Alpha Beta Research Articles

Mycobiome analyses of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a life-threatening complication in patients with severe COVID-19. Previously, acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with COVID-19 has been associated with lung fungal dysbiosis, evidenced by reduced microbial diversity and Candida colonization. Increased fungal burden in the lungs of critically ill COVID-19 patients is linked to prolonged mechanical ventilation and increased mortality. However, specific mycobiome signatures associated with severe COVID-19 in the context of survival and antifungal drug prophylaxis have not yet been determined, and such knowledge could have an important impact on treatment. To understand the composition of the respiratory mycobiome in critically ill COVID-19 patients with and without CAPA and the impact of antifungal use in patient outcome, we performed a multinational study of 39 COVID-19 patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Respiratory mycobiome was profiled using internal transcribed spacer 1 sequencing, and Aspergillus fumigatus burden was further validated using quantitative PCR. Fungal communities were investigated using alpha diversity, beta diversity, taxa predominance, and taxa abundances. Respiratory mycobiomes of COVID-19 patients were dominated by Candida and Aspergillus. There was no significant association with corticosteroid use or CAPA diagnosis and respiratory fungal communities. Increased A. fumigatus burden was associated with mortality and, the use of azoles at ICU admission was linked with an absence of A. fumigatus. Our findings suggest that mold-active antifungal treatment at ICU admission may be linked with reduced A. fumigatus-associated mortality in severe COVID-19. However, further studies are warranted on this topic.IMPORTANCEInvasive fungal infections are a serious complication affecting up to a third of patients with severe COVID-19. Nevertheless, our understanding of the fungal communities in the lungs during critically ill COVID-19 remains limited. Evidence suggests a higher fungal burden is associated with prolonged ventilation and higher mortality, although the particular organisms responsible for this link are unclear. Antifungal prophylaxis may be beneficial for reducing the burden of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 intensive care. However, the composition of the fungal microbiome in severe COVID-19 in relation to prophylactic antifungals, as well as how this is associated with survival outcomes, is yet to be studied. Our study provides insights into the lung fungal microbiome in severe COVID-19 and has found antifungal treatment to be associated with lower Aspergillus fumigatus burden and that higher levels of this pathogen are associated with mortality. Therefore, our study suggests mold-active antifungal prophylaxis may be beneficial in severe COVID-19.

Characterisation and serodiagnostic evaluation of a recombinant 22.6-kDa tegument protein of Schistosoma spindale.

Schistosomosis in animals due to Schistosoma spindale significantly burdens India's livestock economy because of high prevalence and morbidity and is mostly underdiagnosed from the lack of sensitive tools for field-level detection. This study aimed to clone, express the 22.6-kDa tegument protein of S. spindale (rSs22.6kDa) and to utilise it in a dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serodiagnosis. RNA was extracted from adult worms recovered from the mesenteries of slaughtered cattle to amplify the gene encoding the 22.6-kDa protein. In silico analysis revealed the protein's secondary structure, consisting of 190 amino acids forming alpha helices (47.89%), extended strands (17.37%), beta turns (8.95%), and random coils (25.79%), with α helices and β sheets in the tertiary structure. Two conserved domains were noted: an EF-hand domain at the N-terminus and a dynein light-chain domain at the C-terminus. Phylogenetic studies positioned the S. spindale sequence as a sister clade to Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis. The gene was cloned into a pJET vector and transformed into Escherichia coli Top 10 cells, with expression achieved using a pET28b vector, BL21 E. coli cells, and induction with 0.6 mM isopropyl-β-d-thiogalactopyranoside. The protein's soluble fraction was purified using nickel-chelating affinity chromatography, confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting, identifying a distinct immunodominant 22.6-kDa protein. The diagnostic utility was validated using a dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which demonstrated a of sensitivity of 89.47% and specificity of 100%. The study records for the first time the prokaryotic expression and evaluation of the 22.6-kDa tegumental protein of S. spindale, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic antigen for seroprevalence studies in bovine intestinal schistosomosis.

