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Sustainable slag-based geopolymers incorporating styrofoam and Moringa leaves ash for mechanical enhancement and crystal violet adsorption
Abstract Synthetic dye contamination poses a significant threat to water resources, necessitating the development of efficient removal technologies. This study introduces a novel organic-inorganic modified geopolymer for effective Crystal violet (CV) dye extraction from aqueous solutions. Additionally, it addresses waste management challenges by incorporating industrial (Slag, Styrofoam) and agricultural (Moringa leaves ash) waste into geopolymer cement. Slag-based geopolymer composites were synthesized with varying concentrations (1, 3, and 6 wt%) of Styrofoam (SSF1, SSF3, SSF6) and moringa leaves ash (SMA1, SMA3, SMA6). The mechanical properties of these composites were assessed over a curing period of up to 180 days in 100% humidity. While the control geopolymer sample (S) demonstrated superior compressive strength of 58.9 MPa after 180 days of curing, the modified geopolymer composites exhibited notable mechanical stability, with SSF1 and SMA1 achieving strengths of 52.8 MPa and 47.5 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the adsorption performance of the modified geopolymer composites toward CV was evaluated as an additional environmental application. Notably, all modified geopolymers surpassed the control in CV removal, with SSF6 exhibiting an outstanding adsorption capacity of 434.78 mg/g. These findings demonstrate the potential of modified geopolymer composites as a promising, sustainable, and high-performance material for wastewater treatment applications.
A study on the effect of slotted airfoil on the performance of Darrieus vertical axis wind turbines in different wind regions
Slotted airfoils mitigate the flow separation on the blades operating at high angles of attack in the upwind region, consequently augmenting the power coefficient and reducing the startup wind speed of Darrieus vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Nonetheless, the presence of the slot structure alters the original flow dynamics, inducing flow separation when the blade operates in the downwind region and at elevated blade tip speed ratios (TSR), which leads to a reduction in the blade’s power coefficient. This study establishes an aerodynamic model of the flow field migration around the blade surface by utilizing the lattice Boltzmann method in conjunction with large eddy simulation to ascertain the influence of the inlet and outlet positions of the slot on the flow field structure across different wind regions. The simulations indicate that, under the downwind region and at high TSR, positioning the slot at the midsection of the blade, although it expands flow separation near the trailing-edge, does not disrupt the primary flow at the leading-edge. Unexpectedly, the slot optimizes the pressure distribution on the pressure side of the blade, thereby enhancing the blade’s performance in the downwind region. At a TSR of 3.3, the average power coefficient of the blades in the downwind region increases by up to 63.62%. These results offer valuable insights for the implementation of slotted airfoils to enhance energy conversion efficiency in VAWTs’ design optimization.
Recent drying of the Ganga River is unprecedented in the last 1,300 years
The Ganga River basin, critical to over 600 million people, is experiencing a severe and unprecedented drying trend, threatening water and food security. Using streamflow reconstructions spanning 1,300 y (700–2012 C.E.) from instrumental data, paleohydrological records, and hydrological modeling, we show that drying from 1991 to 2020 is unmatched in the past millennium. Streamflow decline since the 1990s, driven by frequent and prolonged droughts, is 76% more intense than the 16th-century drought—the closest historical analogue. This drying exceeds natural variability, highlighting the dominant role of anthropogenic factors. Despite CMIP6 models projecting increased streamflow under warming scenarios, the recent decline indicates complexities associated with future water availability projections. Our findings underscore the urgent need to examine the interactions among the factors that control summer monsoon precipitation, including large−scale climate variability and anthropogenic forcings. Better constraints on these processes in climate models will be essential for improving future monsoon projections and implementing adaptive water management strategies to secure the Ganga basin’s freshwater availability under a changing climate.
