Browse Articles

IL-1β alters the virulence of uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Abstract Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the leading cause of urinary tract infection (UTI). While the role of UPEC in triggering host immune responses is well studied, less is known about how host-derived cytokines influence UPEC virulence. The aim of this study was to investigate how the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β affects UPEC virulence, metabolism, and host-pathogen interactions. Using the CFT073 strain, we found that IL-1β exposure induced a rapid metabolic shift characterized by decreased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and increased extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), indicating a transition from respiration to fermentative metabolism. Microarray analysis confirmed the upregulation of fermentative ( hyc ) and antioxidant ( katG , ahpF , grxA ) genes, along with increased purine biosynthesis, supporting a metabolic state favouring stress resistance and proliferation. IL-1β also increased fimH and papC gene expression, leading to increased adhesion and invasion of bladder epithelial cells. Furthermore, IL-1β-stimulated CFT073 suppressed the gene expression of several innate immune related genes in a C. elegans infection model. Taken together, our findings suggest that IL-1β induces a virulence-enhancing metabolic change in UPEC, which could enhance its persistence and colonization of the urinary tract. This cross-kingdom signaling may have implications for infection dynamics during a UTI.

Essential oil fractions of hemp profiles at different hydro-distillation periods

The hypothesis of this study was that hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) essential oil (EO) constituents from high-cannabinoid hemp are eluted at different times during the hydro-distillation process, allowing the generation of fractions with distinct chemical profile, with or without cannabinoids. The objective was to reveal changes in the compositional profile of EO fractions captured at ten sequential distillation timeframes (DT) and a control. Regression analysis was conducted to model the relationship between DT and 20 EO compounds, classified in four groups (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, cannabinoids, and others (acid esters, ketone, alcohol)) using ten DT values (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, 240, and 280 min). The results showed that most of the EO compounds were eluted early in the distillation process, until 10 min, then the EO compounds gradually decreased until 120 min and decreased to negligible amounts after 160 min DT. Monoterpenes eluted early in the distillation process, accounting for 69.79% of the total EO collected during the 0–5 min distillation interval. After that, the monoterpenes gradually decreased to 13.77% in the 240–280 min DT, while their concentration in the 0–180 min non-stop distillation was 33.55%. Conversely, the sesquiterpenes were eluted late in the distillation process. The concentration of sesquiterpenes in the 0–5 min DT EO was 25.73%, then gradually increased to reach a plateau at 160–280 min DT (75.3–76.8%), while their concentration in the 0–180 min DT was 54.4%. The results demonstrated that hemp EO with higher concentration of monoterpenes and free of cannabinoids can be obtained by separating the initial fractions, while hemp EO with higher concentration of sesquiterpenes and cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabichromene (CBC), δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as δ8-THC), and δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly known as δ9-THC or dronabinol) can be obtained by capturing the fraction eluted after 160 min DT.

Agricultural potential and safety assessment of biochar obtained from river biomass

Red blood cell indices versus serum ferritin as surrogate markers of iron deficiency during pregnancy

Background Serum ferritin testing is the most commonly used method for screening for iron deficiency. However, iron deficiency screening is not routinely done in low-middle-income countries, including Nigeria, often due to the cost of laboratory evaluation. Aim This study determined the diagnostic value of red blood cell indices, which are cheaper and quicker to conduct, compared to serum ferritin to diagnose iron deficiency during pregnancy. Methodology A cross-sectional study of 857 pregnant women at 36 weeks gestation in Nigeria. Standard laboratory techniques assayed mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell haemoglobin (MCH), mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW) and serum ferritin. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient of each of the complete blood count parameters (MCV, MCH, MCHC and RDW) with serum ferritin were assessed and their diagnostic accuracy relative to iron deficiency (defined as ferritin <30ng/mL) was evaluated. Results Mean age of the pregnant women was 27.7 ± 5.8 years. Median (IQR) was 10.3 (IQR: 9.6–11.0) g/dL for haemoglobin, and 84.0 (IQR: 47.0–157.9) ng/mL for ferritin. Serum ferritin levels have significant correlation with RDW, r = −0.12, p < 0.001 and MCH, r = 0.10, p = 0.003; but not with MCV, r = 0.06, p = 0.083 and MCHC, r = 0.04, p = 0.293. RDW was found to be the best discriminator for iron deficiency based on area under curve (AUC) 59.9% (95%CI: 56.6% – 63.2%), sensitivity 65.6% and specificity 53.8% at best cut-off 14.7fL. On restricting analysis to those with anaemia, the findings did not change materially. Conclusion The diagnostic value of red blood cell indices, compared to serum ferritin, in detecting iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia is poor and should not play a role in diagnosing iron deficiency in pregnancy in a low-resource setting.