Deriving the N2–CO Binary Phase Diagram Using Experimental Techniques and Thermodynamics

In the distant outer solar system, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen (N2) ices tend to be colocated in the same deposits due to their similar molecular weights and sublimation properties. For instance, these volatiles are abundant on the surfaces of Pluto and Triton, so knowledge of their phase behavior is necessary for understanding surface evolution and geology. However, it is presently unclear how mixing between CO and N2 molecules affects the physical properties of such mixtures. Here, we measured the liquidus, solidus, and alpha–beta phase transitions for the N2 and CO binary system. We observed the liquidus by using visual inspection. The solidus and alpha–beta transitions were measured by using Raman spectroscopy. The laboratory results were later compared to a thermodynamic model, CRYOCHEM 2.0. The liquidus and solidus were consistent with CRYOCHEM 2.0. However, the alpha–beta coexistence region is shown to be narrower in the laboratory results than in the thermodynamic model. Finally, we present a method for deriving the compositions of a sample using Raman spectroscopy (Appendices A.1 and A.2).

Methodology and Experimental Protocol for Fatigue Analysis in Suggestopedia Teachers

Background: Among all professions, teaching is significantly affected by psycho-social risks with approximately 33.33% of educators reporting work-related fatigue. Suggestopedia, an effective pedagogical approach developed in Bulgaria, claims to induce positive psychological and cognitive benefits in both teachers and students. In order to gather scientific evidence, given the above statement, we designed a methodology to detect fatigue in Suggestopedia teachers based on neurocognitive analysis and psychological assessment. Methods: An increase in the EEG theta and alpha band powers is considered among the most reliable markers of fatigue. The proposed methodology introduces a robust framework for fatigue analysis. Initially, the changes in EEG band powers using the resting state EEG activity before and after teaching are measured. Subsequently, validated psychological questionnaires are used to gain subjective feedback on fatigue. The study participants include a control group (traditional teachers) and the test group (suggestopedia teachers) to assess whether suggestopedia practice mitigates fatigue among teachers. Observations: In a pilot study, the EEG data was analyzed by evaluating the interrelations between EEG bands and the alpha–beta ratio. The results of the proposed study are expected to provide comprehensive analysis for the fatigue levels of teachers. In future research, our goal is to position the described methodology as a robust approach for evaluating cognitive and emotional states.

Unique genital microbiota in male lichen sclerosus urethral stricture associated with urine exposure

BackgroundLichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory cicatricial skin disease that can lead to urethral stricture or even malignant transformation and the etiology is still unknown. This study comparatively analyzed the balanopreputial swab and urine microbiota simultaneously between male patients with LS urethral stricture (LSUS) and non-LS urethral stricture (non-LSUS).MethodsWe prospectively included 31 male patients with LSUS and 30 with non-LSUS in this case–control study. Midstream urine samples and balanopreputial swabs were collected from each patient for the 16S V3-V4 hypervariable region sequencing. Operational taxonomic units were defined using a > 97% sequence similarity threshold. We compared the differences in alpha diversity, beta diversity, and microbial structure between the two groups.ResultsWhether in swab or urine samples, there was no significant difference in alpha diversity between the two groups. Swab samples showed a significant difference in beta diversity (p = 0.001). For all individuals, composition analyses showed that the most abundant phyla were Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes in both samples. Additionally, the microbial communities of swab samples were significantly more similar to the communities of urine samples in the LSUS group (p = 0.047).ConclusionsMicrobiota showed significant variation between LSUS and non-LSUS groups, suggesting that microecological imbalance may be closely related to the occurrence of LS. Urinary irritation may be related to the unique microbiota on the genital skin of patients with LSUS.

Copper and chromium binding by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PA01 for implications of heavy metal detoxification and soil remediation: A computational approach

Heavy metal pollution poses significant environmental and health risks due to the toxic effects of metals like copper and chromium at elevated concentrations. Despite their essential roles in trace amounts, these metals can be highly toxic. Bacteria such asPseudomonas aeruginosaare promising candidates for bioremediation due to their robustness and adaptability.The objective of this study was to analyze and identify potential copper and chromium binding genes involved in metal detoxification inPseudomonas aeruginosaPA01. The heavy metal binding protein identified as ferredoxin using MALDI-TOF/PMF-MS analysis was further characterized. The structure of the ferredoxin protein was elucidated using the SWISS-MODEL tool. Metal-binding domains were validated through a pattern search against UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot and UniProtKB/TrEMBL databases using the ScanProsite tool. Comparative sequence alignments were conducted between the copper-binding NosD gene ofP. aeruginosa, the ferredoxin gene ofP. aeruginosaPA01, and the chromium-binding iron hydrogenase 1 gene ofClostridium chromiireducens. The SWISS-MODEL analysis revealed alpha helices and beta sheets with key metal-coordinating amino acids (cysteine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, histidine, and methionine). The ScanProsite tool confirmed the presence of a 4Fe-4S ferredoxin-type iron-sulphur binding domain essential for coordinating chromium and copper ions. Sequence alignments showed a 64.29 % similarity between the NosD gene and ferredoxin gene, and a 67 % identity between the iron hydrogenase 1 gene and ferredoxin gene, with correlations in amino acid residues involved in metal binding. These findings suggest that the ferredoxin gene could effectively bind heavy metal ions, offering potential applications in bioremediation of metal-polluted soils usingPseudomonasspecies. This study contributes to sustainable agricultural productivity by facilitating the targeted remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils through biological means.