Immunocompetent C57BL/6 syngeneic mouse ovarian cancer models with defined genetic alterations
Abstract Ovarian cancer remains one of the deadliest gynecologic cancers globally, with limited progress in early detection and treatment. Syngeneic mouse ovarian cancer cell lines, derived from immunocompetent mice, have become essential tools for studying ovarian cancer biology and assessing novel therapies. With the rise of immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and cancer vaccines, these syngeneic models are critical for preclinical studies within the context of an intact immune system. The availability of diverse syngeneic ovarian cancer models ensures that research captures the full spectrum of human ovarian cancer variability, including variations in genetic mutations, signaling pathways, tumor antigenicity, and molecular subtypes. Here, we report the development and characterization of a panel of syngeneic ovarian cancer cell lines with defined combinations of initiating genetic alterations, such as TP53 deficiency, Hras mutation, and overexpression of Myc and Cyclin E. The Introduction of one or two oncogene drivers resulted in TP53-/- cell transformation and growth in nude and immunocompetent syngeneic C57BL/6 mice. Intraperitoneal tumors grew with high penetrance and had a wide metastatic distribution and concurrent ascites, which closely resembles the clinical picture of human serous ovarian cancer.
Blockade of mTOR ameliorates IgA nephropathy by correcting CD89 and CD71 dysfunctions in humanized mice
Background and hypothesis IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common glomerulonephritis and major cause of renal failure worldwide. Its pathogenesis involves galactose deficient IgA1-immune complexes containing soluble IgA Fc receptor (sCD89). Both IgA1 and sCD89 bind independently to the transferrin receptor (TfR1, CD71), a mesangial IgA1 receptor. Here, we hypothesize that sCD89 plays a pathogenic role in IgAN by driving a tri-partite IgA1-sCD89-CD71 complex inducing activation in situ of the mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway in mesangial cells and contributing to disease progression. mTOR inhibition may disrupt this pathogenic axis, reducing IgA1 and sCD89 deposits, modulating CD71 expression, and alleviating disease manifestations. Here, we investigated the role of sCD89 and a mTOR inhibitor using humanized mouse models of IgAN expressing CD89 and/or IgA1. Methods Single cell and RNAseq data were obtained from public IgAN dataset and immunostaining was performed on childhood IgAN (cIgAN) biopsies. Human mesangial cells (HMCs) stimulation by recombinant sCD89 (rsCD89) was followed by western blot analysis. Pre-clinical assays with mTOR inhibitor (Everolimus) by oral gavage were performed using young α1KI mice injected with rsCD89 for 25 days (preventive protocol) and adult α1KICD89Tg mice (treated protocol) for 75 days. Proteinuria, renal function, and circulating immune complexes (CICs) were analyzed and kidneys were harvested for histology. Results RNAseq revealed increased TfR1 and mTOR expression in mesangial cells from IgAN patients. TfR1 upregulation was confirmed in cIgAN biopsies. sCD89 stimulation induced HMC TfR1 expression and phosphorylation of mTOR, Akt and S6K1. Everolimus treatment prevented or reverted mesangial IgA1 and C3 deposits and also decreased mesangial TfR1 and cell proliferation. Everolimus impaired levels of sCD89- and IgA-CIC, proteinuria, as well as renal function. Conclusion These findings highlight the critical role of the sCD89-TfR1-mTOR axis in IgAN pathogenesis and support the use of mTOR inhibitors as a novel therapeutic approach. This approach could significantly improve outcomes by slowing disease progression and minimizing the systemic toxic effects of current immunosuppressive therapies. This is particularly crucial for pediatric patients, where the only approved treatment – steroids – has severe side effects, including detrimental impacts on bone health and growth.