Aqueous Zinc–Organoiodine Battery with High Kinetics and Dense Cathodes

A case–control study on the relationship between sleep bruxism and mental health conditions, depression and anxiety, in children

Association between intraoperative hypotension during brain tumor resection and postoperative delirium: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Objective Postoperative delirium is a common complication after neurosurgery. The association between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative delirium in the neurosurgical population is unknown. Design This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled study Setting Adults scheduled for elective craniotomy under general anesthesia were included in 1 study center. Participants Of 260 patients, a total of 240 participants are included for final analysis after excluding patients without intraoperative blood pressure data. The primary outcome measures The primary outcome was the occurrence of delirium within the first 5 postoperative days, assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method or a 3-minute Diagnostic interview for the Confusion Assessment Method. Results A total of 240 patients were included (median age, 45 years), and 83(35%) patients experienced postoperative delirium. Curves of lowest mean arterial pressure versus stroke incidence suggested a threshold at 65 mmHg. There was no association between duration below 65 mm Hg and postoperative delirium (odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 0.96, 1.06). The odds ratio for duration below 65 mm Hg for 10 minutes was 1.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.97, 1.09) adjusted by history of hypertension, age > 45 yr, tumor volume, tumor type of glioma, preoperative Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) >26, and dexmedetomidine infusion which were all indicated the independent risk factors for delirium. Conclusions The current results could not indicate intraoperative hypotension of mean arterial pressure lower than 65 mmHg associated with delirium after frontotemporal brain tumor resection. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04674241

Photoetching-Generated Redox Pairs in Confined Layered Structure Boost Single-Electron-Transfer-Mediated Photocatalysis

Ruthenium and recurrent pregnancy loss: insights into oxidative and genotoxic effects

Supersaturation-controlled morphology and phase evolution of NiCo LDH in controllable and continuous flow synthesis

This study demonstrates a controllable synthesis of NiCo layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplates via homogeneous coprecipitation in a continuous flow reactor (CFR). The CFR system enables precise control over LDH morphology and size by maintaining constant supersaturation under pseudo-steady-state conditions. We systematically investigated the relationships between supersaturation, nucleation processes, LDH growth, and morphological evolution, identifying distinct thresholds for homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation. The competition between nucleation and crystal growth drives morphological transitions from isolated nanoplates to nanoflowers with increasing supersaturation. Furthermore, we characterized the phase transition mechanism between coexisting brucite-like and LDH phases. Four key factors governing the transformation of NiCo mixed hydroxides to NiCo LDH were identified: supersaturation level, metal/alkaline ratio, heterogeneous nucleation, and dissolved oxygen concentration. These findings provide fundamental insights into the controlled synthesis of LDH materials with tunable morphologies for potential applications in energy storage and catalysis.