Pregnancy influences on the rumen environment of Angus heifers differing in feed efficiency

With an expected increase in population by 2050, the demand for high-quality protein for human consumption will increase. To improve the sustainability of US cattle production, producers and researchers have historically focused on improving the feed efficiency of steers through improvements in genetics, nutrition, and microbiome management, producing a more marketable beef product. However, without a successful pregnancy, there would be no marketable animal to feed. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of pregnancy on the rumen environment, microbial communities, and the correlation to feed efficiency status in Angus heifers. Utilizing 17 cannulated Angus heifers, feed efficiency status was determined using the GrowSafe 8000 feed intake monitoring system to monitor feed intake for a 70d trial period to calculate residual feed intake. Following the trial, heifers were bred and 40mL rumen fluid and content samples were collected every two weeks during gestation. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from the rumen samples, sequencing libraries were prepared targeting the bacterial V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene, and resultant libraries were sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq. All microbial analyses were conducted in the R environment v2.6.2 where alpha diversity, beta diversity, and differential abundances were determined. Metabolites were identified using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry, and Metabolomic Analysis and Visualization Engine was used to select metabolite peaks. Differential abundance analyses using “ANCOMBC” indicated 10 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), assigned to seven Prevotella and three Succiniclasticum, significantly varied among weeks of gestation (P<0.05). Based on a one-way ANOVA, 90 metabolites were determined significant throughout pregnancy (P<0.05). The 10 metabolites with the highest variable importance of projection scores from a partial least squares discriminant analysis were used to calculate correlations between. Of the 10 ASVs and 10 metabolites, significant correlations with feed efficiency status were found at various time points (P<0.05). The rumen microbiome and its fermentative profile were different at various time points during pregnancy with several correlations to feed efficiency status. Identifying pregnancy-related microbial and metabolite changes may aid producers to anticipate nutritional or management adjustments, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of beef production.

Biothermodynamics of Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cells: Analysis of Structure and Evolution of Hemoglobin and Red Blood Cells, Based on Molecular and Empirical Formulas, Biosynthesis Reactions, and Thermodynamic Properties of Formation and Biosynthesis.

Hemoglobin and red blood cells (erythrocytes) have been studied extensively from the perspective of life and biomedical sciences. However, no analysis of hemoglobin and red blood cells from the perspective of chemical thermodynamics has been reported in the literature. Such an analysis would provide an insight into their structure and turnover from the aspect of biothermodynamics and bioenergetics. In this paper, a biothermodynamic analysis was made of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Molecular formulas, empirical formulas, biosynthesis reactions, and thermodynamic properties of formation and biosynthesis were determined for the alpha chain, beta chain, heme B, hemoglobin and red blood cells. Empirical formulas and thermodynamic properties of hemoglobin were compared to those of other biological macromolecules, which include proteins and nucleic acids. Moreover, the energetic requirements of biosynthesis of hemoglobin and red blood cells were analyzed. Based on this, a discussion was made of the specific structure of red blood cells (i.e. no nuclei nor organelles) and its role as an evolutionary adaptation for more energetically efficient biosynthesis needed for the turnover of red blood cells.