Synergistic enhancement of detection-tracking framework for zebrafish shoaling behavior analysis
Multidrug-resistant bacterial profiles of inanimate objects at Zewditu Memorial Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Introduction Nosocomial pathogens are responsible for severe infections and are typically acquired in healthcare settings within days of patient admission. One of the primary contributors to the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is the transfer of bacteria from inanimate surfaces to patients. Methods A cross-sectional study was done at Zewditu Memorial Hospital from June to November 2024. For this study, 204 inanimate surfaces from operating rooms and intensive care units were swabbed and cultured on MacConkey and blood agar. Bacteria were identified based on their colony morphology, gram staining, and conventional biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done using disk diffusion. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing gram-negative bacteria were confirmed phenotypically using the double disc synergy and combination disc methods, while carbapenemase producers were identified using the Modified Carbapenem inactivation method. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected via the Cefoxitin Disk Diffusion Test. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results Of the 204 swabbed samples, 77.45% (n = 158/204) showed bacterial growth, yielding a total of 171 bacterial isolates. Among these, Gram-positive bacteria comprised 71.3% (n = 122/171), while Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 28.7% (n = 49/171). The most prevalent isolates were Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), making up 46.1% (n = 79/171), followed by Bacillus spp. at 21.6% (n = 37/171). Out of the total isolates, 55 were identified as pathogenic bacteria based on their potential to cause disease and selected for antibiotic resistance testing. P. aeruginosa 36.7% (n = 18/49), Acinetobacter spp. 16.3% (n = 8/49), E. coli 14.2% (n = 7/49) and S. aureus 4.9% (n = 6/122) were the commonest pathogenic bacteria identified. Gram-negative bacteria showed high resistance to ampicillin (67.3%), amoxicillin and clavulanic acid (61.2%), ciprofloxacin (63.2%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (63.2%), cefepime (57.1%), and piperacillin-tazobactam (55.1%). Similarly gram-positive bacteria showed high resistance to azithromycin (100%), penicillin (100%), clindamycin (100%), and erythromycin (100%). Multidrug resistance was observed in 61.8% (n = 34/55) of the tested gram-negative and gram-positive isolates. The incidence of ESBL-producing and carbapenemase-producing bacteria among the suspected gram-negative bacteria was 26.5% (n=13/49) and 12.2% (n=6/49), respectively. The prevalence of MRSA was 50% (n=3/6). Conclusion The study identified a significant presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the hospital environment and on inanimate surfaces, emphasizing the urgent need for effective infection prevention and control measures.
Fracture behavior of sustainable wood and PLA composites fabricated by fused deposition modeling using essential work of fracture
Analysing factors influencing railway accidents: A predictive approach using multinomial logistic regression and data mining
Railway accidents, particularly suicides and suicide attempts, significantly disrupt operations, cause delays in passenger and freight services, and result in varying degrees of infrastructure damage. This study focuses on identifying the relationship between suicide-related railway incidents, as the most frequent type of railway accidents, and socio-economic factors, utilising data from 2015 to 2022 provided by the Railways of the Slovak Republic. Using a data mining approach, a logistic regression model was developed to predict the accident rate based on key socio-economic factors. This model demonstrates high prediction performance, with significant predictors including interest, marriage, and fertility rates. The data mining approach allows for the efficient extraction of relevant patterns and relationships and ensures that the model can be easily adjusted in response to significant changes in input factors or conditions. The findings contribute to understanding railway safety, offering practical insights for improving safety measures and aiding suicide prevention efforts. The high explanatory power of the predictive model underscores the critical role of societal influences in the dynamics of railway-related suicides and suicide attempts, providing valuable guidance for enhancing safety protocols and planning.
Clinical-pathologic classification of anti-HMGCR-positive immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy
Retraction: Prevalence, correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infection among children below 5 years living in the forest community of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional assessment
Deep learning framework for mapping nitrate pollution in coastal aquifers under land use pressure
Are measures of voice hearing distinct from measures of emotional states, recovery and well-being? A factor analysis study
Background Conceptually, there may be some overlap between measures of voice hearing experiences and measures assessing broader outcome domains. Despite this possibility, it is unknown whether measures of voice hearing and broader outcomes are assessing similar or separate concepts. This study aimed to examine whether measures of voice hearing are distinct from measures of emotional states, well-being and recovery. Methods Study 1 examined whether the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia Voices Questionnaire is distinct from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale using secondary data (n = 401). Study 2 examined whether the Psychotic Symptoms Rating Scale for Auditory Hallucinations is distinct from the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and the CHoice of Outcome in Cbt for psychoses short form using baseline data from two randomized controlled trials (n = 187). Results In Study 1, a six-factor model was found to be reasonable and accounted for 54.04% of the total variance (F1: 13%, F2: 11.26%, F3: 8.55%, F4: 4.04%, F5: 7.30%, F6: 9.9%). In Study 2, a five-factor model was identified and accounted for 39.99% of the total variance (F1: 15.52%, F2: 7.47%, F3: 6.53%, F4: 6.70%, F5: 3.78%). Within both studies, the items from the voice hearing measures loaded uniquely onto factors that contained no items from other measures. Conclusion Findings show that measures of voice hearing are distinct from broad outcome measures and therefore are measuring separate concepts. This confirms the psychometric properties of the voice hearing measures and provides some clarity around outcomes and their measurement.
