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Food classifications provide an approximate packaging indicator to support monitoring of mismanaged plastic waste
Abstract Mismanaged plastic waste undermines environmental quality, aquatic ecosystems and ultimately public health. Mismanaged plastics increasingly originate from urban populations lacking waste collection services. Household expenditure survey analyses have quantified plastic waste generation among these populations, but only for individual products (e.g. bagged or bottled drinking-water), not for the overall packaging profile of households’ basket-of-goods. This study aims to evaluate how far the international NOVA classification of foods/beverages and commodity classifications by residents predict plastic food packaging. Via a cross-sectional market surveillance survey, packaging was observed for 502 and 396 transactions at selected retail outlets serving low-income areas of Greater Accra, Ghana, and Kisumu, Kenya respectively. In both cities, NOVA processed/ultra-processed food and food/beverage classes created by local residents were significantly associated with greater plastic food packaging, with similar predictive performance. Plastic packaging prevalence was also significantly higher in supermarkets. Plastic packaging use was significantly lower in Kisumu, where single-use carrier bags are banned. Thus, given their international availability and national representativeness, household expenditure surveys have potential for monitoring to inform policy by targeting plastic pollution hot-spots. However, survey-based monitoring should incorporate expert knowledge of national context and the retail environment to reflect the realities of packaging use.
Broad-spectrum tolerance to disinfectant-mediated bacterial killing due to mutation of the PheS aminoacyl tRNA synthetase
Disinfectants are essential tools for controlling infectious diseases and maintaining sterile conditions in many medical and food-industry settings. Recent work revealed that a deficiency in the carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) confers pan-tolerance to killing by diverse disinfectant types through its interaction with the cAMP-CRP regulatory network. The present work characterized a pan-tolerance mutant obtained by enrichment using phenol as a lethal probe and an Escherichia coli PTS null mutant as a parental strain. The resulting super-pan-tolerant mutant, which harbored an F158C substitution in PheS, inhibited bacterial killing by multiple disinfectant classes with surprisingly little effect on antimicrobial lethality. The PheS substitution, which was expected to lower substrate recognition efficiency and result in deacylated tRNA phe occupying the ribosomal A site, activated relA expression and synthesis of ppGpp, even in the absence of disinfectant exposure. ppGpp, along with DksA, increased RpoS function by activating promoters of dsrA and iraP , two genes whose products increase the expression and stability of RpoS. Subsequently, RpoS upregulated the expression of genes encoding a universal stress protein (UspB) and an oxidative stress peroxidase (KatE), which preconditioned bacteria to better survive a variety of disinfectants. Disinfectant-mediated accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and bacterial killing were abolished/reduced by exogenous dimethyl sulfoxide and by a PheS F158C substitution up-regulating genes encoding ROS-detoxifying enzymes ( katE, sodA, oxyR, ahpC ). These data identify a pheS mutation-triggered, ppGpp-stimulated transcriptional regulatory cascade that negates biocide-mediated lethality, thereby tying the stringent response to protection from ROS-mediated biocide lethality.
Correlation between baseline anion gap and early acute kidney injury in patients with acute pancreatitis in the intensive care unit: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Objective Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory disease that can lead to multiple system dysfunction, including acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI occurs in 10%-42% of AP patients, and studies have shown that early (48 hours) acute pancreatitis associated acute kidney injury (AP-AKI) can increases the risk of death in acute pancreatitis. Anion gap (AG) is a common index in clinical evaluation of acid-base imbalance and an important index in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between baseline anion gap values and early acute kidney injury in patients with acute pancreatitis in intensive care unit. Methods Our data were derived from inpatients admitted to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in the United States between 2008 and 2019. A total of 4,017 adult patients with acute pancreatitis admitted to the ICU were enrolled in the study, and 475 were enrolled according to the exclusion and inclusion criteria. Only the baseline value and one day after arrival to the intensive care unit (ICU) were considered for all laboratory test values. According to previous literature and clinical significance, AG was divided into two groups: low value (< 16mmol/L) group and high value (≥16mmol/L) group, and logistics univariate and multifactor regression analysis was applied to verify the relationship between anion gap and AKI risk. Results Only 157 of the 475 AP cases had an AG level below 16 mmol/L, whereas 318 patients had an AG level over 16 mmol/L. Within 48 hours, 89 and 240 cases (56.7% and 75.5%) and the low- and high-AG groups had AKI. In AP cases, an elevated AG was related to an increased risk of AKI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03–1.1], and is a nonlinear relationship. When controlling for other factors, this correlation was still significant. Compared to the lower group, high-AG (≥16mmol/L) values can increase the risk of early acute kidney injury in patients with acute pancreatitis (OR = 2.35, CI: 1.57–3.53). Conclusion Anion gap (AG) is an independent risk factor for early acute kidney injury in patients with acute pancreatitis, and has a nonlinear relationship with 48-hour AKI. Higher AG(≥16mmol/L) values can significantly increase the risk of AP-AKI.