An assessment of radiological risks and chemical toxicity due to naturally occurring radionuclides in surface waters of a semiarid region in Brazil

Santa Quitéria, a city in northeastern Brazil, faces significant challenges in ensuring the availability of potable water due to its semi-arid climate and limited water resources. This study investigates the radiological quality of surface waters commonly used by the population for drinking and by animals for hydration. Water samples were collected from six different locations over a 25-month period, and the concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides were measured using spectrophotometric analysis, total alpha, and gross beta counting. The mean activity concentrations of Unat, 226Ra, 210Pb, 232Th, and 228Ra were determined to be 9.89∙10−2, 5.35∙10−2, 5.86∙10−2, 6.89∙10−3, and 2.81∙10−3 Bq∙L−1, respectively. Statistical methods, such as cluster and factor analysis, were applied to understand the distribution patterns of these radionuclides. The study also estimated dose rates from radionuclide intake, with a maximum value of 108.5 µSv·y−1, and compared the results against dose limits set by relevant organizations. Furthermore, the risks of morbidity and mortality from radionuclide intake were assessed, revealing the need for optimization at one sampling point where the health risks exceeded intervention thresholds.

Research on gut microbiota characteristics of PBC patients at different ALBI grades based on machine learning.

The Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) score and grade are widely used to stratify patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) into different disease statuses and risk levels. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted the role of gut microbiota in autoimmune liver diseases. This study aimed to investigate the differences in gut microbiota among PBC patients with varying ALBI grades. Clinical data and stool samples were collected from outpatient and inpatient PBC patients between 2019 and 2022. Gut microbiota profiles were obtained using 16S rDNA sequencing of stool samples. We analyzed alpha diversity, beta diversity, LEfSe analysis and pathway function prediction. Additionally, various machine learning methods-including random forest (RF), lasso, gradient boosting machine (GBM) and support vector machine (SVM)-were employed to identify key features and to build and validate predictive models using bootstrap techniques. Clinical characteristics of ALBI grade 1 patients were comparatively better than those of ALBI grade 2 and 3 patients, including multiple laboratory indices. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that species richness and balance were higher in ALBI grade 1 patients. Both the comparison of the most abundant genera and the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) in LEfSe demonstrated that Lachnospira had a higher abundance and better discriminative ability in ALBI grade 1. Pathway function prediction indicated that sulfur metabolism was upregulated in higher ALBI grades. Furthermore, RF identified 10 specific genera, which were then used to build and validate models for discriminating PBC patients according to their ALBI grades. All three models, developed using different machine learning methods, demonstrated good discrimination ability (mean AUC 0.75-0.80). This study highlights significant differences in gut microbiota profiles among PBC patients with different ALBI grades. The increased abundance of Lachnospira and upregulation of sulfur metabolism pathways are notable in patients with lower ALBI grades. The machine learning models developed based on gut microbiota features offer promising tools for discriminating between PBC patients with varying disease severities, which could enhance the precision of treatment strategies.

Epicatechin suppresses the expression of C-C motif chemokine ligand 19 and ameliorates periodontitis

Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease requiring the development of drug-based therapies. Epicatechin is a major polyphenol in cocoa extract and possesses numerous pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the suppressive effect of epicatechin on C-C motif chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19)-mediated periodontitis using a mouse model. CCL19 expression was high in mouse gingiva with ligature-induced periodontitis. CCL19 expression was increased by lipopolysaccharide stimulation in murine gingival fibroblasts ESK-1 cells, and CCL19 induced the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-1 beta in mouse macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells. Importantly, lipopolysaccharide-enhanced CCL19 expression in ESK-1 cells was significantly suppressed by pretreatment with epicatechin. In addition, epicatechin administration significantly reduced alveolar bone resorption, and expression of Ccl19 and proinflammatory cytokines in the inflamed gingiva in high-fat diet-fed mice. These results demonstrate that epicatechin protects against periodontitis by reducing CCL19 levels, which may be a promising countermeasure for periodontitis in clinical practice.

Intraoperative Molecular Imaging With Pafolacianine: Histologic Characteristics of Identified Nodules