Carbon budget accounting and carbon comprehensive management zoning: a case study in Fenhe river basin

Hypertension screening across different age groups in Indian adults: Evidence from nationally representative cross-sectional data

Background Hypertension is a significant public health concern globally and in India, contributing substantially to the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Early detection through appropriate screening practices is critical to mitigating its long-term impact. However, there is limited evidence on age-specific screening practices for hypertension in the Indian population. This study aims to assess hypertension screening practices across different age groups and identify associated socio-demographic, behavioral, and physiological factors to inform effective public health strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which included 1,01,839 men and 7,24,115 women aged 15 years and above. Hypertension was defined based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze associations between hypertension and various socio-demographic and behavioral factors. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the optimal age for initiating hypertension screening. Results The prevalence of hypertension increased linearly with age, with a significant rise observed in the 35-39 years age group. Factors significantly associated with hypertension included marital status, religion, education, wealth index, alcohol consumption, and waist-hip ratio. ROC analysis identified 35 years as the optimal age for initiating routine hypertension screening in both men and women. Screening in this age group showed balanced sensitivity and specificity for early detection of hypertension. Conclusions This study highlights the need to revise hypertension screening policies in India, recommending initiation at 35 years to improve early detection and management. Addressing socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants through targeted interventions is critical to achieving national hypertension control goals.

Electrochemical Stability and Reduction Mechanism of LLZO Interfaces in Li Batteries from First Principles

Targeting LAG3 to alter the tumor immune reactivity of CD8+T cells is a potential therapy for skin cutaneous melanoma

Experimental investigation of bio-improved laterite for use as a subgrade material in road construction

This study investigated the application of microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) using the bacterium Bacillus Anthracis for laterite subgrade soil improvement in road construction. The California bearing ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and hydraulic conductivity test were conducted on the bacterium-modified soil. A quasi-field comparative test was also carried out to assess the strength properties of the bio-cemented and natural laterite. According to the American Association of State Highway Officials, the natural soil was classified as A–6 (5), a fair to poor soil for use as a subgrade material, justifying the need for improvement. The natural soil’s CBR was improved by 80% at the 3 x 10 8 cells ml -1 treatment. The soil was improved from “very soft to soft” to “stiff to very stiff” soil for all Bacillus Anthracis treatments, and the natural soils’ UCS value increased by 191% at 3.0 × 10 8 cells ml -1 Bacillus Anthracis treatment, confirming the CBR results. Best improvements at 3 x 10 8 cells ml -1 of Bacillus Anthracis -treated soil provided better subgrade protection from water infiltration. Optimal bacterium-treated soil performed better in the field than in the laboratory. Results obtained successfully demonstrated the application of bio-improved laterite as a subgrade material for road construction.

Ligand Evolution-Enabled Enantioselective C(sp ³ )–H Azidation

Pitfalls in using ML to predict cognitive function performance

Abstract Machine learning analyses are widely used for predicting cognitive abilities, yet there are pitfalls that need to be considered during their implementation and interpretation of the results. Hence, the present study aimed at drawing attention to the risks of erroneous conclusions incurred by confounding variables illustrated by a case example predicting executive function (EF) performance by prosodic features. Healthy participants ( n  = 231) performed speech tasks and EF tests. From 264 prosodic features, we predicted EF performance using 66 variables, controlling for confounding effects of age, sex, and education. A reasonable prediction performance was apparently achieved for EF variables of the Trail Making Test. However, in-depth analyses revealed indications of confound leakage, leading to inflated prediction accuracies, due to a strong relationship between confounds and targets. These findings highlight the need to control confounding variables in ML pipelines and caution against potential pitfalls in ML predictions.

Correction: Messages that increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance: Evidence from online experiments in six Latin American countries

Impact of spring sea ice variability in the Barents–Kara region on the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall

Three new species of Acalypha L. (Euphorbiaceae, Acalyphoideae) from Tanzania and Angola and their conservation status

We describe Acalypha brevipetiolata and A. bracteolata from Tanzania, and A. linearis from Angola, as species new to science. We provide illustrations, distribution maps, and preliminary conservation assessments. We discuss their significance in the context of both countries and within the framework of an ongoing taxonomic monograph of the genus in Africa. These are the first new Acalypha species described in Africa in nearly two decades, in Tanzania in five decades, and in Angola in over a century.