Assessment of compressive strength of eco-concrete reinforced using machine learning tools
Association between glycosylated hemoglobin and blood lead: A cross-sectional study
Background Diabetes is the most common chronic metabolic disease, affecting many people's health. Previous studies have shown a close relationship between trace elements and metabolic diseases. This study investigated the interrelationship between glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood lead (BPb) in adults. Method This research was carried out involving 12,049 eligible individuals aged 20 years or above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2011 to 2020. Weighted linear regression models and smoothed curve fitting were employed to investigate the association between HbA1c and blood lead. Analyses were stratified based on age, sex, race, and body mass index, and threshold effects were explored using two-stage segmented linear regression models. Result Among all 12049 participants, through comprehensive adjustment of the model, this study discovered a negative association between HbA1c and blood lead. In addition, when stratified by sex, age, race, and BMI status in subgroup analysis in this study, this correlation still had specific statistical significance. In performing subgroup analyses, we found that the relationship between HbA1c and blood lead may yield distinct outcomes arise from gender disparities. In women, a significant U-shaped association exists between HbA1c and BPb. At approximately 6.6% of HbA1c value, the relationship between the two shifts from negative to positive. Conclusion This investigation proposes a “U” form association between HbA1c and BPb in American adults.
Oxygen and hydrobiological profiles of homemade manure-based tea in North Africa
Abstract Homemade manure tea (HMT) is commonly used in North Africa to enhance crop yields. Yet their physicochemical and biological characteristics remain poorly understood. This study evaluated oxygen and hydrobiological profiles of three types of HMT (bovine, ovine and poultry based, respectively noted HMTb, HMTo, HMTp) and compared them to control solutions of water and water supplemented with soluble NPK fertilizer. For these three types of HMT, oxygen and hydrobiological profiles were measured daily over a 7-day incubation period in three repeated, identical experiments, each comprising randomized treatments and five repetitions per treatment. Our results show that all HMT types rapidly transitioned to hypoxic conditions in the first 24h, shifting to anoxia between day 2 and day 7 depending on HMT type. This anoxic environment promoted denitrification and led to elevated NH4 + concentrations, suggesting the presence of anammox and microaerobic processes. Particulate organic matter contents and bacterial densities were highest in HMTp, while ciliate densities were highest in HMTb. These findings underscore the bioactive potential of HMT as fertilizers, with HMTp showing a favorable nitrogen profile beneficial for agricultural applications. To maintain aerobic conditions longer and reduce nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions, we recommend passive or mechanical aeration, applying HMT during cooler hours, and stabilizing the pH of HMT. This study offers valuable insights to refine HMT preparation protocols, enhancing their use as bioactive fertilizers.
Network study of miRNA regulating traumatic heterotopic ossification
Objective Objective: To identify and analyze the microRNAs that are expressed differently (DE-miRNAs) and forecast their potential roles in the pathophysiological process of traumatic heterotopic ossification (THO). Methods We conducted RNA sequencing on six samples of normal bone and THO tissues from the patients and conducted differential expression analysis of miRNA. The biological activities of the target genes of the differentially expressed microRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were investigated using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The miRNA-mRNA network was constructed using Cytoscape software, incorporating miRNAs with varying expression levels and their corresponding target genes. Results In comparison to the normal control group, a total of 84 differentially expressed microRNAs (p<0.05, |log2FC|>1) were identified, with 27 microRNAs showing up-regulation and 57 microRNAs showing down-regulation. The functional enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of the de-mirna were primarily enriched in biological processes such as the regulation of protein stability and the management of neuromuscular process balance. Additionally, a miRNA-mRNA expression regulatory network was established. The RT-qPCR analysis revealed that miR-142-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-421, miR-625-5p, miR-675-5p, and miR-940 exhibited a decrease in expression levels in THO tissues. Nevertheless, the expression levels of miR-181c-3p, miR-320c, miR-497-5p, and miR-99a-5p were increased in THO tissues. Conclusions Our investigation has uncovered the expression patterns and projected the potential activities of differentially expressed microRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in human THO. This research may contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and offer new possibilities for therapeutic targets in THO.