BackgroundWith increased early detection efforts, surgery for early-stage lung cancer is expected to rise. Pafolacianine is the first FDA approved targeted optical imaging agent indicated as an adjunct for intraoperative identification of malignant and nonmalignant pulmonary lesions in adult patients with known or suspected cancer in the lung. MethodsThis is a retrospective review of the malignant and nonmalignant lesions identified by pafolacianine with intraoperative molecular imaging (IMI) in the multi-center Phase 2 and Phase 3 ELUCIDATE clinical trials. All lesions meeting the intent to treat criteria from the combined studies were included. Histopathology for malignant and nonmalignant lesions and immunohistochemistry (ICH) for folate receptor alpha (FRα) and folate receptor beta (FRβ), which pafolacianine binds to, were assessed. ResultsA total of 273 lesions resected from 191 patients were analyzed. The identification of primary and occult malignant lesions with pafolacianine in combination with standard practice was improved (P < .001) when compared to standard practice alone. A range of histologies were demonstrated including adenocarcinoma (primary and metastatic), squamous cell carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, chordoma, lymphoma, and papillary thyroid cancer. 92% (205 of 223) of lesions tested for folate expression were positive for FRα or FRβ expression. ConclusionsWhile initially intended to identify adenocarcinoma, IMI with pafolacianine targets a broad histological cross-section of malignant and nonmalignant primary and metastatic of lung. As real-world use expands, additional insight will continue to inform utility of pafolacianine in clinical practice and may broaden clinical applicability.

Comment on The Alpha Beta Gamma of the Labor Market

Comment on The Alpha Beta Gamma of the Labor Market

Preliminary study on the potential impact of probiotic combination therapy on Helicobacter pylori infection in children using 16S gene sequencing and untargeted metabolomics approach.

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential mechanism of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication by probiotic therapy through 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology and untargeted metabolomics. Twenty four Hp-infected children were recruited from the Shanxi Bethune Hospital, and 24 healthy children were recruited as a blank control group. Group A: fecal samples from 24 healthy children. Group B: fecal samples of 24 children with Hp infection. Group B1 (n = 15): fecal samples of group B treated with probiotic therapy for 2 weeks. Group B2 (n = 19): fecal samples of group B treated with probiotic therapy for 4 weeks. The above fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology and untargeted metabolomics. There was no significant difference in alpha diversity and beta diversity among the four groups, but many bacteria with statistical difference were found in each group at the bacterial genus level and phylum level. LEfSe results showed that in group B, Porphyromonadaceae, Shigella and other microorganisms related to intestinal microecological dysbiosis were enriched. And in group B2, abundant characteristic microorganisms were found, namely Bacillales and Prevotella. KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that groups B1 and B2 were involved in 10 metabolic pathways potentially related to probiotic treatment: purine metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartic acid and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, fatty acid extension, fatty acid degradation, pyrimidine metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis. Probiotic therapy can inhibit Hp to some extent and can relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, making it a preferred therapy for children with Hp infection and functional abdominal pain. Hp infection can reduce the diversity of intestinal microbes, resulting in the disturbance of intestinal microbiota and changes in the relative abundance of microbiota in children, while probiotic therapy can restore the diversity of intestinal microbes and intestinal microecological balance.

Quantifying neurovascular coupling through a concurrent assessment of arterial, capillary, and neuronal activation in humans: A multimodal EEG-fNIRS-TCD investigation

BackgroundThis study explored a novel multimodal neuroimaging approach to assess neurovascular coupling (NVC) in humans using electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD). MethodsFifteen participants (nine females; age 19–32) completed concurrent EEG-fNIRS-TCD imaging during motor (finger tapping) and visual (“Where's Waldo?”) tasks, with synchronized monitoring of blood pressure, capnography, and heart rate. fNIRS assessed microvascular oxygenation within the frontal, motor, parietal, and occipital cortices, while the middle and posterior cerebral arteries (MCA/PCA) were insonated using TCD. A 16-channel EEG set-up was placed according to the 10–20 system. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare physiological responses between the active and resting phases of the tasks, while cross-correlations with zero legs compared cerebral and systemic hemodynamic responses across both tasks. ResultsTime-frequency analysis demonstrated a reduction in alpha and low beta band power in electrodes C3/C4 during finger tapping (p<0.045) and all electrodes during the Waldo task (all p<0.001). During Waldo, cross-correlation analysis demonstrated the change in oxygenated hemoglobin and cerebral blood velocity had a moderate-to-strong negative correlation with systemic physiological influences, highlighting the measured change resulted from neuronal input. Deoxygenated hemoglobin displayed the greatest negative cross-correlation with the MCA/PCA within the motor cortices and visual during the motor and visual tasks, respectively (range:0.54, -0.82). ConclusionsThis investigation demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed EEG-fNIRS-TCD response to comprehensively assess the NVC response within human, specifically quantifying the real-time temporal synchrony between neuronal activation (EEG), microvascular oxygenation changes (fNIRS), and conduit artery velocity alterations (TCD).

