PBMo and CBMo. Whereas IL-6 secretion was found similar induced in PBMo and CBMo after stimulation with TLR7/8 ligands, IL-10 was only induced in PBMo, biasing the cytokine answer to the pro-inflammatory response in CBMo. Cytokine response was more dependent to NFκB signaling although MAP kinase activation was required for the IL-6 response in CBMo. The type 1 interferon response was found comparable in PBMo and CBMo and was correlated to IRF-7 activation. We utilized an in vitro model of gram-negative bacterial ( E. coli ) infection to study whether TLR7/8 pre-stimulation influence peri-phagocytic reactions. TLR7/8 pre-stimulation modified the E. coli PAMP receptor CD14 and CD32 expression. IL-6 and IL-10 secretion was not altered by TLR7/8 stimulation prior to infection. TLR7 pre-stimulation reduced E. coli survival in CBMo, but was not accompanied by higher TNF-α levels. Administration of imiquimod (R 837 ) displays therefore beneficial aspects for opportunistic bacterial infections in-vitro

Design of the biosensor-dependent coupling system stabilizes the high-synthesis phenotype of cell factory

Consistent MRI pattern in ADSS1 myopathy with variable clinical presentations: A Korean cohort study

ADSS1 myopathy (previously referred to as ADSSL1 myopathy) is a rare autosomal recessive muscle disease caused by mutations in the ADSS1 gene, which encodes an enzyme critical for purine nucleotide synthesis. First characterized in Korean patients in 2016, the disease exhibits phenotypic variability in its clinical presentation. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 30 patients with genetically confirmed ADSS1 myopathy (18 males and 12 females) at Gangnam Severance Hospital from 2002 to 2024. The patients were classified into proximal-onset (n = 9) and distal-onset (n = 20) groups based on the location of initial muscle weakness, with one patient presenting with isolated hyperCKemia. Clinical assessments, genetic analyses, and muscle MRI were performed on 10 patients to evaluate clinical-radiological correlations. The median age at symptom onset was 8.0 years [Interquartile range (IQR): 7.0–14.0] with a median disease duration of 24.0 years [IQR: 17.0–34.0]. The most common initial symptoms were slow running (66.7%), early fatigue (16.7%), and gait disturbances (10.0%). Facial involvement was observed in 80.0% of the patients and oropharyngeal dysfunction in 56.7%. The median serum creatine kinase level was 214.0 IU/L [IQR: 125.0–394.0]. Genetic analysis revealed five pathogenic ADSS1 variants, with c.781G > A (51.7% of alleles) and c.919del (40.0% of alleles) being the most prevalent. Most patients (73.3%) were compound heterozygous for the two variants. Despite the clinical heterogeneity between the proximal- and distal-onset groups, none of the clinical differences were statistically significant. Muscle MRI revealed a remarkably consistent pattern of preferential involvement of the distal lower limb muscles, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, regardless of the initial clinical presentation. This study, which represents the largest Korean ADSS1 myopathy cohort to date, highlights the striking discordance between clinical phenotypes and radiological findings. Although the clinical presentations varied considerably, MRI revealed consistent distal dominant muscle involvement patterns across all patients. This suggests that the underlying pathological process follows a predictable anatomical distribution independent of the initial symptomatic muscle groups. Our findings support the utility of muscle MRI as a valuable diagnostic tool for ADSS1 myopathy and suggest its conceptualization as a unified disease entity with a common pathophysiological mechanism involving selective muscle vulnerability based on metabolic requirements.

Documenting the occurrence of microbial carbonate deposits in Puerto Rico

Author Correction: From short-term uncertainties to long-term certainties in the future evolution of the Antarctic Ice Sheet

A community based investigation of urban male partners’ understanding and participation in maternity care: A cross-sectional study in Bangladesh

Background Male partners’ adequate understanding and engagement in maternity care plays a crucial role in enhancing women’s reproductive health. However, male involvement in maternal and child health care is still significantly below expectations, even though they perform key roles. Low knowledge levels appear to be a significant barrier to effective involvement. Objective To examine the urban married men’s understanding and involvement in maternity care, as well as the factors associated with it. Methods In this quantitative study, 422 data were collected through a structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews between July and September 2022 among urban married males living in Dhaka City. The socio-demographic characteristics, level of understanding, males’ attitude and involvement status regarding maternity care were measured. The descriptive statistics along with logistic regression analysis were performed using STATA version 14.1. Results A total of 422 urban married male were considered for this study, and the mean age of the study participants was 37.21 (SD ± 8.79). About 55.92% of the male participants had good understanding and 54% had positive attitude towards maternity care. Around 47% had good involvement in maternity care. Male who had good involvement in maternity care were more likely to have good understanding (AOR: 1.73; CI: 1.13 to 2.64; p = 0.01). In addition, urban male who had government jobs (AOR: 6.48; CI: 1.54 to 27.22; p = 0.01), positive attitude (AOR: 1.79; CI: 1.16 to 2.76; p = 0.01) and good understanding (AOR: 1.74; CI: 1.14 to 2.66; p = 0.01) were more likely to get involved in maternity care. Conclusion Maternity care was well-understood and positively viewed by the most urban married males, but their level of involvement was far below the expected level. However, to strengthen safe motherhood initiatives in Bangladesh, it is important to properly address the understanding and participation of urban males in maternity care and other related factors.