Agromorphological and biochemical characterization of mutagens induced M3 mutant lines of grasspea
WDR75: An essential protein for ribosome assembly undergoing purifying selection
Ribosomes, vital for life, consist of a large subunit and a small subunit (SSU), the latter is crucial for translation initiation and mRNA binding. The SSU processome, a 71-protein multimer in humans, is an intermediate in ribosome formation. One of its constituents, WDR75 plays a pivotal role by binding to an evolutionary conserved motif in the external transcribed spacer region of the rRNA to help form the SSU. Herein, we explore mammalian WDR75 molecular evolution, 3D structure, and phylogeny in light of its essential role in the SSU processome. We predict to find the footprint of purifying selection, especially at sites that are essential for proper ribosome assembly. In our comparison of 70 mammalian WDR75 sequences, we found ~25% of sites with significant purifying selection and no evidence of positive selection. Purifying selection was ~5x stronger for sites folding into beta-sheets than those predicted to be coils. Phylogenetic analysis validated expected mammalian relationships and uncovered an unusually long branch leading to mouse-eared bats, exhibiting 18x more substitutions per site than the average mammalian substitution rate. In testing for molecular evolution among branches, we found no evidence for purifying selection along any individual branches, but unexpectedly detected significant diversifying selection solely among African great apes.
A configurational path study of adolescents’ intention to participate in ice and snow sports based on the TPB and NAM frameworks
The association between different insulin resistance indexes and bone health in the elderly
The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and its related indexes (TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, TyG-WHtR) are effective markers for screening metabolic diseases like insulin resistance (IR). However, few studies have explored the relationship between the TyG and its related indexes with bone density (BMD), osteopenia, and osteoporosis. This is a cross-sectional study that involved 1,303 adults aged 50 years and above from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2010, and 2013–2014. In the multivariable-adjusted model, linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis demonstrated that TyG and its related indexes have a significant positive correlation with BMD and a negative correlation with osteopenia/osteoporosis in the femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total hip region. Trend analysis further confirms these associations (p < 0.05). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed a nonlinear relationship between these indexes with BMD and osteopenia/osteoporosis. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed the robustness of these associations. This study reveals the significant and complex correlation between the TyG and its related indexes with BMD and osteoporosis, indicating the potential link between IR and bone health. The TyG and related indexes offer a new perspective for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis.
Detecting glaucoma worsening using optical coherence tomography derived visual field estimates
Comparative genomic profiling of SLC26A4-expressing cells in the inner ear and other organs
Pendred syndrome and autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss, type 4 (DFNB4), are associated with mutations in SLC26A4 that encodes the anion transporter SLC26A4 (pendrin). SLC26A4 is expressed in mitochondria-rich cells of the endolymphatic sac, spindle and root cells in the cochlear lateral wall, transitional cells in the vestibular organs, follicular cells in the thyroid, and type B intercalated cells in the kidney. This study aimed to assess the gene profiles of murine Slc26a4-expressing cells to better understand the regulatory mechanisms and functions of SLC26A4. Publicly available murine single-cell or single-nucleus RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets from the endolymphatic sac, cochlear lateral wall, utricle, kidney, airway, epididymis, and salivary glands were collected. After quality control, principal component analysis and clustering, distinct cell populations were identified, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed. The datasets were integrated for comparison across multiple tissues and organs. The results revealed no shared genetic profile among inner ear Slc26a4-expressing cells, with Slc26a4 being the only shared DEG, suggesting that regulatory genes may include low expression transcripts, splicing variants, or long non-coding RNAs undetectable by single-cell analysis. Comparative analysis within the ionocyte family identified distinct DEGs such as Insrr and Hmx2 in Slc26a4-expressing cells from the endolymphatic sac and kidneys, potentially significant in ion homeostasis and SLC26A4 regulation. This study highlights the specificity and complexity of SLC26A4 expression and highlights the challenges and limitations of single-cell analysis. Future research should address regulatory elements such as low-expression genes, splicing variants, and non-coding RNAs to enhance our understanding of SLC26A4 regulation across various cellular contexts.