Gut Microbiota and Parkinson’s disease - a prospective analysis of the FINRISK 2002 Study

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative movement disorder with mainly unknown etiology. Constipation is a common symptom, and changes in gut microbiota may play role in PD pathogenesis. Previous studies exploring microbial associations to PD have been mostly cross-sectional, and the role of microorganisms in PD etiology remains unclear. Thus, we examined the association between microbiota features and incident PD in a prospective cohort design. Methods In the FINRISK 2002 Study, 7231 participants gave a stool sample that underwent shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Participants with missing stool sample, incomplete covariate data, pregnancy, antibiotic use, and prevalent cases were excluded (final n = 5562). Cox regression models, adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking, coffee consumption, diabetes, cardiovascular events, and constipation, were used to assess associations between incident PD and microbiota features, ie. alpha diversity (the number of different species present in a sample), beta diversity (the differences in microbial composition between individuals), and abundance of 381 core taxa (compositional detection rate of at least 0.1% and a prevalence of 1%). 120 incident cases of PD, identified through register linkage, occurred during a median follow-up of 17.8 years. Results In the multivariate models, PD incidence was not associated with the Shannon index, a measure on alpha diversity, (p-value 0.81), or with the ten first principal component axes in beta diversity analysis (p-values ranging between 0.49-0.91). In permutational analysis, PD did not explain differences in the composition of the gut microbiota (R2 &amp;lt;0.001, p-value 0.46)). None of the core species were associated with PD incidence (all FDR-corrected p-values &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusions This prospective study showed no support for an association between gut microbiota features and incident PD. Key messages • Previous findings associating gut microbiota with PD may be due to the cross-sectional design, ie. PD affecting the gut microbiota. • Suggestions to screen gut bacteria to identify people at high risk of Parkinson’s disease are vastly premature as the scientific evidence is inconclusive.

Designing novel multiepitope mRNA vaccine targeting Hendra virus (HeV): An integrative approach utilizing immunoinformatics, reverse vaccinology, and molecular dynamics simulation.

Human and animal health is threatened by Hendra virus (HeV), which has few treatments. This in-silico vaccine design study focuses on HeV G (glycoprotein), F (fusion protein), and M (matrix protein). These proteins were computationally assessed for B and T-cell epitopes after considering HeV strain conservation, immunogenicity, and antigenicity. To improve vaccination immunogenicity, these epitopes were selectively ligated into a multiepitope construct. To improve vaccination longevity and immunological response, adjuvants and linkers were ligated. G, F, and M epitopes were used to create an mRNA HeV vaccine. Cytotoxic, helper, and linear B-lymphocytes' epitopes are targeted by this vaccine. The population coverage analysis demonstrates that multi-epitope vaccination covers 91.81 percent of CTL and 98.55 percent of HTL epitopes worldwide. GRAVY evaluated the vaccine's well-characterized physicochemical properties -0.503, indicating solubility and functional stability. Structure analysis showed well-stabilized 2° and 3° structures in the vaccine, with alpha helix, beta sheet, and coil structures (Ramachandran score of 88.5% and Z score of -3.44). There was a strong affinity as shown by docking tests with TLR-4 (central score of -1139.4 KJ/mol) and TLR-2 (center score of -1277.9 KJ/mol). The coupled V-apo, V-TLR2, and V-TLR4 complexes were tested for binding using molecular dynamics simulation where extremely stable complexes were found. The predicted mRNA structures provided significant stability. Codon optimization for Escherichia. coli synthesis allowed the vaccine to attain a GC content of 46.83% and a CAI score of 1.0, which supports its significant expression. Immunological simulations indicated vaccine-induced innate and adaptive immune reactions. Finally, this potential HeV vaccine needs more studies to prove its efficacy and safety.