Multi-modal deep learning framework for early detection of Parkinson’s disease using neurological and physiological data for high-fidelity diagnosis
SNP genotypes in CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes do not affect prostate cancer or cancer mortality among warfarin users in Finnish prostate cancer patients
The coagulation cascade is thought to contribute to cancer progression. Although in vitro studies suggest that anticoagulants, such as warfarin, might reduce cancer progression, epidemiological data indicate that warfarin users may have a higher risk of cancer mortality. However, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that influence warfarin dosing might affect this association. We investigated the risk associations between warfarin use and prostate cancer (PCa) survival, considering the SNP genotypes of CYP2C9 and VKORC1, which are known to impact both warfarin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, resulting in lower warfarin dose requirement. We genotyped 2,246 Finnish men with PCa from two different cohorts for SNPs rs1057910, rs1799853, and rs9923231. Genotyping was done using a custom Illumina iSelect genotyping array (iCOGs). Using Cox regression models, we calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the risk of overall death, cancer deaths overall, and PCa-specific death after PCa diagnosis based on SNP genotypes. Data on warfarin purchases was obtained from a national registry. Our findings revealed that the SNPs did not alter the risk of cancer or PCa death in either cohort, nor did they modify the risk among warfarin users. However, overall mortality was higher among warfarin users compared to non-users, particularly in carriers of all three SNPs. Even though the increased mortality is likely due to confounding by indication, warfarin use may increase overall mortality especially in men with lower warfarin dose requirements due to SNP carrier status. However, we need further studies with larger populations to confirm these findings.
Statistical prediction method of inclined shaft blasting fragmentation based on dynamic damage distribution in excavated rock mass
Measurement of food consumption growth in Vietnamese households: The role of classifying predicted and transitory income shocks by asset accumulation
The study measures the food consumption growth in Vietnamese households by classifying income and assets or consumption habits. The FE, RE, and Sys-GMM methods estimate dynamic data from the VARHS (2008–2018) survey of 1,915 households in 466 communes. The results show heterogeneity in marginal propensities to food consumption growth (MPCs) by asset level and by breaking down income changes (current income, predictable income and transitory income shocks). The MPCs, in response to transitory income shocks, are higher for poorer households than for richer ones. Additionally, classification by growth rates of assets reveals new characteristics in household food consumption growth. For household groups with slower growth rates of assets, the MPCs decrease, and other factors such as asset growth, ethnicity, and household size become more important in explaining food consumption growth, especially for predictable income shocks. Ultimately, food consumption habits do not explain changes in household food consumption growth.
Behavioral shifts of reintroduced Milu deer Elaphurus davidianus in East Dongting lake of China
Sensory appendage protein triggers alarm to pyrethroid in Indian malarial vector Anopheles culicifacies
Sensory appendage proteins (SAPs), members of the odorant-binding protein family, mediate chemical communication that is vital for mosquito survival and vector competence. Among the six identified SAP members, AcSAP1 and AcSAP2 exhibited dominant expression in olfactory and leg tissues of Anopheles culicifacies. Our findings reveal that the expression of AcSAP1, and to a lesser extent AcSAP2, is significantly modulated by the circadian rhythm, with peak expression coinciding with the nocturnal host-seeking behavior of female mosquitoes. A delayed host attraction response by the AcSAP1-silenced female mosquitoes accounts for AcSAP1’s potential role in host-seeking activities. In silico prediction data showed strong binding affinity to synthetic pyrethroid (deltamethrin); therefore, we tested the molecular responses of SAP to insecticide exposure. Strikingly, our WHO tube test bioassay-based experimental evaluation of mosquitoes’ survival and expression modulation in the olfactory, wings, and legs highlighted SAPs’ ability to sense toxic chemical cues. Finally, coupled with confocal microscopy analysis, our notable observation of a significant increase in AcSAP1 expression in the eyes of mosquitoes challenged with deltamethrin suggests a potential role in integrating visual and chemosensory cues. Our results highlight the multifaceted functions of SAPs, demonstrating their dual roles in host-seeking and insecticide avoidance, which have significant implications for understanding mosquito biology and developing novel vector control strategies.