Targeted cancer treatment using a novel EGFR-specific Fc-fusion peptide based on GE11 peptide
Effect of 433 MHz double-slot microwave antennas for double-zone ablation in ex vivo swine liver experiment
Purpose To evaluate the effects of axial length and slot-to-slot distance of double-slot microwave antenna (DSMA) with frequency of 433 MHz on the size and shape of ablation zones created under different input microwave powers. Materials and methods The design of double slot microwave antennas (DSMAs) with axial lengths (70 mm, 30 mm) and slot-to-slot distance (49 mm, 10 mm) were optimized by numerical simulation and ex vivo liver experiments. Finite-element method simulations and forty ablations of swine liver were employed to obtain the temperature distributions within liver tissue using DSMAs at the 433 MHz operating frequency in a range of heating powers (20, 30, 40 and 50W) for 600 s. The dependence of the effectiveness of MWA on the axial length and slot-to-slot distance of antenna as well as the input power was further evaluated by analyzing morphologic characteristics of ablated zone. Results Two-zone ablation was achieved by two types of double-slot antennas in our study with frequency of 433 MHz, and the observed shapes of ex vivo experimental ablation zones were in good agreement with patterns predicted by simulation models. The ablation zone exhibited a ‘gourd’ shape after the treatment using the antenna with longer axial length and slot-to-slot distance, while the short antenna caused a guitar-shape ablation in liver tissue after MWA. Conclusion The dedicated design of our DSMAs with a frequency of 433 MHz could enable new ablation shapes with controllable dimensions, which can be applied to the clinical treatment of MWA for gourd-shaped liver tumors and other long-shaped tumors. Furthermore, research can be conducted on how to design the antenna as flexible and use it for the treatment of pulmonary nodules or varicose veins.
Evolution of pathogenic Escherichia coli harboring the transmissible locus of stress tolerance: from food sources to clinical environments
The layering construction of the three-dimensional (3D) geological model for Wudalianchi volcanic area, Northeast China
Establishment of geological model in volcanic area is challenging owing to lack of borehole data and the effect of volcanic activity on rock distribution. Taking full advantage of the existing complete volcanic landforms and recognized for seven eruptive cycles in Wudalianchi volcanic area, here we apply a layered approach to build geological models for meeting rapid development of agriculture and understanding the evolution of regional geological structure. Based on the volcanic eruption cycle, the stratas in Wudalianchi volcanic area are divided into four layers. UGrid (unstructured grid in GMS) is used combining with DEM data to hierarchically build 3D geological structure model of volcanic area, which realize the visualization of regional stratigraphic distribution, and the reliability of the model is verified by the formation mechanisms of different types springs. The stratified modeling provides a scientific and effective mean for the reconstruction of geological structure in volcanic areas where the data are short and the stratigraphic distribution is complex. The 3D geological structure model established can lay a foundation for the prediction, evaluation and sustainable use of regional groundwater, geothermy, mineral water and mineral mud resources.
The impact of flatfeet on the correlation between functional movement scores, balance, agility, and core muscle strength in young females: a cross-sectional study
A study of high-speed train delays and relevant propagation influence characteristics
Faced with the complex and diversified disturbances of abnormal events in high-speed railway, studying the characteristics of delay scenario parameters and related propagation influence laws plays a fundamental role in analyzing the applicability of operation plans, formulating train operation adjustments, and evaluating the operation decision plans, as well as providing practical data support for the establishment of theoretical models. Based on the mechanical analysis of the primary and knock-on delays, this paper combines the daily safety information data and timetable data, and takes into account the modified primary delays upon speed loss, by taking the high-speed railway network in the Yangtze River Delta region as an example. On this basis, this paper further studies the statistical distribution of primary delay duration, event location distribution, emergent measures distribution, occurrence time and event cause distribution, and other characteristics. Based on this research, the distribution characteristics of the influenced train number and the cumulative delay under kinds of disturbances have been discussed, where the effects of running redundancy, propagation rate, and related parameters on delay propagation have got quantitative analysis. Research shows that the number of abnormal event samples distributed in the sections is 1.53 times that of stations. Based on the Fuzzy C-Means clustering results, abnormal events in the section are more likely to propagate than abnormal events at stations. For trains experiencing primary delay, the relationship between the maximum cumulative train delay and primary delay mostly obey a power-law distribution and the values of R2 are all greater than 0.65, indicating a high correlation at the theoretical level.