Evaluation of radioactivity levels and hazard indices of Th-232, Ra-226 and K-40 in sediment and water samples of Lake Victoria, Jinja, Uganda

This study evaluates the levels of natural radioactivity in sediment and water samples from Lake Victoria in Jinja, Uganda, with a focus on the radionuclides potassium-40 (40 K), radium-226 (226Ra), and thorium-232 (232Th). We investigated four distinct zones around the lake: fishing (Zone A), farming (Zone B), domestic/livestock (Zone C), and a control zone (Zone D). A total of 15 sediment samples and 15 water samples were collected and analyzed. Sediment samples were obtained using a gravity corer, with a maximum penetration depth of 50 cm. 40 K ranged from 170.479 to 524.883 Bqkg−1 across all zones, 226Ra ranges from 1.51 to 56.78 Bqkg−1 across all zones, and 232Th ranges from 18.18 to 73.10 Bqkg−1 across all zones. 40 K concentrations were highest in the farming zone, likely due to the use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers. 226Ra and 232Th levels were also elevated in the farming zone, suggesting potential contributions from phosphate fertilizers. Absorbed dose rates varied across the zones, ranging from 28.33 to 58.17 nGyh-1. The measured absorbed dose rates across all zones were within the global average of 59 nGyh−1. The effective annual dose rate ranged from 0.35 to 0.91 mSvy−1 across all zones. Effective annual dose rates did not exceed the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) recommended limit of 1 mSv y−1, indicating low risks to public health from sediment radioactivity. The external index was below the safety threshold, suggesting minimal health risks. In water samples, gross alpha and beta activity concentrations were analyzed. Zone B had the highest average alpha activity concentration (0.64 BqL−1) and beta activity concentration (0.72 BqL−1), while Zone A had the lowest for both alpha (0.16 BqL−1) and beta (0.25 BqL−1) activity concentrations. Gross beta activity was generally higher than gross alpha activity, reflecting potential anthropogenic influences. Most water samples were within the UNSCEAR recommended limits for drinking water quality, except in areas affected by agricultural runoff. This study demonstrates that while the sediments of Lake Victoria in Jinja, Uganda, exhibit varying levels of naturally occurring radionuclides influenced by farming practices, the overall radiation exposure remains within safe limits. Continuous monitoring and regulatory measures are essential to maintain these safety levels and mitigate potential risks from increasing agricultural activities.

Comparative analysis of intestinal flora community composition and diversity of Anas platyrhynchos and Anser fabalis in the Yellow River Delta

Abstract The Yellow River Delta wetland is a habitat for wintering waterfowl, where mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and tundra bean goose (Anser fabalis) are commonly observed. Although the intestinal flora plays a pivotal role in maintaining host health and promoting nutrient absorption, it remains unclear whether the same overwintering habitat and challenging feeding conditions specifically affect the composition and diversity of intestinal flora in both species. Here, high-throughput sequencing was used to compare the intestinal bacterial communities of mallard and tundra bean goose from the same region. There was no significant difference in alpha diversity and beta diversity between the two species. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the two predominant phyla, accounting for more than 50.00% of the total. They enhanced the nutrient absorption and metabolic efficiency during overwintering. Catellicoccus was the most dominant genus in the intestinal flora of tundra bean goose, accounting for 33.91%, whereas Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was the most dominant genus in mallard, accounting for 7.34%. This difference is considered to be related to the feeding habits of these two species. No significant differences in the structure and diversity of intestinal bacterial communities were observed between mallard and tundra bean goose, and the similarity of intestinal flora between them was high. This study deepens our understanding of the intestinal flora of two coexisting species with different dietary preferences in the Yellow River Delta. It also lays the foundation for waterfowl disease prevention in this area, carrying significant scientific and practical implications for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation.

Functional excitation-inhibition ratio for social anxiety analysis and severity assessment.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by an intense fear of and avoidance of social situations. Traditional assessment methods for SAD primarily rely on subjective self-report questionnaires and clinical interviews, which can be prone to biases and inaccuracies. This study aims to explore the functional excitation-inhibition (fEI) ratio derived from EEG data as a potential objective biomarker for assessing SAD severity. Resting-state EEG data were collected from 20 control subjects and 60 individuals with varying degrees of SAD severity (mild, moderate, and severe). The fEI ratio was estimated across different EEG bands and analyzed, focusing on differences between control subjects and SAD groups. Significantly higher fEI ratios were observed in the alpha and low beta EEG bands in individuals with SAD compared to controls, especially within the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the fEI ratio and the severity of social anxiety symptoms across SAD severity levels. The findings indicate that the fEI ratio in the alpha and low beta bands may serve as a promising biomarker for assessing SAD severity. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social anxiety, offering a potentially more objective approach to SAD assessment compared to traditional methods.